ll 



w 



A 



n' 



THE 



t 




HISTOEY 



OF 



Benton County. 



1 o ^^r j^. 



CONTAINING 



A Biographical Directory of its Citizens, War Record of its Vol- 
unteers in the late Rebellion, General and Local Statistics, v 
Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men, His- 
tory of the Northwest, History of Iowa, Map 
of Benton County, Constitution of the 
United States, Miscellaneous 
Matters, &c. 



IliljTJSTiaJ^TEr)- 




CHICAGO: 
WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY, 

1R78. 



^ 






Entered, according to Act ol Congress, in the year 1878, by 

THE WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 




r 



Rc-9H 



PREFACE 



LESS than half a century has rolled into eternity since the resistless tide of 
emigration was permitted to flow across the Mississippi, by the extinguish- 
ment of the Indian title to any portion of the State of Iowa ; and only thirty-five 
years have gone since the Indians were the owners of nearly the whole of Benton 
County. Less than forty years have elapsed since the first log cabin was built 
by white settlers in Benton County ; and only thirty-two years since it became 
an independent county. But those fleeting years have been full of eventful 
changes — of history that it has been the purpose of this work to collect, arrange 
and preserve for transmission to posterity, as one of the almost countless chap- 
ters in the annals of this great country. 

The task has not been an easy one. Some years had passed after the first 
settlements by Wright, Hinkley, Lockhart, Bordwell and others, before 
any written records were made — indeed, before the western and central 
portions of the county were open to settlement ; and the written records made 
during the first five years of the existence of the county have been lost or 
destroyed. This has added very materially to our labor, and the compilers 
have been indebted largely to the recollections of the early settlers, who still 
remain to tell the story of their struggles, toils and privations, for many of the 
incidents recorded in the following pages. Men's memories fail, however, with 
the accumulating burdens of years, and it frequently happens that incidents 
and events that were fresh and vivid in memory ten or fifteen years ago, are 
now so nearly lost that they are recalled with difficulty. Justice to ourselves 
requires us to state, also, that many persons to whom application was made for 
information made no reply. 

In the absence of written records, it has often occurred that dift'erent indi- 
viduals have given honest but nevertheless conflicting versions of the same 
event ; and it has been a task of extreme delicacy to harmonize these diverse 
statements, and arrive at the absolute truth as nearly as it is possible for human 
judgment to do. How thorough and well this task has been performed is for 
the intelligent reader to judge. It is not to be expected that the work is beyond 
criticism, or that, in all its numerous and varied details, it is absolutely correct ; 
but it is hoped and believed that it will be found measurably correct, and, in the 
main, accurate and reliable. Studious care has been constantly exercised in 
the preparation of the text, in the hope of making a standard work of refer- 
ence, as well as a volume of interest to the general reader. 



PREFACE. 

Such as it shall be found to be, however, our work is done, our offering 
completed, and it remains for us to tender a grateful acknowledgment to the 
people of Benton County for the liberal patronage that has enabled us to pre- 
sent them with this volume, and for the courtesy and kindness extended to our 
representatives, to whom was intrusted the work of collecting and arranging 
the historical record herein presented to posterity. 

Particularly do we desire to express our warmest thanks to those citizens 
who have so generously and so freely furnished so much valuable information, 
without whose aid this history of Benton could not have been so complete as it is 
hoped it will be found to be. To James Rice, Esq., Dr. J. C Traer, James 
Wood, Esq., L. D. Bordwell, Esq., J. C. Collister, John W. Filkins, 
J. F. Pyne, Prof. S. A. Knapp, W. H. Ehred, Clerk of Le Roy Township; 
to the county officers, who have so courteously and kindly aided us and placed 
the official records of the county at our disposal ; to the members of the press 
of the county — particularly the Vinton Eagle — who have so generously offered 
us free access to their files ; to the clergymen and official representatives of the 
churches, lodges and societies — this paragraph of grateful appreciation and 
thanks is respectfully dedicated. 

We are also under obligation to the Post Office Department at Washing- 
ton, for courtesies extended to our representatives. 

In conclusion, we must be permitted to express the earnest hope that before 
twoscore more of years have passed, other and abler pens than ours will have 
gathered and recorded the historic events that are to follow the close of this 
offering to the people of Benton, that the history of the county may be pre- 
served unbroken from generation to generation ; and to this end, public records, 
private journals and newspaper files should be carefully preserved. 

Publishers. 

August, 1878. 




CONTENTS. 



HISTORICAL.. 



Page. 

History Northwest Territory 19 

Geographical Position 19 

Early Kxploiations 20 

Discovery of the Ohio 33 

English Explorations and Set- 
tlements 35 

American Settlements GO 

Division of the Northwest Ter- 
ritory 66 

Tecumseh and the War of 1812 70 
Black Hawk and the Black 

Hawk War 74 

Other Indian Troubles 79 

Present Condition of the North- 
west 86 

Chicago 95 

Illinois 240 

Indiana 242 

Iowa.. 243 

Michigan 244 

Wisconsin 245 

Minnesota 247 

Nebraska 248 

History of Iowa: 

Geographical Situation 109 

Topography 109 

Drainage System 110 

Rivers. Ill 

Lakes 118 

Springs 119 

Prairies 120 

Geology 120 

Climatology 137 

Discovery and Occupation 139 

Territory 147 



Page. 

Indians 147 

Pike's Expedition 151 

Indian Wars 152 

Black Hawk War 157 

Indian Purchase, Reserves and 

Treaties 159 

Spanish Grants 103 

History of Iowa : 

Half-Breed Tract 164 

Early Settlements 166 

Territorial History 173 

Boundary Question 177 

State Organization 181 

Growth and Progress 185 

Agricultural College and Farm.186 

State University 187 

State Historical Society 193 

Penitentiaries 194 

Insane Hospitals 195 

College for the Blind 197 

Deaf and Dumb Institution 199 

Soldiera' Orphans' Homes 199 

State Normal School 201 

Asylum for Feeble Minded 

Children 201 

Reform School 262 

Fish Hatching Establishment..2n3 

Public Lands 204 

Public Schools 218 

Political Record 223 

War Record 229 

Number Volunteers 233 

Number Casualties — Officers. ..234 
Number Casualties — Enlisted 

Men 236 



Pagb. 

History ol Iowa : 

Population 238 

Agricultural Statistics 274 

History of Beaton County from its 
early settlement to the pres- 
ent time 307 

War History 384 

Roster 392 

County Officers 406 

Educational 411 

Press 417 

Post Offices 419 

Agricultural Societies 420 

Bledical Society 421 

Patrons of Husbandry 421 

Blind Asylum 423 

Miscellaneous 424 

Real and Personal Property 469 

Tax Levied, 1877 470 

Vote, 1876 471 

Town Histories: 

Vinton 424 

Belle Plaine 443 

Blairstown 453 

Shellsburg 459 /^ 

Luzerne 463 

Florence and Norway 465 

Watkins 466 

Mount Auburn 467 

Benton 467 

Benton City 467 

Irving 468 

Marysville 468 



ILiIiUSTRATIONS. 



Page. 

Mouth of the Mississippi 21 

Source of the Mississippi 21 

AVild Prairie 23, 

La Salle Landing on the Shore of 

Green Bay 25 

Buffalo Hunt 27 

Trapping 29 

Hunting 32 

Iroquois Chief 34 

Pontiac, the Ottawa Chieftain 43 

Indians Attacking Frontiersmen.. 56 
A Prairie Storm 59 i 



Page. 

A Pioneer Dwelling 61 

Breaking Prairie 63 

Tecumseh, the Shawanoe Cliieftain 69 

Indians Attacking a Stockade 72 

Black Hawk, the Sac Chieftain 75 

Big Eagle 8(i 

Captain Jack, the Modoc Chieftain 83 

Kinzie House 85 

A Representative Pioneer 86 i 

Lincoln Monument 87 

A Pioneer School House 88 , 



Page 

Pioneers' First Winter 94 

Great Iron Bridge of C, R. I. Sc P. 
R. R., Crossing the Mississippi at 

Davenport, Iowa 91 

Chicago in 1833 95 

Old Fort Dearborn, 1830 98 

Present Site Lake Street Bridge, 

Chicago, 1833 98 

Ruins of Chicago 104 

View of the City of Chicago 106 

Hunting Prairie Wolves 249 



L,ITHOCiKAI»III€ PORTKAITS. 



Page. I 

Hcrridge, Geo 425-+ Nichols, John D, 

Johnson, E. S.'. 



Page. 
373 



441 1 Tobin, T 407- Watson, Saml. H 339 

.__ I — . _ „ „.., ^Vood, Jas 305 



McMorris, J 227 I Voris, D. E 261 



Page. 
Voris, F. R 27* 



CONTENTS. 



BEIVTOIV' COrXTY VOLiUKTEERS. 



Page. 
Infantry : 

First 392 

Eighth 393 

Twelfth 395 

Thirteenth 395 

Eighteenth 397 



Page. 

Infantry : 

Twenty-eighth 398 

Fortieth 400 

Forty-seventh 401 

Cavalry : 

Fifth, Veteran 401 



Page. 

Cavalry : 

Sixth 401 

Seventh 402 

Ninth 402 

Miscellaneous 402 



BIOORAPHICAL. TOWXSHIP DIRECTORY. 



Page. 

Big Grove 579 

Benton 618 

Bruce 597 

Canton 557 

Cedar 545 

Eden 573 

Eldorado 630 



Page. 

Florence 623 

Fremont 585 

Harrison 538 

Homer 609 



Page. 

LeBoy 521 

Monroe 591 

Polk 604 

St. Clair 635 



Iowa 504 \ Taylor 473 

Jackson .541 i Union 616 

Kane 551 | 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE EAWS. 



Page. 

Adoption of Children 287 

Bills of E.Ychange and Promissory 

Notes 275 

Commercial Terms 289 

Capital Punishment 282 

Charitable, Scientific and Religious 

Associations 300 

Descent 275 

Damages from Trespass 284 

Exemptions from Execution 282 

Estrays 283 

Forms : 

Articles of Agreement 291 

Bills of Sale 292 

Bond for Deed 299 

Bills of Purchase 290 



Page. 
Forms : 

Chattel Mortgage 298 

Confession of Judgment 290 

Lease 296 

Mortgages 294 

Notice to Quit 293 

Notes 290,297 

Orders 290 

Quit Claim Deed 299 

Receipts 290 

Wills and Codicils 293 I 

AVarranty Deed 298 

Fences 284 

Interest 275 

Intoxicating Liquors 301 

Jurisdiction of Courts 281 



Page. 

Jurors 281 

Limitation of Actions 281 

Landlord and Tenant 288 

Married Women 282 

Marks and Brands 284 

Mechanics' Liens. 285 

Koads and Bridges 286 

Survej'ors and Surveys 287 

Suggestions to Persons Purchasing 

Books by Subscription 303 

Support of Poor 287 

Taxes 277 

Wills and Estates 276 

Weights and Measures 289 

Wolf Scalps 2S4 



Page. 

Map of Benton County.' Front. 

Constitution of United States 250 

Vote for President and Vice Pres- 
ident 264 

Practical Rules for Every-Day Use..265 
United States Government Land 
Measure 268 



MISC EiiL. A^NEOIT!!^. 

Page. 

Surveyor's Measure 269 

How to Keep Accounts 269 

Interest Table 270 

Miscellaneous Tai'le 270 

Names of the States of the Union 

and their Significations 271 

Population of the United States 272 



Page 

Population of Fifty Principal Cities 
of the United States 272 

Population and Area of the United 
States 273 

Population of the Principal Coun- 
tries in the World 273 

Population of Benton Couijty 304 




>^ -rvr ^^ ^^ 



The Northwest Territory. 



GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. 

When the Northwestern Territory was ceded to the United States 
by Virginia in 1784, it embraced only the territory lying between the 
Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, and north to the northern limits of the 
United States. It coincided with the area now embraced in the States 
of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and that portion of 
Minnesota lying on the east side of the Mississippi River. The United 
States itself at that period extended no farther west than the Mississippi 
River ; but by the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, the western boundary 
of the United States was extended to the Rocky Mountains and the 
Northern Pacific Ocean. The new territory thus added to the National 
domain, and subsequently opened to settlement, has been called the 
" New Northwest," in contradistinction from the old " Northwestern 
Territory." 

In comparison with the old Northwest this is a territory of vast 
magnitude. It includes an area of 1,887,850 square miles ; being greater 
in extent than the united areas of all the Middle and Southern States, 
including Texas. Out of this magnificent territory have been erected 
eleven sovereign States and eight Territories, wnth an aggregate popula- 
tion, at the present time, of 13,000.000 inhabitants, or nearly one third of 
the entire population of the United States. 

Its lakes are fresh-water seas, and the larger rivers of the continent 
flow for a thousand miles through its rich alluvial valleys and far- 
stretching prairies, more acres of which are arable and productive of the 
highest percentage of the cereals than of any other area of like extent 
on the globe. 

For the last twenty years the increase of population in the North- 
west has been about as three to one in any other portion of the United 
States. 

(19) 



20 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 

In the year 1541, DeSoto first saw the Great West in the New 
World. He, however, penetrated no farther north than the 35th parallel 
of latitude. The expedition resulted in his death and that of more than 
half his army, the remainder of whom found their way to Cuba, thence 
to Spain, in a famished and demoralized condition. DeSoto founded no 
settlements, produced no results, and left no traces, unless it were that 
he awakened the hostility of the red man against the white man, and 
disheartened such as might desire to follow up the career of discovery 
for better purposes. The French nation were eager and ready to seize 
upon any news from this extensive domain, and were the first to profit by 
DeSoto's defeat. Yet it was more than a century before any adventurer 
took advantage of these discoveries. 

In 1616, four years before the pilgrims " moored their bark on the 
wild New England shore," Le Caron, a French Franciscan, had pene- 
trated through the Iroquois and Wyandots (_Hurons) to the streams which 
run into Lake Huron ; and in 1634, two Jesuit missionaries founded the 
first mission among the lake tribes. It was just one hundred years from 
the discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto (1541) until the Canadian 
envoys met the savage nations of the Northwest at the Falls of St. Mary, 
below the outlet of Lake Superior. This visit led to no permanent 
result; yet it was not until 1659 that any of the adventurous fur traders 
attempted to spend a Winter in the frozen wilds about the great lakes, 
nor was it until 1660 that a station was established upon their borders by 
Mesnard, who perished in the woods a few months after. In 1665, Claude 
Allouez built the earliest lasting habitation of the white man among the 
Indians of the Northwest. In 1668, Claude Dablon and James Marquette 
founded the mission of Sault Ste. Marie at the Falls of St. Mary, and two 
years afterward, Nicholas Perrot, as agent for M. Talon, Governor Gen- 
eral of Canada, explored Lake Illinois (Michigan) as far south as the 
present City of Chicago, and invited the Indian nations to meet him at a 
grand council at Sault Ste. Marie the following Spring, where they were 
taken under the protection of the king, and formal possession was taken 
of the Northwest. This same year Marquette established a mission at 
Point St. Ignatius, where was founded the old town of Michillimackinac. 

During M. Talon's explorations and Marquette's residence at St. 
Ignatius, they learned of a great river away to the west, and fancied 
— as all others did then — that upon its fertile banks whole tribes of God's 
children resided, to whom the sound of the Gospel had never come. 
Filled with a wish to go and preach to them, and in compliance with a 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



21 




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22 THE NORTHWEST TERRITO^tY. 

request of M. Talon, who earnestly desired to extend the domain of his 
king, and to ascertain whether the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico 
or the Pacific Ocean, Marquette with Joliet, as commander of the expe- 
dition, prepared for the undertaking. 

On the 13th of May, 1673, the explorers, accompanied by five assist- 
ant French Canadians, set out from Mackinaw on their daring voyage of 
discovery. The Indians, who gathered to witness their departure, were 
astonished at the boldness of the undertaking, and endeavored to dissuade 
them from their purpose by representing the tribes on the Mississippi as 
exceedingly savage and cruel, and the river itself as full of all sorts of 
frightful monsters ready to swallow them and their canoes together. But, 
nothing daunted by these terrific descriptions, Marquette told them he 
was willing not only to encounter all the perils of the unknown region 
they were about to explore, but to lay down his life in a cause in which 
the salvation of souls was involved ; and having prayed together they 
separated. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, the 
adventurers entered Green Bay, and passed thence up the Fox River and 
Lake Winnebago to a village of the Miamis and Kickapoos. Here Mar- 
quette was delighted to find a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the 
town ornamented with white skins, red girdles and bows and arrows, 
which these good people had offered to the Great Manitou, or God, to 
thank him for the pity he had bestowed on them during the Winter in 
giving them an abundant " chase." This was the farthest outpost to 
which Dablon and Allouez had extended their missionary labors the 
year previous. Here Marquette drank mineral waters and was instructed 
in the secret of a root which cures the bite of the venomous rattlesnake. 
He assembled the chiefs and old men of the village, and, pointing to 
Joliet, said : " My friend is an envoy of France, to discover new coun- 
tries, and I am an ambassador from God to enlighten them with the truths 
of the Gospel." Two Miami guides were here furnished to conduct 
them to the Wisconsin River, and they set out from the Indian village on 
the 10th of June, amidst a great crowd of natives who had assembled to 
witness their departure into a region where no white man had ever yet 
ventured. The guides, having conducted them across the portage, 
returned. The explorers launched their canoes upon the Wisconsin, 
which they descended to the Mississippi and proceeded down its unknown 
waters. What emotions must have swelled their breasts as they struck 
out into the broadening current and became conscious that they were 
now upon the bosom of ths Father of Waters. The mystery was about 
to be, lifted from the long-sought river. The scenery in that locality is 
beautiful, and on that delightful seventeenth of June must have been 
clad in all its primeval loveliness as it had been adorned by the hand of 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



23 



Nature. Drifting rapidly, it is said that the bold bluffs on either hand 
" reminded them of the castled shores of their own beautiful rivers of 
France." By-and-by, as they drifted along, great herds of buffalo appeared 
on the banks. On going to the heads of the valley they could see a 
country of the greatest beauty and fertility, apparently destitute of inhab- 
itants yet presenting the appearance of extensive manors, under the fas- 
tidious cultivation of lordly proprietors. 




THE WILD PRAIRIE. 



On June 25, they went ashore and found some fresh traces of men upon 
the sand, and a path which led to the prairie. The men remained in the 
boat, and Marquette and Joliet followed the path till they discovered a 
village on the banks of a river, and two other villages on a hill, within a 
half league of the first, inhabited by Indians. They Avere received most 
hospitably by these natives, who had never before seen a white person. 
After remaining a few days they re-embarked and descended the river to 
about latitude 33°, where they found a village of the Arkansas, and being 
satisfied that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, turned their course 



24 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

up the river, and ascending the stream to the mouth of the Illinois, 
rowed up that stream to its source, and procured guides from that point 
to the lakes. " Nowhere on this journey," says Marquette, •' did we see 
such grounds, meadows, woods, stags, buffaloes, deer, wildcats, bustards, 
swans, ducks, parroquets, and even beavers, as on the Illinois River." 
The party, without loss or injury, reached Green Bay in September, and 
reported their discovery — one of the most important of the age, but of 
which no record was preserved save Marquette's, Joliet losing his by 
the upsetting of his canoe on his way to Quebec. Afterward Marquette 
returned to the Illinois Indians by their request, and ministered to them 
until 1675. On the 18th of May, in that year, as he was passing the 
mouth of a stream — going with his boatmen up Lake Michigan — he asked 
to land at its mouth and celebrate Mass. Leaving his men with the canoe, 
he retired a short distance and began his devotions. As much time 
passed and he did not return, his men went in search of him, and found 
him upon his knees, dead. He had peacefull}^ passed away while at 
prayer. He was buried at this spot. Charlevoix, who visited the place 
fifty years after, found the waters had retreated from the grave, leaving 
the beloved missionary to repose in peace. The river has since been 
called Marquette. 

While Marquette and his companions were pursuing their labors in 
the West, two men, differing widely from him and each other, were pre- 
paring to follow in his footsteps and perfect the discoveries so well begun 
by him. These were Robert de La Salle and Louis Hennepin. 

After La Salle's return from the discovery of the Ohio River (see 
the narrative elsewhere), he established himself again among the French 
trading posts in Canada. Here he mused long upon the j)et project of 
those ages — a short way to China and the East, and was busily planning an 
expedition up the great lakes, and so across the continent to the Pacific, 
when Marquette returned from the Mississippi. At once the vigorous mind 
of LaSalle received from his and hi^ companions' stories the idea that by fol- 
lowing the Great River northward, or by turning up some of the numerous 
western tributaries, the object could easily be gained. He applied to 
Frontenac, Governor General of Canada, and laid before Iiim the plan, 
dim but gigantic. Frontenac entered warmly into his plans, and saw that 
LaSalle's idea to connect the great lakes by a chain of forts with the Gulf 
of Mexico would bind the countrj- so wonderfully together, give un- 
measured power to France, and glory to himself, under whose adminis- 
tration he earnestly hoped all would be realized. 

LaSalle now repaired to France, laid his plans before the King, who 
warmly approved of them, and made him a Chevalier. He also receivad 
from all the noblemen the warmest wishes for his success. The Ghev- 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



25 



alier returned to Canada, and busily entered upon his work. He at 
once rebuilt Fort Frontenac and constructed the first ship to sail on 
these fresh-water seas. On the 7th of August, 1679, having been joined 
by Hennepin, he began his voyage in the Grifiin up Lake Erie. He 
passed over this lake, through the straits beyond, up Lake St. Clair and 
into Huron. In this lake they encountered heavy storms. They were 
some time at Michillimackinac, where LaSalle founded a fort, and passed 
on to Green Bay, the " Baie des Puans " of the French, where he found 
a large quantity of furs collected for him. He loaded the Griffin with 
these, and placing her under the care of a pilot and fourteen sailors, 




LA SALLE LANDING ON THE SHORE OF GREEN BAY. 

started her on her return voyage. The vessel was never afterward heard 
of- He remained about these parts until early in the Winter, when, hear- 
ing nothing from the Griffin, he collected all the men — thirty working 
men and three monks — and started again upon his gi-eat undertaking. 

By a short portage they passed to the Illinois or Kankakee, called by 
the Indians, "Theakcke," tvolf. because of the tribes of Indians called 
by that name, commonly known as the Mahingans, dwelling there. The 
French pronounced it Kiakiki, which became corrupted to Kankakee. 
"Falling down the said river by easy journeys, the better to observe the 
country," about the last of December they reached a village of the Illi- 
nois Indians, containing some five hundred cabins, but at that moment 



26 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

no inhabitants. The Seur de LaSalle being in want of some breadstuffs, 
took advantage of the absence of the Indians to help himself to a suffi- 
ciency of maize, large quantities of which he found concealed in holes 
under the wigwams. This village was situated near the present village 
of Utica in LaSalle County, Illinois. The corn being securely stored, 
the voyagers again betook themselves to the stream, and toward evening, 
on the 4th day of January, 1680, they came into a lake which must have 
been the lake of Peoria. This was called by the Indians Pim-i-te-wi^ that 
is, a place where there are many fat beasts. Here the natives were met 
with in large numbers, but they were gentle and kind, and having spent 
some time with them, LaSalle determined to erect another fort in that 
place, for he had heard rumors that some of the adjoining tribes were 
trying to disturb the good feeling which existed, and some of his men 
were disposed to complain, owing to the hardships and perils of the travel. 
He called this fort " Crevecoeur"' (broken-heart), a name expressive of the 
very natural sorrow and anxiety which the pretty certain loss of his ship, 
Griffin, and his consequent impoverishment, the danger of hostility on the 
part of the Indians, and of mutiny among his own men, might well cause 
him. His fears were not entirely groundless. At one time poison was 
placed in his food, but fortunately was discovered. 

While building this fort, the Winter wore away, the prairies began to 
look green, and LaSalle, despairing of any reinforcements, concluded to 
return to Canada, raise new means and new men, and embark anew in 
the enterprise. For this purpose he made Hennepin the leader of a party 
to explore the head waters of the Mississippi, and he set out on his jour- 
ney. This journey was accomplished with the aid of a few persons, and 
was successfully made, though over an almost u \known route, and in a 
bad season of the year. He safely reached Cana ia, and set out again for 
the object of his search. 

Hennepin and his party left Fort Crevecceur on the last of February, 
1680. When LaSalle reached this place on his return expedition, he 
found the fort entirely deserted, and he was obliged to return again to 
Canada. He embarked the third time, and succeeded. Seven days after 
leaving the fort, Hennepin reached the Mississippi, and paddling up the 
icy stream as best he could, reached no higher than the Wisconsin River 
by the 11th of April. Here he and his followers were taken prisoners by a 
band of Northern Indians, who treated them with great kindness. Hen- 
nepin's comrades were Anthony Auguel and Michael Ako. On this voy- 
age they found several beautiful lakes, and " saw some charming prairies." 
Their captors were the Isaute or Sauteurs, Chippewas, a tribe of the Sioux 
nation, who took them up the river until about the first of May, when 
they reached some falls, which Hennepin christened Falls of St. Anthony 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



27 



in honor of his patron saint. Here they took the land, and traveling 
nearly two hundred miles to the northwest, brousrht them to their villaaes. 
Here they were kept about three months, were treated kindly by their 
captors, and at the end of that time, were met by a band of Frenchmen, 




BUFFALO HUNT. 



headed by one Seur de Luth, who, in pursuit of trade and game, had pene- 
trated thus far by the route of Lake Superior ; and with these fellow- 
countrymen Hennepin and his companions Avere allowed to return to the 
borders of civilized life in November, 1680, just after LaSalle had 
returned to the wilderness on his second trip. Hennepin soon after went 
to France, where he published an account of his adventures. 



28 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

The Mississippi was first discovered by De Soto in April, 1541, in his 
vain endeavor to find gold and precious gems. In the following Spring, 
De Soto, weary with hope long deferred, and worn out with his wander- 
ings, he fell a victim to disease, and on the 21st of May died. His followers, 
reduced by fatigue and disease to less than three hundred men, wandered 
about the country nearly a year, in the vain endeavor to rescue them- 
selves by land, and finally constructed seven small vessels, called brigan- 
tines, in which they embarked, and descending the river, supposing it 
would lead them to the sea, in July they came to the sea (Gulf of 
Mexico), and by September reached the Island of Cuba. 

They were the first to see the great outlet of the Mississippi ; but, 
being so weary and discouraged, made no attempt to claim the country, 
and hardly had an intelligent idea of what they had passed through. 

To La Salle, the intrepid explorer, belongs the honor of giving the 
first account of the mouths of the river. His great desire was to possess 
this entire country for his king, and in January, 1682, he and his band of 
explorers left the shores of Lake Michigan on their third attempt, crossed 
the portage, passed down the Illinois River, and on the 6th of February, 
reached the banks of the Mississippi. 

On the 13th they commenced their downward course, which they 
pursued with but one interruption, until upon the 6th of March they dis- 
covered the three great passages by which the river discharges its waters 
into the gulf. La Salle thus narrates the event : 

" We landed on the bank of the most western channel, about three 
leagues (nine miles) from its mouth. On the seventh, M. de LaSalle 
went to reconnoiter the shores of the neighboring sea, and M. de Tonti 
meanwhile examined the gjreat middle channel. Thev found the main 
outlets beautiful, large and deep. On the 8th we reascended the river, a 
little above its confluence with the sea, to find a dry place beyond t-he 
refvch of inundations. The elevation of the North Pole was here about 
twenty-seven degrees. Here we prepared a column and a cross, and to 
the column were affixed the arms of France with this inscription : 

Louis Le Grand, Roi De France et de Navarre, regne ; Le neuvieme Avril, 16S2. 

The whole party, under arms, chanted the Te I>eum, and then, after 
a salute and cries of " Vive le Roi," the column was erected by M. de 
La Salle, who, standing near it, proclaimed in a loud voice the authority of 
the King of France. LaSalle returned and laid the foundations of the Mis- 
sissippi settlements in Illinois, thence he proceeded to France, where 
another expedition was fitted out, of which he was commander, and in two 
succeeding voyages failed to find the outlet of the river by sailing along 
the shore of the gulf. On his third voyage he was killed, through the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY, 



29 



treachery of his followers, and the object of his expeditions was not 
accomplished until 1G99, when D" Iberville, under the authority of the 
crown, discovered, on tlie second of March, by way of the sea, the mouth 
of the " Hidden River." This majestic stream was called by the natives 
*^ Malbouchia,^' and by the Spaniards, ^'la Palissade,"' from the great 




W<'^ 



:t^ 






y§- 



S^,^ 



TRAPPING. 

number of trees about its mouth. After traversing the several outlets, 
and satisfying himself as to its certainty, he erected a fort near its western 
outlet, and returned to France. 

An avenue of trade ^vas now opened out which was fully improved. 
In 1718, New Orleans Avas laid out and settled by some European colo- 
nists. In 1762, the colony was made over to Spain, to be regained by 
France under the consulate of Napoleon. In 1803, it was purchased by 



30 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

the United States for the sum of fifteen million dollars, and the territory 
of Louisiana and commerce of the Mississippi River came under the 
charge of the United States. Although LaSalle's labors ended in defeat 
and death, he had not worked and suffered in vain. He had thrown 
open to France and the world an immense and most valuable country ; 
had established several ports, and laid the foundations of more than one 
settlement there. " Peoria, Kaskaskia and Cahokia, are to this day monu- 
ments of LaSalle's labors ; for, though he had founded neither of them 
(unless Peoria, which was built nearly upon the site of Fort Crevecceur,) 
it was by those whom he led into the West that these places were 
peopled and civilized. He was, if not the discoverer, the first settler of 
the Mississippi Valley, and as such deserves to be known and honored." 

The French early improved the opening made for them. Before the 
year 1698, the Rev. Father Gravier began a mission among the Illinois, 
and founded Kaskaskia. For some time this was merely a missionary 
station, where none but natives resided, it being one of three such vil- 
lages, the other two being Cahokia and Peoria. What is known of 
these missions is learned from a letter writteu b\^ Father Gabriel Marest, 
dated " Aux Cascaskias, autrement dit de Tlmmaculate Conception de 
la Sainte Vierge, le 9 Novembre, 1712." Soon after the founding of 
Kaskaskia, the missionary, Pinet, gathered a flock at Cahokia, while 
Peoria arose near the ruins of Fort Crevecceur. This must have been 
about the year 1700. The post at Vincennes on the Oubache river, 
(pronounced Wa-ba, meaning summer cloud moving swiftly') was estab- 
lished in 1702, according to the best authorities.* It is altogether prob- 
able that on LaSalle's last trip he established the stations at Kaskaskia 
and Cahokia. In July, 1701, the foundations of Fort Ponchartraiii 
were laid by De la Motte Cadillac on the Detroit River. These sta- 
tions, with those established further north, were the earliest attempts to 
occupy the Northwest Territory. At the same time efforts were being 
made to occupy the Southwest, which finally culminated in the settle- 
ment and founding of the City of New Orleans by a colony from England 
In 1718. This was mainly accomplished through the efforts of the 
famous Mississippi Company, established by the notorious John Law, 
who so quickly arose into prominence in France, and who with his 
scheme so quickly and so ignominiously passed away. 

From the time of the founding of these stations for fifty years the 
French nation were engrossed with the settlement of the lower Missis- 
sippi, and the war with the Chicasaws, who had, in revenge for repeated 

* There is considerable dispute about this date, some asserting it was founded as late as 1742. When 
the new court house at Vincennes was erected, all authorities on the subject were carefully examined, and 
. id-i fixed upon as the correct date. It was accordingly engraved on the corner-stone of the court hou:<e. 



THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 31 

injuries, cut off the entire colony at Natchez. Although the company 
did little for Louisiana, as the entire West was then called, yet it opened 
the trade through the Mississippi River, and started the raising of grains 
indigenous to that climate. Until the year 1750, but little is known of 
the settlements in the Northwest, as it was not until tliis time that the 
attention of the English was called to the occupation of this portion of the 
New World, which they then supposed they owned. Vivier, a missionary 
among the Illinois, writing from " Aux Illinois," six leagues from Fort 
Chartres, June 8, 1750, says: "We have here whites, negroes and 
Indians, to say nothing of cross-breeds. There are five French villages, 
and three villages of the natives, within a space of twenty-one leagues 
situated between the Mississippi and another river called the Karkadaid 
(Kaskaskias). In the five French villages are, perhaps, eleven hundred 
whites, three hundred blacks and some sixty red slaves or savages. The 
three Illinois towns do not contain more than eight hundred souls all 
told. Most of the French till the soil; they raise wheat, cattle, pigs and 
horses, and live like princes. Three times as much is produced as can 
be consumed ; and great quantities of grain and flour are sent to New 
Orleans."' This city was now the seaport town of the Northwest, and 
save in the extreme northern part, where only furs and copper ore were 
found, almost all the products of the country found their way to France 
by the mouth of the Father of Waters. In another letter, dated Novem- 
ber 7, 1750, this same priest says : " For fifteen leagues above the 
mouth of the Mississippi one sees no dwellings, the ground being too low 
to be habitable. Thence to New Orleans, the lands are only partially 
occupied. New Orleans contains black, white and red, not more, I 
think, than twelve hundred persons. To this point come all lumber, 
bricks, salt-beef, tallow, tar, skins and bear's grease ; and above all, pork 
and flour from the Illinois. These things create some commerce, as forty 
vessels and more have come hither this year. Above New Orleans, 
plantations are again met with ; the most considerable is a colony of 
Germans, some ten leagues up the river. At Point Coupee, thirty -five 
leagues above the German settlement, is a fort. Along here, within five 
or six leagues, are not less than sixty habitations. Fifty leagues farther 
up is the Natchez post, where we have a garrison, who are kept prisoners 
through fear of the Chickasaws. Here and at Point Coupee, they raise 
excellent tobacco. Another hundred leagues brings us to the Arkansas, 
where we have also a fort and a garrison for the benefit of the river 
traders. * * * From the Arkansas to the Illinois, nearly five hundred 
leagues, there is not a settlement. There should be, however, a fort at 
the Oubache (Ohio), the only path by which the English can reach the 
Mississippi. In the Illinois country are numberless mines, but no one to 



32 



THE NORTHWEST TEK.KITOEY. 



work them as they deserve." Father Marest, writing from the post at 
Vinceniies in 181 2, makes the same observation. Vivier also says : " Some 
individuals dig lead near the surface and supply the Indians and Canada. 
Two Spaniards now here, who claim to be adepts, say that our mines are 
like those of Mexico, and that if we would dig deeper, we should find 
silver under the lead ; and at any rate the lead is excellent. There is also 
in this country, beyond doubt, copper ore, as from time to time large 
pieces are found in the streams." 



'%^- 
''^ 







HUNTING- 



At the close of the year 1750, the French occupied, in addition to the 
lower Mississippi posts and those in Illinois, one at Du Quesne, one at 
the Maumee in the country of the Miamis, and one at Sandusky in what 
may be termed the Ohio Valley. In the northern part of the Northwest 
they had stations at St. Joseph's on the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan, 
at Fort Ponchartrain (Detroit), at Michillimackanac or Massillimacanac, 
Fox River of Green Bay, and at Sault Ste. Marie. The fondest dreams of 
LaSalle were now fully realized. The French alone were possessors of 
this vast realm, basing their claim on discovery and settlement. Another 
nation, however, was now turning its attention to this extensive country, 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 33 

and hearing of its wealth, began to lay plans for occupying it and for 
securing the great profits arising therefrom. 

The French, however, had another claim to this country, namely, the 



DISCOVERY OF THE OHIO. 

This " Beautiful " river was discovered by Robert Cavalier de La- 
Salle in 1669, four years before the discovery of the Mississippi by Joliet 
and Marquette. 

While LaSalle was at his trading post on the St. Lawrence, he found 
leisure to study nine Indian dialects, the chief of which was the Iroquois. 
He not only desired to facilitate his intercourse in trade, but he longed 
to travel and explore the unknown regions of the West. An incident 
soon occurred which decided him to fit out an exploring expedition. 

While conversing with some Senecas, he learned of a river called the 
Ohio, which rose in their country and flowed to the sea, but at such a 
distance that it required eight months to reach its mouth. In this state- 
ment the Mississippi and its tributaries were considered as one stream. 
LaSalle believing, as most of the French at that period did, that the great 
rivers flowing west emptied into the Sea of California, was anxious to 
embark in the enterprise of discovering a route across the continent to 
the commerce of China and Japan. 

He repaired at once to Quebec to obtain the approval of the Gov- 
ernor. His eloquent appeal prevailed. The Governor and the Intendant» 
Talon, issued letters patent authorizing the enterprise, but made no pro- 
vision to defray the expenses. At this juncture the seminary of St. Sul- 
pice decided to send out missionaries in connection with the expedition, 
and LaSalle offering to sell his improvements at LaChine to raise money, 
the offer was accepted by the Superior, and two thousand eight hundred 
dollars were raised, with which LaSalle purchased four canoes and the 
necessary supplies for the outfit. 

On the 6th of July, 1669, the party, numbering twenty-four persons, 
embarked in seven canoes on the St. Lawrence ; two additional canoes 
carried the Indian guides. In three days they were gliding over the 
bosom of Lake Ontario. Their guides conducted them directly to the 
Seneca village on the bank of the Genesee, in the vicinity of the present 
City of Rochester, New York. Here they expected to procure guides to 
conduct them to the Ohio, but in this they w'ere disappointed. 

The Indians seemed unfriendly to the enterprise. LaSalle suspected 
that the Jesuits had prejudiced their minds against his plans. After 
waiting a month in the hope of gaining their object, they met an Indian 



34 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



from the Iroquois colony at the head of Lake Ontario, who assured them 
that they could there find guides, and offered to conduct them thence. 

On their way they passed the mouth of the Niagara River, when they 
heard for the first time the distant thunder of the cataract. Arriving 




LROtiUOlS YlUlKi)'. 

among the Iroquois, they met with a friendly reception, and learned 
from a Shawanee prisoner that they could reach the Ohio in six weeks. 
Delighted with the unexpected good fortune, they made ready to resume 
their journey ; but just as they were about to sta,rt they heard of the 
arrival of two Frenchmen in a neighboring village. One of them proved 
to bs Louis Joliet, afterwards famous as an explorer in the West. He 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 35 

had been sent by the Canadian Government to explore the copper mines 
on Lake Superior, but had failed, and was on his way back to Quebec. 
He gave the missionaries a map of the country he had explored in the 
lake region, together with an account of the condition of the Indians in 
that quarter. This induced the priests to determine on leaving the 
expedition and going to Lake Superior. LaSalle warned them that the 
Jesuits were probably occupying that field, and that they would meet 
with a cold reception. Nevertheless they persisted in their purpose, and 
after worship on the lake shore, parted from LaSalle. On arriving at 
Lake Superior, they found, as LaSalle had predicted, the Jesuit Fathers, 
Marquette and Dablon, occupying the field. 

These zealous disciples of Loyola informed them that they wanted 
no assistance from St. Sulpice, nor from those who made him their patron 
saint ; and thus repulsed, they returned to Montreal the following June 
without having made a single discovery or converted a single Indian. 

After parting with the priests, LaSalle went to the chief Iroquois 
village at Onondaga, where he obtained guides, and passing thence to a 
tributary of the Ohio south of Lake Erie, he descended the latter as far 
as the falls at Louisville. Thus was the Ohio discovered by LaSalle, the 
persevering and successful French explorer of the West, in 1669. 

The account of the latter part of his journey is found in an anony- 
mous paper, which purports to have been taken from the lips of LaSalle 
himself during a subsequent visit to Paris. In a letter written to Count 
Frontenac in 1667, shortly after the discovery, he himself says that he 
discovered the Ohio and descended it to the falls. This was regarded as 
an indisputable fact by the French authorities, who claimed the Ohio 
Valley upon another ground. When Washington was sent by the colony 
of Virginia in 1753, to demand of Gordeur de St. Pierre why the French 
had built a fort on the Monongahela, the haughty commandant at Quebec 
replied : " We claim the countr}' on the Ohio by \drtue of the discoveries 
of LaSalle, and will not give it up to the English. Our orders are to 
make prisoners of every Englishman found trading in the Ohio Valley." 



ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

When the new 3-ear of 1750 broke in upon the Father of Waters 
and the Great Northwest, all was still wild save at the French posts 
already described. In 1749, when the English first began to think seri- 
ously about sending men into the West, the greater portion of the States 
of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were yet 
under the dominion of the red men. The English knew, however, pretty 



36 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

conclusively of the nature of the wealth of these wilds. As early as 
1710, Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, had commenced movements to 
secure the country west of the Alleghenies to the English crown. In 
Pennsylvania, Governor Keith and James Logan, secretary of the prov- 
ince, from 1719 to 1731, represented to the powers of England the neces- 
sity of securing the Western lands. Nothing was done, liowever, by that 
power save to take some diplomatic steps to secure the claims of Britain 
to this unexplored wilderness. 

England had from the outset claimed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 
on the ground that the discovery of the seacoast and its possession was a 
discovery and possession of the country, and, as is well known, her grants 
to the colonies extended " from sea to sea." This was not all her claim. 
She had purchased from the Indian tribes large tracts of land. This lat- 
ter was also a strong argument. As early as 1684, Lord Howard, Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, held a treaty with the six nations. These were the 
great Northern Confederacy, and comprised at first the Mohawks, Onei- 
das, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Afterward the Tuscaroras were 
taken into the confederacy, and it became known as the Six Nations. 
They came under the protection of the mother country, and again in 
1701, they repeated the agreement, and in September, 1726, a formal deed 
was drawn up and signed by the chiefs. The validity of this claim has 
often been disputed, but never successfully. In 1744, a purchase was 
made at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of certain lands within the " Colony of 
Virginia," for which the Indians received <£200 in gold and a like sura in 
goods, with a promise that, as settlements increased, more should be paid. 
The Commissioners from Virginia were Colonel Thomas Lee and Colonel 
William Beverly. As settlements extended, the promise of more pay was 
called to mind, and Mr. Conrad Weiser was sent across the mountains with 
presents to appease the savages. Col. Lee, and some Virginians accompa- 
nied him with the intention of sounding the Indians upon their feelings 
regarding the English. They were not satisfied with their treatment, 
and plainly told the Commissioners why. The English did not desire the 
cultivation of the country, but the monopoly of the Indian trade. In 
1748, the Ohio Company was formed, and petitioned the king for a grant 
of land beyond the Alleghenies. This was granted, and the government 
of Virginia was ordered to grant to them a half million acres, two hun- 
dred thousand of which were to be located at once. Upon the 12th of 
June, 1749, 800,000 acres from the line of Canada north and west was 
made to the Loyal Company, and. on the 29th of October, 1751, 100,000 
acres were given to the Greenbriar Company. All this time the French 
were not idle. They saw that, should the British gain a foothold in tlie 
West, especially upon the Ohio, they might not only prevent the French 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 37 

settling upon it, but in time would come to the lower posts and so gain 
possession of the whole country. Upon the 10th of May, 1774, Vaud- 
reuil. Governor of Canada and the F'rench possessions, well knowing the 
consequences that must arise from allowing the English to build trading 
posts in the Northwest, seized some of their frontier posts, and to further 
secure the claim of the French to the West, he, in 1749, sent Louis Cel- 
eron with a party of soldiers to plant along the Ohio River, in the mounds 
and at the mouths of its principal tributaries, plates of lead, on which 
were inscribed the claims of France. These were heard of in 1752, and 
within the memory of residents now living along the '' Oyo," as the 
beautiful river was called by the French. One of these plates was found 
with the inscription partly defaced. It bears date August 16, 1749, and 
a copy of the inscription with particular account of the discovery of the 
plate, was sent by DeWitt Clinton to the American Antiquarian Society, 
among whose journals it may now be found.* These measures did not, 
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations, and 
though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was gathering, and 
it was only a question of time when the storm would burst upon the 
frontier settlements. In 1750, Christopher Gist was sent by the Ohio 
Company to examine its lands. He went to a village of the Twigtwees, 
on the Miami, about one hundred and fifty miles above its mouth. He 
afterward spoke of it as very populous. From there he went down 
the Ohio River nearly to the falls at the present City of Louisville, 
and in November he commenced a survey of the Company's lands. Dur- 
ing the Winter, General Andrew Lewis performed a similar work for the 
Greenbriar Company. Meanwhile the French were bus}^ in preparing 
their forts for defense, and in opening roads, and also sent a small party 
of soldiers to keep the Ohio clear. This party, having heard of the Eng- 
lish post on the Miami River, early in 1652, assisted by the Ottawas and 
Chippewas, attacked it, and, after a severe battle, in which fourteen of 
the natives were killed and others wounded, captured the garrison. 
(They were probably garrisoned in a block house). The traders were 
carried away to Canada, and one account says several were burned. This 
fort or post was called by the English Pickawillany. A memorial of the 
king's ministers refers to it as " Pickawillanes, in the center of the terri- 
tory between the Ohio and the Wabash. The name is probably some 
variation of Pickaway or Picqua in 1773, written by Rev. David Jones 
Pickaweke." 

^ The following is a translation of the inscription on the plate: "In the jear 1749. reign of Louis XV.. 
King of France, we, Celeron, commandant of a detachment by Monsienr the Marquis of Gallisonlere. com- 
mander-in-chief of New France, to establish tranquility in certain Indian villages of these cantons, have 
buried this plate at the confluence of the Toradakoin, this twenty- ninth of July, near the river Ohio, otherwise 
Beautiful River, as a monument of renewal of possession which we have taken of the said river, and all its 
tributaries; inasmuch as the preceding Kings of France have enjoyed it, and maintained it by their arms and 
treaties; especially by those of Ryswlck, Utrecht, and Alx La Chapelle." 



S8 THE NORTHWEST TERRITOEZ, 

This was the first blood shed between the French and English, and 
occurred near the present City of Piqua, Ohio, or at least at a point about 
forty-seven miles north of Dayton. Each nation became now more inter- 
ested in the progress of events in the Northwest. The English deter- 
mined to purchase from the Indians a title to the lands they wished to 
occupy, and Messrs. Fry (afterward Commander-in-chief over Washing- 
ton at the commencement of the French War of 1775-1763), Lomax and 
Patton were sent in the Spring of 1752 to hold a conference with the 
natives at Logstown to learn what they objected to in the treaty of Lan- 
caster already noticed, and to settle all difficulties. On the 9th of June, 
these Commissioners met the red men at Logstown, a little village on the 
north bank of the Ohio, about seventeen miles below the site of Pitts- 
burgh. Here had been a trading point for many years, but it was aban- 
doned by the Indians in 1750. At first the Indians declined to recognize 
the treaty of Lancaster, but, the Commissioners taking aside Montour, 
the interpreter, who was a son of the famous Catherine Montour, and a 
chief among the six nations, induced him to use his influence in their 
favor. This he did, and upon the 13th of June they all united in signing 
a deed, confirming the Lancaster treaty in its full extent, consenting to a 
settlement of the southeast of the Ohio, and guaranteeing that it should 
not be disturbed by them. These were the means used to obtain the first 
treaty with the Indians in the Ohio Valley. 

Meanwhile the powers beyond the sea were trying to out-manoeuvre 
each other, and were professing to be at peace. The English generally 
outwitted the Indians, and failed in many instances to fulfill their con- 
tracts. They thereby gained the ill-will of the red men, and further 
increased the feeling by failing to provide them with arms and ammuni- 
tion. Said an old chief, at Easton, in 1758 : " The Indians on the Ohio 
left you because of your own fault. When we heard the French were 
coming, we asked you for help and arms, but we did not get them. The 
French came, they treated us kindly, and gained our affections. The 
Governor of Virginia settled on our lands for his own benefit, and, when 
we wanted help, forsook us." 

At the beginning of 1653, the English thought they had secured by 
title the lands in the West, but the French had quietly gathered cannon 
and military stores to be in readiness for the expected blow. The Eng- 
lish made other attempts to ratify these existing treaties, but not until 
the Summer could the Indians be gathered together to discuss the plans 
of the French. They had sent messages to the French, warning them 
away ; but they replied that they intended to complete the chain of forts 
already begun, and would not abandon the field. 

Soon after this, no satisfaction being obtained from the Ohio regard- 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. . 39 

ing the positions and purposes of the French, Governor Dinwiddie of 
Virginia determined to send to them another messenger and learn from 
them, if possible, their intentions. For this purpose he selected a young 
man, a surveyor, who, at the early age of nineteen, had received the rank 
of major, and who was thoroughly posted regarding frontier life. This 
personage was no other than the illustrious George Washington, who then 
held considerable interest in Western lands. He was at this time just 
twenty-two years of age. Taking Gist as his guide, the two, accompanied 
by four servitors, set out on their perilous march. They left Will's 
Creek on the 10th of November, 1753, and on the 22d reached the Monon- 
gahela, about ten miles above the fork. From there they Avent to 
Logstown, where Washington had a long conference with the chiefs of 
the Six Nations. From them he learned the condition of the French, and 
also heard of their determination not to come down the river till the fol- 
lowing Spring. The Indians were non-committal, as they were afraid to 
turn either way, and, as far as they could, desired to remain neutral. 
Washington, finding nothing could be done with them, went on to 
Venango, an old Indian town at the mouth of French Creek. Here the 
French had a fort, called Fort Machault. Through the rum and flattery 
of the French, he nearly lost all his Indian followers. Finding nothino- 
of importance here, he pursued his way amid great privations, and on the 
11th of December reached the fort at the head of French Creek. Here 
he delivered Governor Dinwiddle's letter, received his answer, took his 
observations, and on the 16th set out upon his return journey with no one 
but Gist, his guide, and a few Indians who still remained true to him, 
notwithstanding the endeavors of the French to retain them. Their 
homeward journe}'' was one of great peril and suffering from the cold, yet 
they reached home in safety on the 6th of January, 1754. 

From the letter of St. Pierre, commander of the French fort, sent by 
Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, it was learned that the French would 
not give up without a struggle. Active preparations were at once made 
in all the English colonies for the coming conflict, while the French 
finished the fort at Venango and strengthened their lines of fortifications, 
and gathered their forces to be in readiness. 

The Old Dominion was all alive. Virginia was the center of great 
activities ; volunteers were called for, and from all the neighboring 
colonies men rallied to the conflict, and everywhere along the Potomac 
men were enlisting under the Governor's proclamation — which promised 
two hundred thousand acres on the Ohio. Along this river they were 
gathering as far as Will's Creek, and far beyond this point, whither Trent 
had come for assistance for his little band of forty-one men, who were 



40 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

working away in hunger and want, to fortify that point at the fork of 
the Ohio, to which both parties were looking with deep interest. 

" The first birds of Spring filled the air with their song ; the swift 
river rolled by the Allegheny hillsides, swollen by the melting snows of 
Spring and the April showers. The leaves were appearing ; a few Indian 
scouts were seen, but no enemy seemed near at hand ; and all was so quiet, 
that Frazier, an old Indian scout and trader, who had been left by Trent 
in command, ventured to his home at the mouth of Turtle Creek, ten 
miles up the Monongahela. But, though all was so quiet in that wilder- 
ness, keen eyes had seen the low intrenchment rising at the fork, and 
swift feet had borne the news of it up the river ; and upon the morning 
of the 17th of April, Ensign Ward, who then had charge of it, saw 
upon the Allegheny a sight that made his heart sink — sixty batteaux and 
three hundred canoes filled with men, and laden deep with cannon and 
stores. * * * That evening he supped with his captor, Contrecoeur, 
and the next day he was bowed off by the Frenchman, and with his men 
and tools, marched up the Monongahela." 

The French and Indian war had begun. Tiie treaty of Aix la 
Chapelle, iii 1748, had left the boundaries between the French and 
English possessions unsettled, and the events already narrated show the 
French were determined to hold the country watered by the Mississippi 
and its tributaries ; while the English laid claims to the country by virtue 
of the discoveries of the Cabots, and claimed all the country from New- 
foundland to Florida, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The 
first decisive blow had now been struck, and the first attempt of the 
English, through the Ohio Company, to occupy these lands, had resulted 
disastrously to them. The French and Indians immediately completed 
the fortifications begun at the Fork, which they had so easily captured, 
and when completed gave to the fort the name of DuQuesne. Washing- 
ton was at Will's Creek when the news of the capture of the fort arrived. 
He at once departed to recapture it. On his way he entrenched him- 
self at a place called the " Meadows," where he erected a fort called 
by him Fort Necessity. From there he surprised and captured a force of 
French and Indians marching against him, but was soon after attacked 
in his fort by a much superior force, and was obliged to yield on the 
morning of July 4th. He was allowed to return to Virginia. 

The English Government immediately planned four campaigns ; one 
against Fort DuQuesne ; one against Nova Scotia ; one against Fort 
Niagara, and one against Crown Point. These occurred during 1755-6, 
and were not successful in driving the French from their possessions. 
The expedition against Fort DuQuesne was led by the famous General 
Braddock, who, refusing to listen to the advice of Washington and those 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 41 

acquainted with Indian warfare, suffered such an inglorious defeat. This 
occurred on the morning of July 9th, and is generally known as the battle 
of Monongahela, or " Braddock's Defeat." The war continued with 
various vicissitudes through the years 1756-7 ; when, at the commence- 
ment of 1758, in accordance with the plans of William Pitt, then Secre- 
tary of State, afterwards Lord Chatham, active preparations were made to 
carry on the war. Three expeditions were planned for this year : one, 
under General Amherst, against Louisburg ; another, under Abercrombie, 
against Fort Ticonderoga ; and a third, under General Forbes, against 
Fort DuQuesne. On the 26th of July, Louisburg surrendered after a 
desperate resistance of more than forty days, and the eastern part of the 
Canadian possessions fell into the hands of the British. Abercrombie 
captured Fort Frontenac, and when the expedition against Fort DuQuesne, 
of which Washington had the active command, arrived there, it was 
found in flames and deserted. The English at once took possession, 
rebuilt the fort, and in honor of their illustrious statesman, chansfed the 
name to Fort Pitt. 

The great object of the campaign of 1759, was the reduction of 
Canada. General Wolfe was to lay siege to Quebec ; Amherst was to 
reduce Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and General Prideaux was to 
capture Niagara. This latter place was taken in July, but the gallant 
Prideaux lost his life in the attempt. Amherst captured Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point without a blow ; and Wolfe, after making the memor- 
able ascent to the Plains of Abraham, on September 13tli, defeated 
Montcalm, and on the 18th, the city capitulated. In this engagement 
Montcolm and Wolfe both lost their lives. De Levi, Montcalm's successor, 
marched to Sillery, three miles above the city, with the purpose of 
defeating the English, and there, on the 28th of the following April, was 
fought one of the bloodiest battles of the French and Indian War. It 
resulted in the defeat of the French, and the fall of the City of Montreal. 
The Governor signed a capitulation by which the whole of Canada was 
surrendered to the English. This practically concluded the war, but it 
was not until 1763 that the treaties of peace between France and England 
were signed. This was done on the 10th of February of that year, and 
under its provisions all the country east of the Mississippi and north of 
the Iberville River, in Louisiana, were ceded to England. At the same 
time Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain. 

On the 13th of September, 1760, Major Robert Rogers was sent 
from Montreal to take charge of Detroit, the only remaining French post 
in the territory. He arrived there on the 19th of November, and sum- 
moned the place to surrender. At first the commander of the post, 
Beletrc; refused, but on the 29th, hearing of the continued defeat of the 



42 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

French arms, surrendered. Rogers remained there until December 23d 
under the personal protection of the celebrated chief, Pontiac, to whom, 
no doubt, he owed his safety. Pontiac had come here to inquire the 
purposes of the English in taking possession of the country. He was 
assured that they came simply to trade with the natives, and did not 
desire their country. This answer conciliated the savages, and did much 
to insure the safety of Rogers and his party during their stay, and while 
on their journey home. 

Rogers set out for Fort Pitt on December 23, and was just one 
month on the way. His route was from Detroit to Maumee, thence 
across the present State of Ohio directly to the fort. This was the com- 
mon trail of the Indians in their journeys from Sandusky to the fork of 
the Ohio. It went from Fort Sandusky, where Sandusky City now is, 
crossed the Huron river, then called Bald Eagle Creek, to " Mohickon 
John's Town" on Mohickon Creek, the northern branch of White 
Woman's River, and thence crossed to Beaver's Town, a Delaware town 
on what is now Sandy Creek. At Beaver's Town were probably one 
hundred and fifty warriors, and not less than three thousand acres of 
cleared land. From there the track went up Sandy Creek to and across 
Big Beaver, and up the Ohio to Logstown, thence on to the fork. 

The Northwest Territory was now entirely under the English rule. 
New settlements began to be rapidly made, and the promise of a large 
trade was speedily manifested. Had the British carried out their promises 
with the natives none of those savage butcheries would have been perpe- 
trated, and the country would have been spared their recital. 

The renowned chief, Pontiac, was one of the leading spirits in these 
atrocities. We will now pause in our narrative, and notice the leading 
events in his life. The earliest authentic information regarding this 
noted Indian chief is learned from an account of an Indian trader named 
Alexander Henry, who, in the Spring of 1761, penetrated his domains as 
far as Missillimacnac. Pontiac was then a great friend of the French, 
but a bitter foe of the English, whom he considered as encroaching on his 
hunting grounds. Henry was obliged to disguise himself as a Canadian 
to insure safety, but was discovered by Pontiac, who bitterly reproached 
him and the English for their attempted subjugation of the West. He 
declared that no treaty had been made with them; no presents sent 
them, and that he would resent any possession of the West by that nation. 
He was at the time about fifty years of age, tall and dignified, and was 
civil and military ruler of the Ottawas, Ojibwas and Pottawatamies. 

The Indians, from Lake Michigan to the borders of North Carolina, 
were united in this feeling, and at the time of the treaty of Paris, ratified 
February 10, 1763, a general conspiracy was formed to fall suddenly 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



13 




PONTIAC, THE OTTAWA CHIEFTAIN. 



44 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

upon the frontier British posts, and with one blow strike every man dead. 
Pontiac was the marked leader in all this, and was the commander 
of the Chippewas, Ottawas, Wyandots, Miamis, Shawanese, Delawares 
and Mingoes, who had, for the time, laid aside their local quarrels to unite 
in this enterprise. 

The blow came, as near as can now be ascertained, on May 7, 1763. 
Nine British posts fell, and the Indians drank, " scooped up in the hollow 
of joined hands," the blood of many a Briton. 

Pontiac's immediate field of action was the garrison at Detroit. 
Here, however, the plans were frustrated by an Indian woman disclosing 
the plot the evening previous to his arrival. Everything was carried out, 
however, according to Pontiac's plans until the moment of action, when 
Major Gladwyn, the commander of the post, stepping to one of the Indian 
chiefs, suddenly drew aside his blanket and disclosed the concealed 
musket. Pontiac, though a brave man, turned pale and trembled. He 
saw his plan was known, and that the garrison were prepared. He 
endeavored to exculpate himself from any such intentions ; but the guilt 
was evident, and he and his followers were dismissed with a severe 
reprimand, and warned never to again enter the walls of the post. 

Pontiac at once laid siege to the fort, and until the treaty of peace 
between the British and the Western Indians, concluded in August, 1764, 
continued to harass and besiege the fortress. He organized a regular 
commissariat department, issued bills of credit written out on bark, 
which, to his credit, it may be stated, were punctually redeemed. At 
the conclusion of the treaty, in which it seems he took no part, he went 
further south, living many years among the Illinois. 

He had given up all hope of saving his country and race. After a 
time he endeavored to unite the Illinois tribe and those about St. Louis 
in a war with the whites. His efforts were fruitless, and only ended in a 
quarrel between himself and some Kaskaskia Indians, one of whom soon 
afterwards killed him. His death was, however, avenged by the northern 
Indians, who nearly exterminated the Illinois in the wars which followed. 

Had it not been for the treachery of a few of his followers, his plan 
for the extermination of the whites, a masterly one, would undoubtedly 
have been carried out. 

It was in the Spring of the year following Rogers' visit that Alex- 
ander Henry went to Missillimacnac, and everywhere found the strongest 
feelings against the English, who had not carried out their promises, and 
were doing nothing to conciliate the natives. Here he met the chief, 
Pontiac, who, after conveying to him in a speech the idea that their 
French father would awake soon and utterly destroy his enemies, said : 
*' Englishman, although you have conquered the French, you have not 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 46 

yet conquered us ! We are not your slaves ! These lakes, these woods, 
these mountains, were left us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance, 
and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes that we, like 
the white people, can not live without bread and pork and beef. But you 
ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life, has provided 
food for us upon these broad lakes and in these mountains." 

He then spoke of the fact that no treaty had been made with them, 
no presents sent theiu, and that he and his people were yet for war. 
Such were the feelings of the Northwestern Indians immediately after 
the English took possession of their country. These feelings were no 
doubt encouraged by the Canadians and French, who hoped that yet the 
French arms might prevail. The treaty of Paris, however, gave to the 
English the right to this vast domain, and active preparations were going 
on to occupy it and enjoy its trade and emoluments. 

In 1762, France, by a secret treaty, ceded Louisiana to Spain, to pre- 
vent it falling into the hands of the English, who were becoming masters 
of the entire West. The next year the treaty of Paris, signed at Fon- 
tainbleau, gave to the English the domain of the country in question. 
Twenty years after, by the treaty of peace between the United States 
and England, that part of Canada lying south and west of the Great 
Lakes, comprehending a large territory which is the subject of these 
sketches, was acknowledged to be a portion of the United States ; and 
twent}^ years still later, in 1803, Louisiana was ceded by Spain back to 
France, and by France sold to the United States. 

Li the half century, from the building of the Fort of Crevecoeur by 
LaSalle, in 1680, up to the erection of Fort Chartres, many French set- 
tlements had been made in that quarter. These have already been 
noticed, being those at St. Vincent (Vincennes), Kohokia or Cahokia, 
Kaskaskia and Prairie du Rocher, on the American Bottom, a large tract 
of rich alluvial soil in Illinois, on the Mississippi, opposite the site of St. 
Louis. 

By the treaty of Paris, the regions east of the Mississippi, including 
all these and other towns of the Northwest, were given over to England; 
but they do not appear to have been taken possession of until 1765, when 
Captain Stirling, in the name of the Majesty of England, established him- 
self at Fort Chartres bearing with him the proclamation of General Gage, 
dated December 30, 1764, which promised religious freedom to all Cath- 
olics who worshiped here, and a right to leave the country with their 
effects if they wished, or to remain with the privileges of Englishmen. 
It was shortly after the occupancy of the West by the British that the 
war with Pontiac opened. It is already noticed in the sketch of that 
chieftain. By it many a Briton lost his life, and many a frontier settle- 



46 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

ment in its infancy ceased to exist. This was not ended until the year 
1764, when, failing to capture Detroit, Niagara and Fort Pitt, his confed- 
eracy became disheartened, and, receiving no aid from the French, Pon- 
tiac abandoned the enterprise and departed to the Illinois, among whom 
he afterward lost his life. 

As soon as these difficulties were definitely settled, settlers began, 
rapidly to survey the country and prepare for occupation. During the 
year 1770, a number of persons from Virginia and other British provinces 
explored and marked out nearly all the valuable lands on the Mononga- 
hela and along the banks of the Ohio as far as the Little Kanawha. This 
was followed by another exploring expedition, in which George Washing- 
ton was a party. The latter, accompanied by Dr. Craik, Capt. Crawford 
and others, on the 20th of October, 1770, descended the Ohio from Pitts- 
burgh to the mouth of the Kanawha ; ascended that stream about fourteen 
miles, marked out several large tracts of land, shot several buffalo, which 
were then abundant in the Ohio Valley, and returned to the fort. 

Pittsburgh was at this time a trading post, about which was clus- 
tered a village of some twenty houses, inhabited by Indian traders. This 
same year, Capt. Pittman visited Kaskaskia and its neighboring villages. 
He found there about sixty -five resident families, and" at Cahokia only 
forty-five dwellings. At Fort Chartres was another small settlement, and 
at Detroit the garrison were quite prosperous and strong. For a year 
or two settlers continued to locate near some of these posts, generally 
Fort Pitt or Detroit, owing to the fears of the Indians, who still main- 
tained some feelings of hatred to the English. The trade from the posts 
was quite good, and from those in Illinois large quantities of pork and 
flour found their way to the New Orleans market. At this time the 
policy of the British Government was strongly opposed to the extension 
of the colonies west. In 1763, the King of England forbade, by royal 
proclamation, his colonial subjects from making a settlement beyond the 
sources of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean. At the instance 
of the Board of Trade, measures were taken to prevent the settlement 
without the limits prescribed, and to retain the commerce within easy 
reach of Great Britain. 

The commander-in-chief of the king's forces wrote in 1769 : " In the 
course of a few years necessity will compel the colonists, should they 
extend their settlements west, to provide manufactures of some kind for 
themselves, and when all connection upheld by commerce with the mother 
country ceases, an independency in their government will soon follow." 

In accordance with this policy, Gov. Gage issued a proclamation 
in 1772, commanding the inhabitants of Vincennes to abandon their set- 
tlements and join some of the Eastern English colonies. To this they 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 47 

Strenuously objected, giving good reasons therefor, and were allowed to 
remain. The strong opposition to this policy of Great Britain led to its 
change, and to such a course as to gain the attachment of the French 
population. In December, 1773, influential citizens of Quebec petitioned 
the king for an extension of the boundary lines of that province, which 
'VA-as granted, and Parliament passed an act on June 2, 1774, extend- 
ing the boundary so as to include the territory lying within the present 
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. 

In consequence of the liberal policy pursued by the British Govern- 
ment toward the French settlers in the West, they were disposed to favor 
that nation in the Avar which soon followed with the colonies ; but the 
ear] V alliance between France and America soon brought them to the side 
of the war for independence. 

In 1774, Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, began to encourage emigration 
to the Western lands. He appointed magistrates at Fort Pitt under the 
pretense that the fort was under the government of that commonwealth. 
One of these justices, John Connelly, who possessed a tract of land in the 
Ohio Valley, gathered a force of men and garrisoned the fort, calling it 
Fort Dunmore. This and other parties were formed to select sites for 
settlements, and often came in conflict with the Indians, who yet claimed 
portions of the valley, and several battles followed. These ended in the 
famous battle of Kanawha in July, where the Indians were defeated and 
driven across the Ohio. 

During the years 1775 and 1776, by the operations of land companies 
and the perseverance of individuals, several settlements Avere firmly estab- 
lished between the Alleghanies and the Ohio River, and western land 
speculators were busy in Illinois and on the Wabash. At a council held 
in Kaskaskia on July 5, 1773, an association of English traders, calling 
themselves the " Illinois Land Company," obtained from ten chiefs of the 
Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Peoria tribes two large tracts of land lying on 
the east side of the Mississippi River south of the Illinois. In 1775, a mer- 
chant from the Illinois Country, named Viviat, came to Post Vincennes 
as the agent of the association called the " Wabash Land Company." On 
the 8th of October he obtained from eleven Piankeshaw chiefs, a deed for 
37,497,600 acres of land. This deed was signed by the grantors, attested 
by a number of the inhabitants of Vincennes, and afterward recorded in 
the office of a notary public at Kaskaskia. This and other land com- 
panies had extensive schemes for the colonization of the West ; but all 
were frustrated by the breaking out of the Revolution. On the 20th of 
April, 1780, the two companies named consolidated under the name of the 
*' United Illinois and Wabash Land Company." They afterward made 



48 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

strenuous efforts to have these grants sanctioned by Congress, but all 
signally failed. 

When the War of the Revolution commenced, Kentucky was an unor- 
ganized country, though there were several settlements within her borders. 

In Hutchins' Topography of Virginia, it is stated that at that time 
" Kaskaskia contained 80 houses, and nearly 1,000 white and black in- 
habitants — the whites being a little the more numerous. Cahokia con- 
tains 50 houses and 300 white inhabitants, and 80 negroes. There were 
east of the Mississippi River, about the year 1771 " — when these observa- 
tions were made — " 300 white men capable of bearing arms, and 230 
negroes." 

From 1775 until the expedition of Clark, nothing is recorded and 
nothing known of these settlements, save what is contained in a report 
made by a committee to Congress in June, 1778. From it the following 
extract is made : 

"Near the mouth of the River Kaskaskia, there is a village which 
appears to have contained nearly eighty families from the beginning of 
the late revolution. There are twelve families in a small village at la 
Prairie du Rochers, and near fifty families at the Kahokia Village. There 
are also four or five families at Fort Chartres and St. Philips, which is five 
miles further up the river." 

St. Louis had been settled in February, 1764, and at this time con- 
tained, including its neighboring towns, over six hundred Avhites and one 
hundred and fifty negroes. It must be remembered that all the country 
west of the Mississippi was now under French rule, and remained so until 
ceded again to Spain, its original owner, who afterwards sold it and the 
country including New Orleans to the United States. At Detroit there 
were, according to Capt. Carver, who was in the Northwest from 1766 to 
1768, more than one hundred houses, and the river was settled for more 
than twenty miles, although poorly cultivated — the people being engaged 
in the Indian trade. This old town has a history, which we will here 
relate. 

It is the oldest town in the Northwest, having been founded by 
Antoine de Lamotte Cadillac, in 1701. It was laid out in the form of an 
oblong square, of two acres in length, and an acre and a half in width. 
As described by A. D. Frazer, who first visited it and became a permanent 
resident of the place, in 1778, it comprised within its limits that space 
between Mr. Palmer's store (Conant Block) and Capt. Perkins' house 
(near the Arsenal building), and extended back as far as the public barn, 
and was bordered in front by the Detroit River. It was surrounded by 
oak and cedar pickets, about fifteen feet long, set in the ground, and had 
four gates — east, west, north and south. Over the first three of these 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 49 

gates were block houses provided with four guns apiece, each a six- 
pounder. Two six-gun batteries were planted fronting the river and in a 
parallel direction with the block houses. There were four streets running 
east and west, the main street being twenty feet wide and the rest fifteen 
feet, while the four streets crossing these at right angles were from ten 
to fifteen feet in width. 

At the date spoken of by Mr. Frazer, there was no fort within the 
enclosure, but a citadel on the ground corresponding to the present 
northwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Wayne Street. The citadel was 
inclosed by pickets, and within it were erected barracks of wood, two 
stories high, sufficient to contain ten officers, and also barracks sufficient 
to contain four hundred men, and a provision store built of brick. The 
citadel also contained a hospital and guard-house. The old town of 
Detroit, in 1778, contained about sixty houses, most of them one story, 
with a few a story and a half in height. They were all of logs, some 
hewn and some round. There was one building of splendid appearance, 
called the " King's Palace," two stories high, which stood near the east 
gate. It was built for Governor Hamilton, the first governor commissioned 
by the British. There were two guard-houses, one near the west gate and 
the other near the Government House. Each of the guards consisted of 
twenty -four men and a subaltern, who mounted regularly every morning 
between nine and ten o'clock. Each furnished four sentinels, who were 
relieved every two hours. There was also an officer of the day, who per- 
formed strict duty. Each of the gates was shut regularly at sunset ; 
even wicket gates were shut at nine o'clock, and all the keys were 
delivered into the hands of the commanding officer. They were opened 
in the morning at sunrise. No Indian or squaw was permitted to enter 
town with any weapon, such as a tomahawk or a knife. It was a stand- 
ing order that the Indians should deliver their arms and instruments of 
every kind before they were permitted to pass the sentinel, and they were 
restored to them on their return. No more than twenty-five Indians were 
allowed to enter the town at any one time, and they were admitted only 
at the east and west gates. At sundown the drums beat, and all the 
Indians were required to leave town instantly. There was a council house 
near the water side for the purpose of holding council with the Indians. 
The population of the town was about sixty families, in all about two 
hundred males and one hundred females. This town was destroyed by 
fire, all except one dwelling, in 1805. After which the present "• new " 
town was laid out. 

On the breaking out of the Revolution, the British held every post of 
hnportance in the West. Kentucky was formed as a component part of 
Virginia, and the sturdy pioneers of the West, alive to their interests, 



60 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and recognizing the great benefits of obtaining the control of the trade in 
this part of the New World, held steadily to their purposes, and those 
within the commonwealth of Kentucky proceeded to exercise their 
civil privileges, by electing John Todd and Richard Gallaway, 
burgesses to represent them in the Assembly of the parent state. 
Early in September of that year (1777) the first court was held 
in Harrodsburg, and Col. Bowman, afterwards major, Avho had arrived 
in August, was made the commander of a militia organization which 
had been commenced the March previous. Thus the tree of loyalty 
was growing. The chief spirit in this far-out colony, who had represented 
her the year previous east of the mountains, was now meditating a move 
unequaled in its boldness. He had been watching the movements of the 
British throughout the Northwest, and understood their whole plan. Ht 
saw it was through their possession of the posts at Detroit, Vincennes, 
Kaskaskia, and other places, which would give them constant and easy 
access to the various Indian tribes in the Northwest, that the British 
intended to penetrate the country from the north and south, and annihi- 
late the frontier fortresses. This moving, energetic man was Colonel, 
afterwards General, George Rogers Clark. He knew the Indians were not 
unanimously in accord with the English, and he was convinced that, could 
the British be defeated and expelled from the Northwest, the natives 
might be easily awed into neutrality ; and by spies sent for the purpose, 
he satisfied himself that the enterprise against the Illinois settlements 
might easily succeed. Having convinced himself of the certainty of the 
project, he repaired to the Capital of Virginia, which place he reached on 
November 5th. While he was on his way, fortunately, on October 17th, 
Burgoyne had been defeated, and the spirits of the colonists greatly 
encouraged thereby. Patrick Henry was Governor of Virginia, and at 
once entered heartily into Clark's plans. The same plan had before been 
agitated in the Colonial Assemblies, but there was no one until Clark 
came who was sufficiently acquainted with the condition of affairs at the 
scene of action to be able to guide them. 

Clark, having satisfied the Virginia leaders of the feasibility of his 
plan, received, on the 2d of January, two sets of instructions — one secret, 
the other open — the latter authorized him to proceed to enlist seven 
companies to go to Kentucky, subject to his orders, and to serve three 
months from their arrival in the West. The secret order authorized him 
to arm these troops, to procure his powder and lead of General Hand 
at Pittsburgh, and to proceed at once to subjugate the country. 

With these instructions Clark repaired to Pittsburgh, choosing rather 
to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew all were needed 
in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col. W. B. Smith to Hoi- 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 51 

ston for the same purpose, but neither succeeded in raising the required 
number of men. The settlers in these parts were afraid to leave their 
own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few could be induced to 
join the proposed expedition. With three companies and several private 
volunteers, Clark at length commenced his descent of the Ohio, which he 
navigated as far as the Falls, where he took possession of and fortified 
Corn Island, a small island between the present Cities of Louisville, 
Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. Remains of this fortification may 
yet be found. At this place he a^Dpointed Col. Bowman to meet hini 
with such recruits as had reached Kentucky by the southern route, and 
as many as could be spared from the station. Here he announced to 
the men their real destination. Having completed his arrangements, 
and chosen his party, he left a small garrison upon the island, and on the 
24th of June, during a total eclipse of the sun, which to them augured 
no good, and which fixes beyond dispute the date of starting, he with 
his chosen band, fell down the river. His plan was to go by water as 
far as Fort Massac or Massacre, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia. 
Here he intended to surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to 
Cahokia, then to Vincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he 
intended to march directly to the Mississippi River and cross it into the 
Spanish country. Before his start he received two good items of infor- 
mation : one that the alliance had been formed between France and the 
United States ; and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois 
country and the inhabitants, at the various frontier posts, had been led to 
believe by the British that the " Long Knives " or Virginians, were the 
most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped a foe. With 
this impression on their minds, Clark saw that proper management would 
cause them to submit at once from fear, if surprised, and then from grati- 
tude would become friendly if treated with unexpected leniency. 

The march to Kaskaskia was accomplished through a hot July sun, 
and the town reached on the evening of July 4. He captured the fort 
near the village, and soon after the village itself by surprise, and without 
the loss of a single man or b}^ killing any of the enemy. After sufficiently 
working upon the fears of the natives, Clark told them they were at per- 
fect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take whichever side of the 
great conflict they would, also he would protect them from any barbarity 
from British or Indian foe. This had the desired effect, and the inhab- 
itants, so unexpectedly and so gratefully surprised by the unlooked 
for turn of afi'airs, at once swore allegiance to the American arms, and 
when Clark desired to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accom- 
panied him, and through their influence the inhabitants of the place 
surrendered, and gladly placed themselves under his protection. Thus 



52 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

the two important posts in Illinois passed from the hands of the English 
into the possession of Virginia. 

In the person of the priest at Kaskaskia, M. Gibault, Clark found a 
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain possession 
of the Northwest and treat successfully with the Indians within its boun- 
daries, he must establish a government for the colonies he had taken. 
St. Vincent, the next important post to Detroit, remained yet to be taken 
before the Mississippi Valley was conquered. M. Gibault told him that 
he would alone, by persuasion, lead Vincennes to throw offits connection 
with England. Clark gladly accepted his offer, and on the 14th of July, 
in company with a fellow-townsman, M. Gibault started on his mission of 
peace, and on the 1st of August returned with tlie cheerful intelligence 
that the post on the " Oubache " had taken the oath of allegiance to 
the Old Dominion. During this interval, Clark established his courts, 
placed garrisons at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his 
men, sent word to have a fort, which proved the germ of Louisville, 
erected at the Falls of the Ohio, and dispatched Mr. Rocheblave, who 
had been commander at Kaskaskia, as a prisoner of war to Richmond. 
In October the County of Illinois was established by the Legislature 
of Virginia, John Todd appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Civil Governor, 
and in November General Clark and his men received the thanks of 
the Old Dominion through their Legislature. 

In a speech a few days afterward, Clark made known fully to the 
natives his plans, and at its close all came forward and swore alle- 
giance to the Long Knives. While he was doing this Governor Hamilton, 
having made his various arrangements, had left Detroit and moved down 
the Wabash to Vincennes intending to operate from that point in reducing 
the Illinois posts, and then proceed on down to Kentucky and drive the 
rebels from the West. Gen. Clark had, on the return of M. Gibault, 
dispatched Captain Helm, of Fauquier County, Virginia, with an attend- 
ant named Henry, across the Illinois prairies to command the fort. 
Hamilton knew nothing of the capitulation of the post, and was greatly 
surprised on his arrival to be confronted by Capt. Helm, who, standing at 
the entrance of the fort by a loaded cannon ready to fire upon his assail- 
ants, demanded upon what terms Hamilton demanded possession of tha 
fort. Being granted the rights of a prisoner of war, he surrendered to 
the British General, who could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw the 
force in the garrison. 

Hamilton, not realizing the character of the men with whom he was 
contending, gave up his intended campaign for the Winter, sent his four 
hundred Indian warriors to prevent troops from coming down the Ohio,, 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 53 

and to annoy the Americans in all wa3-s, and sat qnietly down to pass the 
Winter. Information of all these proceedings having reached Clark, he 
saw that immediate and decisive action was necessary, and that unless 
he captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Clark received the 
news on the 29th of January, 1779, and on February 4th, having suffi- 
ciently garrisoned Kaskaskia and Cahokia, he sent down the Mississippi 
a " battoe," as Major Bowman writes it, in order to ascend the Ohio and 
Wabash, and operate with the land forces gathering for the fray. 

On the next day, Clark, with his little force of one hundred and 
twenty men, set out for the post, and after incredible hard marching 
through much mud, the ground being thawed by the incessant spring 
rains, on the 22d reached the fort, and being joined by his " battoe," at 
once commenced the attack on the post. The aim of the American back- 
woodsman was unerring, and on the 24th the garrison surrendered to the 
intrepid boldness of Clark. The French were treated with great kind- 
ness, and gladly renewed their allegiance to Virginia. Hamilton was 
sent as a prisoner to Virginia, where he was kept in close confinement. 
During his command of the British frontier posts, he had offered prizes 
to the Indians for all the scalps of Americans they would bring to him, 
and had earned in consequence thereof the title " Hair-buyer General," 
by which he was ever afterward known. 

Detroit was now without doubt within easy reach of the enterprising 
Virginian, could he but raise the necessary force. Governor Henry being 
apprised of this, promised him the needed reinforcement, and Clark con- 
cluded to w^ait until he could capture and sufficiently garrison the posts. 
Had Clark failed in this bold undertaking, and Hamilton succeeded in 
uniting the western Indians for the next Spring's campaign, the West 
would indeed have been swept from the Mississippi to the Allegheny 
Mountains, and the great blow struck, which had been contemplated from 
the commencement, by the British. 

" But for this small army of dripping, but fearless Virginians, the 
union of all the tribes from Georgia to Maine against the colonies might 
have been effected, and the whole current of our history changed." 

At this time some fears were entertained by the Colonial Govern- 
ments that the Indians in the North and Northwest were inclining to the 
British, and under the instructions of Washington, now Commander-in- 
Chief of the Colonial army, and so bravely fighting for American inde- 
pendence, armed forces were sent against the Six Nations, and upon the 
Ohio frontier, Col. Bowman, acting under the same general's orders, 
marched against Indians within the present limits of that State. These 
expeditions were in the main successful, and the Indians were compelled 
to sue for peace. 



54 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

During this same 5'ear (1779) the famous " Land Laws" of Virginia 
were passed. The passage of these laws was of more consequence to the 
pioneers of Kentucky and the Northwest than the gaining of a few Indian 
conflicts. These laws confirmed in main all grants made, and guaranteed 
to all actual settlers their rights and privileges. After providing for the 
settlers, the laws provided for selling the balance of the public lands at 
forty cents per acre. To carry the Land Laws into effect, the Legislature 
sent four VirQ^inians westward to attend to the various claims, over manv 
of which great confusion prevailed concerning their validity. These 
gentlemen opened their court on October 13, 1779, at St. Asaphs, and 
continued until April 26, 1780, when they adjourned, having decided 
three thousand claims. They were succeeded by the surveyor, who 
came in the person of Mr. George May, and assumed his duties on the 
10th day of the month whose name he bore. With the opening of the 
next year (1780) the troubles concerning the navigation of the Missis- 
sippi commenced. The Spanish Government exacted such measures in 
relation to its trade as to cause the overtures made to the United States 
to be rejected. The American Government considered they had a right 
to navigate its channel. To enforce their claims, a fort was erected below 
the mouth of the Ohio on the Kentucky side of the river. The settle- 
ments in Kentucky were being rapidly filled by emigrants. It was dur- 
ing this year that the first seminary of learning was established in the 
West in this young and enterprising Commonwealth. 

The settlers here did not look upon the building of this fort in a 
friendly manner, as it aroused the hostility of the Indians. Spain had 
been friendly to the Colonies during their struggle for independence, 
and though for a while this friendship appeared in danger from the 
refusal of the free navigation of the river, yet it was finally settled to the 
satisfaction of both nations. 

The Winter of 1779-80 was one of the most unusually severe ones 
ever experienced in the West. The Indians always referred to it as the 
"Great Cold." Numbers of wild animals perished, and not a few 
pioneers lost their lives. The following Summer a party of Canadians 
and Indians attacked St. Louis, and attempted to take possession of it 
in consequence of the friendly disposition of Spain to the revolting 
colonies. They met with such a determined resistance on the part of the 
inhabitants, even the women taking part in the battle, that they were 
compelled to abandon the contest. They also made an attack on the 
settlements in Kentucky, but, becoming alarmed in some unaccountable 
manner, they fled the country in great haste. 

About this time arose the question in the Colonial Congress con- 
cerning the western lands claimed by Virginia, New York, Massachusetts 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 55 

and Connecticut. The agitation concerning this subject finally led New 
York, on the 19th of February, 1780, to pass a law giving to the dele- 
gates of that State in Congress the power to cede her western lands for 
tlie benefit of the United States. This law was laid before Consfress 
during the next month, but no steps were taken concerning it until Sep- 
tember 6th, when a resolution passed that body calling upon the States 
claiming western lands to release their claims in favor of the whole body. 
This basis formed the union, and was the first after all of those legislative 
measures which resulted in the' creation of the States of Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In December of the same 
year, the plan of conquering Detroit again arose. The conquest might 
have easily been effected by Clark had the necessary aid been furnished 
him. Nothing decisive was done, yet the heads of the Government knew 
that the safety of the Northwest from British invasion lay in the capture 
and retention of that important post, the only unconquered one in the 
territory. 

Before the close of the year, Kentucky was divided into the Coun- 
ties of Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson, and the act establishing the Town 
of Louisville was passed. This same year is also noted in the annals of 
American history as the year in which occurred Arnold's treason to the 
United States. 

Virginia, in accordance with the resolution of Congress, on the 2d 
day of January, 1781, agreed to yield her western lands to the United 
States upon certain conditions, which Congress would not accede to, and 
the Act of Cession, on the part of the Old Dominion, failed, nor was 
anything farther done until 1783. During all that time the Colonies 
were busily engaged in tlie struggle with the mother country, and in 
consequence thereof but little heed was given to the western settlements. 
Upon the 16th of April, 1781, the first birth north of the Ohio River of 
American parentage occurred, being that of Mary Heckewelder, daughter 
of the widely known Moravian missionary, whose band of Christian 
Indians suffered in after years a horrible massacre by the hands of the 
frontier settlers, who had been exasperated by the murder of several of 
their neighbors, and in, their rage committed, without regard to humanity, 
a deed which forever afterwards cast a shade of shame upon their lives. 
For this and kindred outrages on the part of the whites, the Indians 
committed many deeds of cruelty which darken the years of 1771 and 
1772 in the history of the Northwest. 

During the year 1782 a number of battles among the Indians and 
frontiersmen occurred, and between the Moravian Indians and the Wvan- 
dots. In these, horrible acts of cruelty were practised on the captives, 
many of such dark deeds transpiring under the leadership of the notoriou:> 



56 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



frontier outlaw, Simon Girty, whose name, as well as those of his brothers 
was a terror to women and children. These occurred chiefly in the Ohio 
valleys. Cotemporary with them were several engagements in Kentucky 
in which the famous Daniel Boone engaged, and who, often by his skill 
and knowledge of Indian warfare, saved the outposts from cruel de.truc- 




IIv-^DIAIVS ATTACKING FEOXTIEKSMEN, 

tion. By the close of the year victory had perched upon the American 
banner, and on the 30th of November, provisional articles of peace had 
been arranged between the Commissioners of England and her uncon- 
querable colonies. Cornwallis had been defeated on the 19th of October 
preceding, and the liberty of America was assured. On the 19th of 
April following, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, peace was 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 57 

proclaimed to the army of the United States, and on the 3d of the next 
September, the definite treaty which ended our revolutionary struggle 
was concluded. By the terms of that treaty, the boundaries of the West 
were as follows : On the north the line was to extend alongr the center of 

O 

the Great Lakes ; from the western point of Lake Superior to Long Lake ; 
thence to the Lake of the Woods ; thence to the head of the Mississippi 
River; down its center to the 31st parallel of latitude, then on that line 
east to the head of the Appalachicola River ; down its center to its junc- 
tion with the Flint ; thence straight to the head of St. Mary's River, and 
thence down along its center to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Following the cessation of hostilities with England, several posts 
were still occupied by the British in the North and West. Among these 
was Detroit, still in the hands of the enemy. Numerous engagements 
with the Indians throughout Ohio and Indiana occurred, upon whose 
lands adventurous whites would settle ere the title had been acquired by 
the proper treaty. 

To remedy this latter evil. Congress appointed commissioners to 
treat with the natives and purchase their lands, and prohibited the set- 
tlement of t?ie territory until this could be done. Before the close of the 
year another attempt was made to capture Detroit, which was, however, 
not pushed, and Virginia, no longer feeling the interest in the Northwest 
she had formerly done, withdrew her troops, having on the 20th of 
December preceding authorized the whole of her possessions to be deeded 
to the United States. This was done on the 1st of March followin"-, and 
the Northwest Territory passed from the control of the Old Dominion. 
To Gen. Clark and his soldiers, however, she gave a tract of one hundred 
and fifty thousand acres of land, to be situated any where north of the 
Ohio wherever they chose to locate them. They selected the region 
opposite the falls of the Ohio, where is now the dilapidated village of 
Clarksville, about midway between the Cities of New Albany and Jeffer- 
sonville, Indiana. 

While the frontier remained thus, and Gen. Haldimand at Detroit 
refused to evacuate alleging that he had no orders from his King to do 
so, settlers were rapidly gathering about the inland forts. In the Spring 
of 1784, Pittsburgh was regularly laid out, and from the journal of Arthur 
Lee, who passed through the town soon after on his way to the Indian 
council at Fort Mcintosh, we suppose it was not very prepossessing in 
appearance. He says : 

"• Pittsburgh is inhabited almost entirely by Scots and Irish, who 
live in paltry log houses, and are as dirty as if in the north of Ireland or 
even Scotland. There is a great deal of trade carried on, the goods being 
bought at the vast expense of forty-five shillings per pound from Phila- 



58 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

delphia and Baltimore. They take in the shops flour, wheat, skins and 
money. There are in the town four attorneys, two doctors, and not a 
priest of any persuasion, nor church nor chapel." 

Kentucky at this time contained thirty thousand inhabitants, and 
was beginning to discuss measures for a separation from Virginia. A 
land office was opened at Louisville, and measures were adopted to take 
defensive precaution against the Indians who were yet, in some instances, 
incited to deeds of violence by the British. Before the close of this year, 
1784, the military claimants of land began to occupy them, although no 
entries were recorded until 1787. 

The Indian title to the Northwest was not yet extinguished. They 
held large tracts of lands, and in order to prevent bloodshed Congress 
adopted means for treaties with the original owners and provided for the 
surveys of the lands gained thereby, as well as for those north of the 
Ohio, now in its possession. On January 31, 1786, a treaty was made 
with the Wabash Indians. The treaty of Fort Stanwix had been made 
in 1784. That at Fort Mcintosh in 1785, and through thfese much land 
was gained. The Wabash Indians, however, afterward refused to comply 
with the provisions of the treaty made with them, and in order to compel 
their adherence to its provisions, force was used. Daring the year 1786, 
the free navigation of the Mississippi came up in Congress, and caused 
various discussions, which resulted in no definite action, only serving to 
excite speculation in regard to the western lands. Congress had promised 
bounties of land to the soldiers of the Revolution, but owing to the 
unsettled condition of affairs along the Mississippi respecting its naviga- 
tion, and the trade of the Northwest, that body had, in 1783, declared 
its inability to fulfill these promises until a treaty could be concluded 
between the two Governments. Before the close of the year 1786, liow- 
ever, it was able, through the treaties with the Indians, to allow some 
grants and the settlement thereon, and on the 14th of September Con- 
necticut ceded to the General Government the tract of land known as 
the " Connecticut Reserve," and before the close of the following year a 
large tract of land north of the Ohio was sold to a company, who at once 
took measures to settle it. By the provisions of this grant, the company 
were to pay the United States one dollar per acre, subject to a deduction 
of one-third for bad lands and other contingencies. They received 
750,000 acres, bounded on the south by the Ohio, on the east by the 
seventh range of townships, on the west by the sixteenth range, and on 
the north by a line so drawn as to make the grant complete without 
the reservations. In addition to this. Congress afterward granted 100,000 
acres to actual settlers, and 214,285 acres as army bounties under the 
resolutions of 1789 and 1790. 



THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 



69 



While Dr. Cutler, one of the agents of the company, was pressing 
its claims before Congress, that body was bringing into form an ordinance 
for the political and social organization of this Territory. When the 
cession was made by Virginia, in 1784, a plan was offered, but rejected. 
A motion had been made to strike from the proposed plan the prohibition 
of slavery, which prevailed. The plan was then discussed and altered, 
and finally passed unanimously, with the exception of South Carolina 
By this proposition, the Territory was to have been divided into states' 



/ 





A PRAIRIE STORM. 



by parallels and meridian lines. This, it was thought, would make ten 
states, which were to have been named as follows — beginning at the 
northwest corner and going southwardly : Syh-nnia, Michigania, Cher- 
sonesus, Assenisipia,-Metropotamia, Illenoia, Saratoga, Washington, Poly- 
potamia and Pelisipia. 

There was a more serious objection to this plan than its category of 
names, — the boundaries. The root of the difficulty was in the Tesolu- 
tion of Congress passed in October, 1780, which fixed the boundaries 
of the ceded lands to be from one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles 



60 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

square. These resolutions being presented to the Legislatures of Vir- 
ginia and Massachusetts, they desired a change, and in July, 1786, the 
subject was taken up in Congress, and changed to favor a division into 
not more than five states, and not less than three. This was approved by 
the State Legislature of Virginia. The subject of the Government was 
again taken up b}^ Congress in 1786, and discussed throughout that year 
and until July, 1787, when the famous "Compact of 1787" was passed, 
and the foundation of the government of the Northwest laid. This com- 
pact is fully discussed and explained in the history of Illinois in this book, 
and to it the reader is referred. 

The passage of this act and the grant to the New England Company 
was soon followed by an application to the Government by John Cleves 
Symmes, of New Jersey, for a grant of the land between the Miamis. 
This gentleman had visited these lands soon after the treaty of 1786, and, 
being greatly pleased with them, oifered similar terms to those given to the 
New England Company. The j)etition was referred to the Treasury 
Board with power to act, and a contract was concluded the following 
year. During the Autumn the directors of the New England Company 
were preparing to occupy their grant the following Spring, and upon the 
23d of November made arrangements for a party of forty-seven men, 
under the superintendency of Gen. Rufus Putnam, to set forAvard. Six 
boat-builders were to leave at once, and on the first of January the sur- 
veyors and their assistants, twenty-six in number, were to meet at Hart- 
ford and proceed on their journey westward ; the remainder to follow as 
soon as possible. Congress, in the meantime, upon the 8d of October, 
had ordered seven hundred troops for defense of the western settlers, and 
to prevent unauthorized intrusions ; and two days later appointed Arthur 
St. Clair Governor of the Territory of the Northwest. 

AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS. 

The civil organization of the Northwest Territory was now com- 
plete, and notwithstanding the uncertainty of Indian affairs, settlers from 
the East began to come into the country rapidly. The New England 
Company sent their men during the Winter of 1787-8 pressing on over 
the Alleghenies by the old Indian ^mth which had been opened into 
Braddock's road, and which has since been made a national turnpike 
from Cumberland westward. Through the weary winter days they toiled 
on, and by April were all gathered on the Yohiogany, where boats had 
been built, and at once started for the Muskingum. Here they arrived 
on the 7th of that month, and unless the Moravian missionaries be regarded 
as the pioneers of Ohio, this little band can justly claim that honor. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



61 



Gen. St. Clair, the appointed Governor of the Northwest, not having 
yet arrived, a set of laws were passed, written out, and published by 
being nailed to a tree in the embryo town, and Jonathan Meigs appointed 
to administer them. 

Washington in writing of this, the first American settlement in the 
Northwest, said : " No colony in America was ever settled under 
such favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at Muskingum. 
Information, property and strength will be its characteristics. I know 
many of its settlers personally, and there never were men better calcu- 
lated to promote the welfare of such a community.'" 




A PIONEEll I)AVELI>IXG. 



On the 2d of July a meeting of the directors and agents was held 
on the banks of the Muskingum, " for the purpose of naming the new- 
born city and its squares."' As yet the settlement was known as the 
"Muskingum," but that was now changed to the name Marietta, in honor 
of Marie Antoinette. The square upon which the block -houses stood 
was called '■'' Campus Martins ;'"' square number 19, ^'' CapitoUum T square 
number 61, ^'■Cecilia ;" and the great road through the covert way, " Sacra 
Viay Two days after, an oration was delivered by James M. Varnum, 
who with S. H. Parsons and John Armstrong had been appointed to the 
judicial bench of the territory on the 16th of October, 1787. On July 9, 
Gov. St. Clair arrived, and the colony began to assume form. The act 
of 1787 provided two district grades of government for the Northwest, 



02 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY, 

under the first of which the whole power was invested in the hands of a 
governor and three district judges. Tliis was immediately formed upon 
the Governor's arrival, and the first laws of the colony passed on the 25th 
of July. These provided for the organization of the militia, and on the 
next day appeared the Governor's proclamation, erecting all that country 
that had been ceded by the Indians east of the Scioto River into the 
County of Washington. From that time forward, notwithstanding the 
doubts yet existing as to the Indians, all Marietta prospered, and on the 
2d of September the first court of the territory was held with imposing 
ceremonies. 

The emigration westward at this time was very great. The com- 
mander at Fort Harmer, at the mouth of the Muskingum, reported four 
thousand five hundred persons as having passed that post between Feb- 
ruary and June, 1788 — many of whom would have purchased of the 
"Associates," as the New England Company was called, had they been 
ready to receive them. 

On the 26th of November, 1787, Symmes issued a pamphlet stating 
the terms of his contract and the plan of sale he intended to adopt. In 
January, 1788, Matthias Denman, of New Jersey, took an active interest 
in Symmes' purchase, and located among other tracts the sections upon 
which Cincinnati has been built. Retaining one-third of this locality, he 
sold the other two-thirds to Robert Patterson and John Filson, and the 
three, about August, commenced to lay out a town on the spot, which 
was designated as being opposite Licking River, to the mouth of which 
they proposed to have a road cut from Lexington. The naming of the 
town is thus narrated in the "Western Annals " : — " Mr. Filson, who had 
been a schoolmaster, was appointed to name the town, and, in respect to 
its situation, and as if with a prophetic perception of the mixed race that 
were to inhabit it ill after days, he named it Losantiville, which, being 
interpreted, means : ville, the town ; anti, against or opposite to ; os, the 
mouth ; L. of Licking." 

Meanwhile, in July, Symmes got thirty persons and eight four-horse 
teams under way for the West. These reached Limestone (now Mays- 
ville) in September, where were several persons from Redstone. Here 
Mr. Symmes tried to found a settlement, but the great freshet of 1789 
caused the " Point," as it was and is yet called, to be fifteen feet under 
water, and the settlement to be abandoned. The little band of settlers 
removed to the mouth of the Miami. Before Symmes and his colony left 
the " Point," two settlements had been made on his purchase. The first 
was by Mr. Stiltes, the original projector of the whole plan, who, with a 
colony of Redstone people, had located at the mouth of the Miami, 
whither Symmes went with his Maysville colony. Here a clearing had 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



63 



been made by the Indians owing to the great fertility of the soil. Mr. 
Stiltes with his colony came to this place on the 18th of November, 1788, 
with twenty-six persons, and, building a block-house, prepared to remain 
through the Winter. They named the settlement Columbia. Here they 
were kindly treated by the Indians, but suffered greatly from the flood 
of 1789. 

On the 4th of March, 1789, the Constitution of the United States 
went into operation, and on April 30, George Washington was inaug- 
urated President of the American people, and during the next Summer, 
an Indian war was commenced by the tribes north of the Ohio. The 
President at first used pacific means ; but these failing, he sent General 
Harmer against the hostile tribes. He destroyed several villages, but 




'^i'&SioJQ^ ''■'<■ 



BREAKING TKAIEIE. 



was defeated in two battles, near the present City of Fort Wayne, 
Indiana. From this time till the close of 1795, the principal events were 
the wars with the various Indian tribes. In 1796, General St. Clair 
was appointed in command, and marched against the Indians ; but while 
he was encamped on a stream, the St. Mary, a branch of the Maumee, 
he was attacked and defeated with the loss of six hundred men. 

General Wayne was now sent against the savages. In August, 1794, 
he met them near the rapids of the Maumee, and gained a complete 
victory. This success, followed by vigorous measures, compelled the 
Indians to sue for peace, and on the 30th of July, the following year, the 
treaty of Greenville was signed by the principal chiefs, by which a large 
tract of country was ceded to the United States. 

Before proceeding in our narrative, we will pause to notice Fort 
Washington, erected in the early part of this war on the site of Cincinnati. 
Nearly all of the great cities of the Northwest, and indeed of the 



» 



64 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

whole country, have had their nuclei in those rude pioneer structures, 
known as forts or stockades. Thus Forts Dearborn, Washington, Pon- 
chartrain, mark the original sites of the now proud Cities of Chicago, 
Cincinnati and Detroit. So of most of the flourishing cities east and west 
of the Mississippi. Fort Washington, erected by Doughty in 1790, was a 
rude but highly interesting structure. It was composed of a number of 
strongly-built hewed log cabins. Those designed for soldiers' barracks 
were a story and a half high, while those composing the officers quarters 
were more imposing and more conveniently arranged and furnished. 
The whole were so placed as to form a hollow square, enclosing about an 
acre of ground, with a block house at each of the four angles. 

The logs for the construction of this fort were cut from the ground 
upon which it was erected. It stood between Third and Fourth Streets 
of the present city (Cincinnati) extending east of Eastern Row, now 
Broadway, which was then a narrow alley, and the eastern boundary of 
of the town as it was originally laid out. On the bank of the river, 
immediately in front of the fort, was an appendage of the fort, called the 
Artificer's Yard. It contained about two acres of ground, enclosed by 
small contiguous buildings, occupied by workshops and quarters of 
laborers. Within this enclosure there was a large two-story frame house, 
familiarly called the " Yellow House," built for the accommodation of 
the Quartermaster General. For many years this was the best finished 
and most commodious edifice in the Queen City. Fort Washington was 
for some time the headquarters of both the civil and military governments 
of the Northwestern Territory. 

Following the consummation of the treaty various gigantic land spec- 
ulations were entered into by different persons, who hoped to obtain 
from the Indians in Michigan and northern Indiana, large tracts of lands. 
These were generally discovered in time to prevent the outrageous 
schemes from being carried out, and from involving the settlers in war. 
On October 27, 1795, the treaty between the United States and Spain 
was signed, whereby the free navigation of the Mississippi was secured. 

No sooner had the treaty of 1795 been ratified than settlements began 
to pour rapidly into the West. The great event of the year 1796 was the 
occupation of that part of the Northwest including Michigan, which was 
this year, under the provisions of the treaty, evacuated by the British 
forces. The United States, owing to certain conditions, did not feel 
justified in addressing the authorities in Canada in relation to Detroit 
and other frontier posts. When at last the British authorities were 
called to give them up, they at once complied, and General Wayne, who 
had done so much to preserve the frontier settlements, and who, before 
the year's close, sickened and died near Erie, transferred his head- 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 65 

quarters to the neighborhood of the lakes, where a county named after 
him was formed, which included the northwest of Ohio, all of Michigan, 
and the northeast of Indiana. During this same year settlements were 
formed at the present City of Chillicothe, along the Miami from Middle- 
town to Piqua, while in the more distant West, settlers and speculators 
began to appear in great numbers. In September, the City of Cleveland 
was laid out, and during the Summer and Autumn, Samuel Jackson and 
Jonathan Sharpless erected the first manufactory of paper — the " Red- 
stone Paper Mill" — in the West. St. Louis contained some seventy 
houses, and Detroit over three hundred, and along the river, contiguous 
to it, were more than three thousand inhabitants, mostly French Canadians, 
Indians and half-breeds, scarcely any Americans venturing yet into that 
part of the Northwest. 

The election of representatives for the territory had taken place, 
and on the 4th of February, 1799, they convened at Losantiville — now 
known as Cincinnati, having been named so by Gov. St. Clair, and 
considered the capital of the Territory — to nominate persons from whom 
the members of the Legislature were to be chosen in accordance with 
a previous ordinance. This nomination being made, the Assembly 
adjourned until the 16th of the following September. From those named 
the President selected as members of the council, Henry Vandenburg, 
of Vincennes, Robert Oliver, of Marietta, James Findlay and Jacob 
Burnett, of Cincinnati, and David Vance, of Vanceville. On the 16th 
of September the Territorial Legislature met, and on the 24th the two 
houses were duly organized, Henry Vandenburg being elected President 
of the Council. 

The message of Gov. St. Clair was addressed to the Legislature 
September 20th, and on October 13th that body elected as a delegate to 
Congress Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison, who received eleven of the votes 
cast, being a majority of one over his opponent, Arthur St. Clair, son of 
Gen. St. Clair. 

The whole number of acts passed at this session, and approved by 
the Governor, were thirty-seven — eleven others were passed, but received 
his veto. The most important of those passed related to the militia, to 
the administration, and to taxation. On the 19th of December this pro- 
tracted session of the first Legislature in the West was closed, and on the 
30th of December the President nominated Charles Willing Brvd to the 
office of Secretary of the Territory vice Wm. Henry Harrison, elected to 
Congress. The Senate confirmed his nomination the next day. 



66 THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 



DIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

The increased emigration to the Northwest, the extent of the domain, 
and the inconvenient modes of travel, made it very difficult to conduct 
the ordinary operations of government, and rendered the efficient action 
of courts almost impossible. To remedy this, it was deemed advisable to 
divide the territory for civil purposes. Congress, in 1800, appointed a 
committee to examine the question and report some means for its solution. 
This committee, on the 3d of March, reported that : 

"•In the three western countries there has been but one court having 
cognizance of crimes, in five years, and the immunity which offenders 
experience attracts, as to an asylum, the most vile and abandoned crim- 
inals, and at the same time deters useful citizens from making settlements 
in such society. The extreme necessity of judiciary attention and assist- 
ance is experienced in civil as well as in criminal cases. * * * * To 
minister a remedy to these and other evils, it occurs to this commitfee 
that it is expedient that a division of said territory into two distinct and 
separate governments should be made ; and that such division be made 
b}^ a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River, running 
directly north until it intersects the boundary between the United States 
and Canada." 

The report was accepted by Congress, and, in accordance with its 
suggestions, that body passed an Act extinguishing the Northwest Terri- 
tory, which Act was approved May 7. Among its provisions were these : 

" That from and after July 4 next, all that part of the Territory of 
the United States northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward 
of a line beginning at a point on the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the 
Kentucky River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north 
until it shall intersect the territorial line between the United States and 
Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary government, constitute a 
separate territory, and be called' the Indiana Territory." 

After providing for the exercise of the civil and criminal powers of 
the territories, and other provisions, the Act further jDrovides : 

" That until it shall otherwise be ordered by the Legislatures of the 
said Territories, respectively, Chillicothe on the Scioto River shall be the 
seat of government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the 
Ohio River ; and that St. Vindennes on the Wabash River shall be the 
seat of government for the Indiana Territory." 

Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was appointed Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and entered upon his duties about a year later. Connecticut 
also about this time released her claims to the reserve, and in March a law 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 67 

was passed accepting this cession. Settlements had been made upon 
thirty-five of the townships in the reserve, mills had been built, and seven 
hundred miles of road cut in various directions. On the 3d of November 
the General Assembly met at Chillicothe. Near the close of the year, 
the first missionary of the Connecticut Reserve came, who found no 
township containing more than eleven families. It was upon the first of 
October that the secret treaty had been made between Napoleon and the 
King of Spain, whereby the latter agreed to cede to France the province 
of Louisiana. 

In January, 1802, the Assembly of the Northwestern Territory char- 
tered the college at Athens. From the earliest dawn of the western 
colonies, education was promptly provided for, and as early as 1787, 
newspapers were issued from Pittsburgh and Kentucky, and largely read 
throughout the frontier settlements. Before the close of this year, the 
Congress of the United States granted to the citizens of the Northwestern 
territory the formation of a State government. One of the provisions of 
the "compact of 1787" provided that whenever the number of inhabit- 
ants within prescribed limits exceeded 45,000, they should be entitled to 
a separate government. The prescribed limits of Ohio contained, from a 
census taken to ascertain the legality of the act, more than that number, 
and on the 30th of April, 1802, Congress passed the act defining its limits, 
and on the 29th of November the Constitution of the new State of Ohio, 
so named from the beautiful river forming its southern boundary, came 
into existence. The exact limits of Lake Michigan were not then known, 
but the territory now included within the State of Michigan was wholly 
within the territory of Indiana. 

Gen. Harrison, while residing at Vincennes, made several treaties 
with the Indians, thereby gaining large tracts of lands. The next yeav is 
memorable in the history of the West for the purchase of Louisiana from 
France by the United States for $15,000,000. Thus by a peaceful mode, 
the domain of the United States was extended over a large tract of 
country west of the Mississippi, and was for a time under the jurisdiction 
of the Northwest government, and, as has been mentioned in the early 
part of this narrative, was called the "New Northwest."' The limits 
of this history will not allow a description of its territory. The same A^ear 
large grants of land were obtained from the Indians, and the House of 
Representatives of the new State of Ohio signed a bill respecting the 
College Township in the district of Cincinnati. 

Before the close of the year. Gen. Harrison obtained additional 
grants of lands from the various Indian nations in Indiana and the present 
limits of Illinois, and on the 18th of August, 1804, completed a treaty at 
St. Louis, whereby over 51,000,000 acres of lands were obtained from the 



68 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



aborigines. Measures were also taken to learn the condition of affairs in 
and about Detroit. . 

C. Jouett, the Indian agent in Michigan, still a part of Indiana Terri- 
tory, reported as follows upon the condition of matters at that post : 

" The Town of Detroit. — The charter, which is for fifteen miles 
square, was granted in the time of Louis XIV. of France, and is hkw, 
from the best information I have been able to get, at Quebec. Of those 
two hundred and twenty-five acres, only four are occupied by the town 
and Fort Lenault. The remainder is a common, except twenty-four 
acres, which were added twenty years ago to a farm belonging to Wm. 
Macomb. * * * A stockade incloses the town, fort and citadel. The 
pickets, as well as the public houses, are in a state of gradual decay. The 
streets are narrow, straight and regular, and intersect each other at right 
angles. The houses are, for the most part, low and inelegant."' 

During this year, Congress granted a township of land for the sup- 
port of a college, and began to offer inducements for settlers in these 
wilds, and the country now comprising the State of Michigan began to 
fill rapidly with settlers along its southern borders. This same year, also, 
a law was passed organizing the Southwest Territory, dividing it into two 
portions, the Territory of New Orleans, which city was made the seat of 
government, and the District of Louisiana, which was annexed to the 
domain of Gen. Harrison. 

On the 11th of January, 1805, the Territory of Michigan was formed, 
Wm. Hull was appointed governor, with headquarters at Detroit, the 
change to take effect on June 30. On the 11th of that month, a fire 
occurred at Detroit, which destroyed almost every building in the place. 
When the officers of the new territory reached the post, they found it in 
ruins, and the inhabitants scattered throughout the country. Rebuild- 
ing, however, soon commenced, and ere long the town contained more 
houses than before the fire, and many of them much better built. 

While this was being done, Indiana had passed to the second grade 
of government, and through her General Assembly had obtained large 
tracts of land from the Indian tribes. To all this the celebrated Indian, 
Tecumthe or Tecumseh, vigorously protested, and it was the main cause 
of his attempts to unite the various Indian tribes in a conflict with the 
settlers. To obtain a full account of these attempts, the workings of the 
British, and the signal failure, culminating in the death of Tecumseh at 
the battle of the Thames, and the close of the war of 1812 in the Northwest, 
we will step aside in our story, and relate the principal events of his life, 
and his connection with this conflict. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



6t» 




TECUMSEH, THE SHAWANOE CHIEFTAIN. 



70 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



TECUMSEH, AND THE WAR OF 1812. 

This famous Indian chief was born about the year 1768, not far from 
the site of the present City of Piqua, Ohio. His father, Puckeshinwa, 
was a member of the Kisopok tribe of the Swanoese nation, and his 
mother, Methontaske, was a member of the Turtle tribe of the same 
people. They removed from Florida about the middle of the last century 
to the birthplace of Tecumseh. In 1774, his father, who had risen to be 
chief, was slain at the battle of Point Pleasant, and not long after Tecum- 
seh, by his bravery, became the leader of his tribe. In 1795 he was 
declared chief, and then lived at Deer Creek, near the site of the 
present City of Urbana. He remained here about one 3'ear, when he 
returned to Piqua, and in 1798, he went to White River, Indiana. In 
1805, he and his brother, Laulewasikan (Open Door), who had announced 
himself as a prophet, went to a tract of land on the Wabash River, given 
them by the Pottawatomies and Kickapoos. From this date the chief 
comes into prominence. He was now about thirty-seven years of age, 
was five feet and ten inches in height, was stoutly built, and possessed of 
enormous powers of endurance. His countenance was naturall}' pleas- 
ing, and he was, in general, devoid of those savage attributes possessed 
by most Indians. It is stated he could read and write, and had a confi- 
dential secretary and adviser, named Billy Caldwell, a half-breed, who 
afterward became chief of the Pottawatomies. He occupied the first 
house built on the site of Chicago. At this time, Tecumseh entered 
upon the great work of his life. He had long objected to the grants of 
land made by the Indians to the whites, and determined to unite all the 
Indian tribes into a league, in order that no treaties or grants of land 
could be made save by the consent of this confederation. 

He traveled constantly, going from north to south ; from the south 
to the north, everywhere urging the Indians to this step. He was a 
matchless orator, and his burning words had their effect. 

Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana, by watching the move- 
ments of the Indians, became convinced that a grand conspiracy was 
forming, and made preparations to defend the settlements. Tecumseh's 
plan was similar to Pontiac's, elsewhere described, and to the cunning 
artifice of that chieftain was added his own sagacity. 

During the yeav 1809, Tecumseh and the prophet were actively pre- 
paring for the work. In that year. Gen. Harrison entered into a treaty 
with the Delawares, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel River Indians 
and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites certain lands upon 
the Wabash, to all of which Tecumseh entered a bitter protest, averring 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 71 

as one principal i-eason that he did not want the Indians to give up any 
lands north and west of the Ohio River. 

Tecumseh, in August, 1810, visited the General at Vincennes and 
held a council relating to the grievances of the Indians. Becoming unduly 
angry at this conference he was dismissed from the village, and soon after 
departed to incite the southern Indian tribes to the conflict. 

Gen. Harrison determined to move upon the chief's headquarters at 
Tippecanoe, and for this purpose went about sixty-five miles up the 
Wabash, where he built Fort Harrison. From this place he went to the 
prophet's town, where he informed the Indians he had no hostile inten- 
tions, provided they were true to the existing treaties. He encamped 
near the village early in October, and on the morning of November 7, he 
was attacked by a large force of the Indians, and the famous battle of 
Tippecanoe occurred. The Indians were routed and their town broken 
up. Tecumseh returning not long after, was greatly exasperated at his 
brother, the prophet, even threatening to kill him for rashly precipitating 
the war, and foiling his (Tecumseh's) plans. 

Tecumseh sent word to Gen. Harrison that he was now returned 
from the South, and was ready to visit the President as had at one time 
previously been proposed. Gen. Harrison informed him he could not go 
as a chief, which method Tecumseh desired, and the visit was never 
made. 

In June of the following year, he visited the Indian agent ^at 
Fort Wayne. Here he disavowed any intention to make a war against 
the United States, and reproached Gen. Harrison for marching against his 
people. The agent replied to this ; Tecumseh listened with a cold indif- 
ference, and after making a few general remarks, with a haughty air drew 
his blanket about him, left the council house, and departed for Fort Mai- 
den, in Upper Canada, where he joined the British standard. 

He remained under this Government, (^oing effective work for the 
Crown while engaged in the war of 1812 which now opened. He was, 
however, always humane in his treatment of the prisoners, never allow- 
ing his warriors to ruthlessly mutilate the bodies of those slain, or wan- 
tonly murder the captive. 

In the Summer of 1813, Perry's victory on Lake Erie occurred, and 
shortly after active preparations were made to capture Maiden. On tlie 
27th of September, the American army, under Gen. Harrison, set sail for 
the shores of Canada, and in a few hours stood around the ruins of Mai- 
den, from which the British army, under Proctor, had retreated to Sand- 
wich, intending to make its way to the heart of Canada by the Valley of 
the Thames. On the 29th Gen. Harrison was at Sandwich, and Gen. 
McArthur took possession of Detroit and the territory of Michigan. 



72 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



On the 2d of October, the Americans began their pursuit of Proctor, 
whom they overtook on the 5th, and the battle of the Thames followed. 
Early in the engagement, Tecumseh who was at the head of the column 
of Indians was slain, and they, no longer hearing the voice of their chief- 
tain, fled. The victory was decisive, and practically closed the war in 
the Northwest, 




INDIANS ATTACKINCJ A STOCKADIl-. 



Just who killed the great chief has been a matter of much dispute ; 
but the weight of opinion awards the act to Col. Richard M. Johnson, 
who fired at him with a pistol, the shot proving fatal. 

In 1805 occurred Burr's Insurrection. He took possession of a 
beautiful island in the Ohio, after the killing of Hamilton, and is charged 
by many with attempting to set up an independent government. His 
plans were frustrated by the general government, his property confiscated 
and he was compelled to flee the country for safet}-. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 73 

In January, 1807, Governor Hull, of Michigan Territory, made a 
treaty with the Indians, whereby all that peninsula was ceded to the 
United States. Before the close of the year, a stockade was built about 
Detroit. It was also during this year that Indiana and Illinois endeavored 
to obtain the repeal of that section of the compact of 1787, whereby 
slavery was excluded from the Northwest Territory. These attempts, 
however, all signally failed. 

In 1809 it was deemed advisable to divide the Indiana Territory. 
This was done, and the Territory of Illinois was formed from the western 
part, the seat of government being fixed at Kaskaskia. The next year, 
the intentions of Tecumseh manifested themselves in open hostilities, and 
then began the events already narrated. 

While this war was in progress, emigration to the West went on with 
surprising rapidity. In 1811, under Mr. Roosevelt of New York, the 
first steamboat trip was made on the Ohio, much to the astonishment of 
the natives, many of whom fled in terror at the appearance of the 
" monster." It arrived at Louisville on the 10th day of October. At the 
close of the first week of January, 1812, it arrived at Natchez, after being 
nearl}- overwhelmed in the great earthquake which occurred while on its 
downward trip. 

The battle of the Thames was fought on October 6, 1813. It 
effectually closed hostilities in the Northwest, although peace was not 
fully restored until July 22, 1814, when a treaty was formed at Green- 
ville, under the direction of General Harrison, between the United States 
and the Indian tribes, in which it was stipulated that the Indians should 
cease hostilities asfainst the Americans if the war were continued. Such, 
happily, was not the case, and on the 24th of December the treaty 
of Ghent was signed by the representatives of England and the United 
States. This treaty was followed the next year by treaties with various 
Indian tribes throughout the West and Northwest, and quiet was again 
restored in this part of the new world. 

On the 18th of March, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city. 
It then had a population of 8,000 people, and was already noted for its 
manufacturing interests. On April 19, Indiana Territory was allowed 
to form a state government. At that time there were thirteen counties 
organized, containing about sixty-three thousand inhabitants. The first 
election of state officers was held in August, when Jonathan Jennings 
was chosen Governor. The officers were sworn in on November 7, and 
on December 11, the State was formally admitted into the Union. For 
some time the seat of government was at Corydon, but a more central 
location being desirable, the present capital, Indianapolis (City of Indiana), 
was laid out January 1, 1825. 



74 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

On the 28th of December the Bank of Illinois, at Shawueetown, was 
chartered, with a capital of $300,000. At this period all banks were 
under the control of the States, and were allowed to establish branches 
at different convenient points. 

Until this time Chillicothe and Cincinnati had in turii enjoyed the 
privileges of being the capital of- Ohio. But the rapid settlement of the 
northern and eastern portions of the State demanded, as in Indiana, a 
more central location, and before the close of the year, the site of Col- 
umbus was selected and surveyed as the future capital of the State. 
Banking had begun in Ohio as early as 1808, when the first bank was 
chartered at Marietta, but here as elsewhere it did not bring to the state 
the hoped-for assistance. It and other banks were subsequently unable 
to redeem their currency, and were obliged to suspend. 

In 1818, Illinois was made a state, and all the territory north of her 
northern limits was erected into a separate territory and joined to Mich- 
igan for judicial purposes. By the following year, navigation of the lakes 
was increasing with great rapidity and affording an immense source of 
revenue to the dwellers in the Northwest, but it was not until 1826 that 
the trade was extended to Lake Michigan, or that steamships began to 
navigate the bosom of that inland sea. 

Until the year 1832, the commencement of the Black Hawk War, 
but few hostilities were experienced with the Indians. Roads were 
opened, canals were dug, cities were built, common schools were estab- 
lished, universities were founded, many of which, especially the Michigan 
University, have achieved a world wide-reputation. The people were 
becoming wealthy. The domains of the United States had been extended, 
and had the sons of the forest been treated with honesty and justice, the 
record of many years would have been that of peace and continuous pros- 
perity. 

BLACK HAWK AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 

This conflict, though confined to Illinois, is an important epoch in 
the Northwestern history, being the last war with the Indians in this part 
of the United States. 

Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, was born in the principal 
Sac village, about three miles from the junction of Rock River with the 
Mississippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes ; 
his grandfather's, Na-na-ma-kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early 
distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted 
to paint and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783, he 
went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



76 




BLACK ITAWK, THE SAC CHIEFTAIN. 



76 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

of whom he killed and scalped, and for this deed of Indian bravery he was 
jiermitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after he, at the 
head of two hundred braves, went on another expedition against the 
Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to 
his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce 
battle ensued, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The 
Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees 
for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present City 
of St. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of 
the " Medicine Bag,"' at once announced himself chief of the Sac nation. 
He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, at the 
head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and a hundred lowas, he waged 
Avar against the Osage nation and subdued it. For two vears he battled 
successfully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered. 

Black Hawk does not at any time seem to have been friendly to 
the Americans. When on a visit to St. Louis to see his " Spanish 
Father," he declined to see an}^ of the Americans, alleging, as a reason, 
he did not want two fathers. 

The treaty at St. Louis was consummated in 1804. The next year the 
LTnited States Government erected a fort near the head of the Des Moines 
Rapids, called Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who 
at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of 
the Mississippi above the mouth of the Des Moines River. The fort was 
garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. The difficulties 
with the British Government arose about this time, and the War of 1812 
followed. That government, extending aid to the Western Indians, by 
giving them arms and ammunition, induced them to remain hostile to the 
Americans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five 
hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on 
his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn Massacre 
had a few days before occurred. Of his connection with the British 
Government but little is known. In 1813 he with his little band descended 
the Mississippi, and attacking some United States troops at Fort Howard 
was defeated. 

In the early part of 1815, the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi 
were notified that peace had been declared between the United States 
and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not 
sign any treaty, however, until May of the following year. He then recog- 
nized the validit}^ of the treaty at St. Louis in 1804. From the time of 
signing this treaty in 1816, until the breaking out of the war in 1832, he 
and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life. 

Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 77 

Indians were urged to join the lowas on the west bank of the Father of 
Waters. All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of 
Avhich Black Hawk was leader. He strenuously objected to the removal, 
and was induced to comply only after being threatened with the power of 
tlie Government. This and various actions on the part^of the white set- 
tlers provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture of his 
native village now occupied by the whites. The war followed. He and 
his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and had his wishes been 
acquiesced in at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would 
have been prevented. 

Black Hawk was chief now of the Sac and Fox nations, and a noted 
warrior. He and his tribe inhabited a village on Rock River, nearly three 
miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, where the tribe had lived 
many generations. When that portion of Illinois was reserved to them, 
they remained in peaceable possession of their reservation, spending their 
time in the enjoyment of Indian life. The fine situation of their village 
and the quality of their lands incited the more lawless white settlers, who 
from time to time began to encroach upon the red men's domain. From 
one pretext to another, and from one step to another, the crafty white 
men gained a foothold, until through whisky and artifice they obtained 
deeds from many of the Indians for their possessions. The Indians were 
finally induced to cross over the Father of Waters and locate among the 
lowas. Black Hawk was strenuously opposed to all this, but as the 
authorities of Illinois and the United States thought this the best move, he 
was forced to comply. Moreover other tribes joined the whites and urged 
the removal. Black Hawk would not agree to the terms of the treaty 
made with his nation for their lands, and as soon as the military, called to 
enforce his removal, had retired, he returned to the Illinois side of the 
river. A large force was at once raised and marched against him. On 
the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between a 
band from this army and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were 
defeated. 

This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men 
was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the 
lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of 
the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was 
repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The Ameri- 
can army continued to move up Rock River toward the main body of 
the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band, 
and defeated them near the Blue Mounds. 

Before this action. Gen. Henry, in command, sent word to the main 
army by whom he was immediately rejoined, and the whole crossed the 

XoTE.— The above is the generally accepted version of the cause of the Black Hawk War, hut in our History of 
Jo Daviei^s County. 111., wi> liad cccasii ii to go to the bottom of this matter, and have, we think, found the actual 
cause of the war, which will he found on page 15T. 



78 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

Wisconsin in pursuit of Black Hawk and his band who were fleeing to the 
Mississippi. They were overtaken on the 2d of August, and in the battle 
which followed the power of the Indian chief was completely broken. He 
fled, but was seized by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites. 

On the 21st of September, 1832, Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds con- 
cluded a treaty with the Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes by which they 
ceded to the United States a vast tract of country, and agreed to remain 
peaceable with the whites. For the faithful performance of the provi- 
sions of this treaty on the part of the Indians, it was stipulated that 
Black Hawk, his two sons, the prophet Wabokieshiek, and six other chiefs 
of the hostile bands should be retained as hostages during the pleasure 
of the President. They were confined at Fort Barracks and put in irons. 

The next Spring, by order of the Secretary of War, they were taken 
to Washington. From there they were removed to Fortress Monroe, 
"there to remain until the conduct of their nation was such as to justify 
their being set at liberty." They were retained here until the 4th of 
June, when the authorities directed them to be taken to the principal 
cities so that they might see the folly of contending against the white 
people. Everj'^where they were observed by thousands, the name of the 
old chief being extensively known. By the middle of August they 
reached Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, where Black Hawk was soon 
after released to go to his countrymen. As he passed the site of his birth- 
place, now the home of the white man, he was deeply moved. His village 
where he was born, where he had so happily lived, and where he had 
hoped to die, was now another's dwelling place, and he was a wanderer. 

On the next day after his release, he went at once to his tribe and 
his lodge. His wife was yet living, and with her he passed the remainder 
of his days. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk always re- 
mained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among 
the Indians, living with her upward of forty years. 

Black Hawk now passed his time hunting and fishing. A deep mel- 
ancholy had settled over him from which he could not be freed. At all 
times when he visited the whites he was received with marked atten- 
tion. He was an honored guest at the old settlers' reunion in Lee County, 
Illinois, at some of their meetings, and received many tokens of esteem. 
In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his 
annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted 
in a fatal attack of bilious fever which terminated his life on October 3. 
His faithful wife, who was devotedly attached to him, mourned deeply 
during his sickness. After his death he was dressed in the uniform pre- 
sented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in 
a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. " The 



THE NORTHWEST TF^RHITORV. 79 

body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a 
seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side, the cane, given him 
by Henry Clay, was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it. 
Many of the old warrior's trophies were placed in the grave, and some 
Indian garments, together with his favorite weapons." 

No sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers began 
rapidly to pour into the northern parts of Illinois, and into Wisconsin, 
now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had 
grown to a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence. 
In 1835, the formation of a State Government in Michigan was discussed, 
but did not take active form until two years later, when the State became 
a part of the Federal Union. 

The main attraction to that portion of the Northwest lying west of 
Lake Michigan, now included in the State of Wisconsin, was its alluvial 
wealth. Copper ore was found about Lake Superior. For some time this 
region was attached to Michigan for judiciary purposes, but in 183(5 was 
made a territory, then including Minnesota and Iowa. The latter State 
was detached two years later. In 1848, W^isconsin was admitted as a 
State, Madison being made the capital. We have now traced the various 
divisions of the Northwest Territory (save a little in Minnesota) from 
the time it was a unit comprising this vast territory, until circumstances 
compelled its present division. 

OTHER INDIAN TROUBLES. 

Before leaving this part of the narrative, we will narrate briefly the 
Indian troubles in Minnesota and elsewhere by the Sioux Indians. 

In August, 1862, the Sioux Indians living on the western borders of 
Minnesota fell upon the unsuspecting settlers, and in a few hours mas- 
sacred ten or twelve hundred persons. A distressful panic was the 
immediate result, fully thirty thousand persons fleeing from their homes 
to districts supposed to be better protected. The military authorities 
at once took active measures to punish the savages, and a large number 
were killed and captured. About a year after, Little Crow, the chief, 
was killed by a Mr. Lampson near Scattered Lake. Of those captured, 
thirty were hung at Mankato, and the remainder, through fears of mob 
violence, were removed to Camp McClellan, on the outskirts of the City 
of Davenport. It was here that Big Eagle came into prominence and 
secured his release by the following order : 



80 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 




BIG EAGLE. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 81 

" Special Order, No. 430. " War Department, 

" Adjutant General's Office, Washington, Dee. 8, 1864. 

" Big Eagle, an Indian now in confinement at Davenport, Iowa, 
will, upoi4 the receipt of this order, be immediately released from confine- 
ment and set at liberty. 

" By order of the President of the United States. 
" Official : " E. D. Townsend, Ass't Adft aen. 

" Capt. James Vanderventer, (7om'y Sub. Vols. 

" Through Com'g Gen'l, Washington, D. C." 

Another Indian who figures more prominently than Big Eagle, and 
who was more cowardly in his nature, with his band of Modoc Indians, 
is noted in the annals of the New Northwest: we refer to Captain Jack. 
This distinguished Indian, noted for his cowardly murder of Gen. Canby, 
was a chief of a Modoc tril)e of Indians inhabiting the border lands 
between California and Oregon. This region of country comprises what 
is known as the " Lava Beds,"' a tract of land described as utterly impene- 
trable, save by those savages who had made it their home. 

The Modocs are known as an exceedingl}^ fierce and treacherous 
race. They had, according to their own traditions, resided here for many 
generations, and at one time were exceedingly numerous and powerful. 
A famine carried off nearly half their numbers, and disease, indolence 
and the vices of the white man have reduced them to a poor, weak and 
insignificant tribe. 

Soon after the settlement of California and ( )regon, complaints began 
to be heard of massacres of emigrant trains passing through the Modoc 
country., In 1847, an emigrant train, comprising eighteen souls, was en- 
tirely destroyed at a place since known as " Bloody Point." These occur- 
rences caused the United States Government to appoint a peace commission, 
who, after repeated attempts, in 1864. made a treaty with the Modocs. 
Snakes and Klamaths, in Avhich it was agreed on their part to remove to 
a reservation set apart for them in the southern part of Oregon. 

With the exception of Captain Jack and a band of his followers, who 
remained at Clear Lake, about six miles from Klamath, all the Indians 
complied. The Modocs who went to the reservation were under chief 
Schonchin. Captain Jack remained at the lake without disturbance 
until 1869, when he was also induced to remove to the reservation. The 
Modocs and the Klamaths soon became involved in a quarrel, and Captain 
Jack and his band returned to the Lava Beds. 

Several attempts were made by the Indian Commissioners to induce 
them to return to the reservation, and finally becoming involved in a 



82 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

difficulty with the commissioner and liis military escort, a fight ensued, 
in which the chief and his Land were routed. They were greatly enraged, 
and on their retreat, before the day closed, killed eleven inoffensive whites. 

The nation was aroused and immediate action demandedi A com- 
mission was at once appointed by the Government to see what could be 
done. It comj)rised the following persons : Gen. E. R. S. Canby, Rev. 
Dr. E. Thomas, a leading Methodist divine of California; Mr. A. B. 
Meacham, Judge Rosborough, of California, and a Mr. Dyer, of Oregon. 
After several interviews, in which the savages were always aggressive, 
often appearing with scalps in their belts. Bogus Charley came to the 
commission on the evening of April 10, 1873, and informed them that 
Capt. Jack and his band would have a " talk " to-morrow at a place near 
Clear Lake, about three miles distant. Here the Commissioners, accom- 
panied by Charley, Riddle, the interpreter, and Boston Charley repaired. 
After the usual greeting the council proceedings commenced. On behalf 
of the Indians there were present : Capt. Jack, Black Jim, Schnac Nasty 
Jim, Ellen's Man, and Hooker Jim. They had no guns, but carried pis- 
tols. After short speeches by Mr. Meacham, Gen. Canby and Dr. Thomas, 
Chief Schonchin arose to speak. He had scarcely proceeded when, 
as if by a preconcerted arrangement, Capt. Jack drew his pistol and shot 
Gen. Canby dead. In less than a minute a dozen shots were fired by the 
savages, and the massacre completed. Mr. Meacham was shot by Schon- 
chin, and Dr. Thomas by Boston Charley. Mr. Dyer barely escaped, being 
fired at twice. Riddle, the interpreter, and his squaw escaped. The 
troops rushed to the spot where they found Gen. Canby and Dr. Thomas 
dead, and Mr. Meacham badly wounded. The savages had escaped to 
their impenetrable fastnesses and could not be pursued. 

The whole country was aroused by this brutal massacre ; but it was 
not until the following May that the murderers were brought to justice. 
At that time Boston Charley gave himself up, and offered to guide the 
troops to Capt. Jack's stronghold. This led to the capture of his entire 
gang, a number of whom were murdered by Oregon volunteers while on 
their way to trial. The remaining Indians were held as prisoners until 
July when their trial occurred, which led to the conviction of Capt. 
Jack, Schonchin, Boston Charley, Hooker Jim, Broncho, alias One-Eyed 
Jim, and Slotuck, who were sentenced to be hanged. These sentences 
were approved by the President, save in the case of Slotuck and Broncho 
whose sentences were commuted to imprisonment for life. The others 
were executed at Fort Klamath, October 3, 1873. 

These closed the Indian troubles for a time in the Northwest, and for 
several years the borders of civilization remained in peace. They were 
again involved in a conflict with the savages about the country of the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



83 




CAPTAIN JACK, TIIE MODOC CIIIEFTAIX. 



^4 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

Black Hills, in which war the gallant Gen. Custer lost his life. Just 
now the borders of Oregon and California are again in fear of hostilities ; 
but as the Government has learned how to deal with the Indians, they 
will be of short duration. The red man is fast passing away before the 
march of the white man, and a few more generations will read of the 
Indians as one of the nations of the past. 

The Northwest abounds in memorable places. We have generally 
noticed them in the narrative, but our space forbids their description in 
detail, save of the most important places. Detroit, Cincinnati. Vincennes, 
Kaskaskia and their kindred towns have all been described. But ere we 
leave the narrative we will present our readers with an account of the 
Kinzie house, the old landmark of Chicago, and the discovery of the 
source of the Mississippi River, each of which may well find a place in 
the annals of the Northwest. 

Mr. John Kinzie, of the Kinzie house, represented in the illustra- 
tion, established a trading house at Fort Dearborn in 1804. The stockade 
had been erected the year previous, and named Fort Dearborn in honor 
of the Secretary of War. It had a block house at ea&h of the two angles, 
on the southern side a sallyport, a covered way on the north side, that led 
down to the river, for the double purpose of providing means of escape, 
and of procuring water in the event of a siege. 

Fort Dearborn stood on the south bank of the Chicago River, about 
half a mile from its mouth. When Major Whistler built it, his soldiers 
hauled all the timber, for he had no oxen, and so economically did he 
work that the fort cost the Government only fifty dollars. For a while 
the garrison could get no grain, and Whistler and his men subsisted on 
acorns. Now Chicago is the greatest grain center in the world. 

Mr. Kinzie bought the hut of the first settler, Jean Baptiste Point au 
Sable, on the site of which he erected his mansion. Within an inclosure 
in front he planted some Lombardy poplars, seen in the engraving, and in 
the rear he soon had a fine garden and growing orchard. 

In 1812 the Kinzie house and its surroundings became the theater 
of stirring events. The garrison of Fort Dearborn consisted of fifty-four 
men, under the charge of Capt. Nathan Heald, assisted, by Lieutenant 
Lenai T. Helm (son-in-law to Mrs. Kinzie), and Ensign Ronan. The 
surgeon was Dr. Voorhees. The only residents at the post at that time 
were the wives of Capt. Heald and Lieutenant Helm and a few of the 
soldiers, Mr. Kinzie and his family, and a few Canadian voyagers with their 
wives and children. The soldiers and Mr. Kinzie were on the most 
friendly terms ,with th« Pottawatomies and the Winnebagoes, the prin- 
cipal tribes around them, but they could not win them from their attach- 
ment to the British. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



85 



After the battle of Tippecanoe it was observed that some of the lead- 
ing chiefs l)ecame sullen, for some of their people had perished in that 
conflict with American troops. 

One evening in April, 1812, Mr. Kinzie sat playing his violin and his 
children were dancing to the music, when Mrs. Kinzie came rushing into 
the house pale with terror, and exclaiming, " The Indians ! the Indians ! " 
" What? Where? " eagerly inquired Mr. Kinzie. " Up at Lee's, killing 
and scalping," answered the frightened mother, who, when the alarm was 
given, was attending Mrs. Burns, a newly-made mother, living not f;iv off. 




KITSrZIE HOUSE. 



Mr. Kinzie and his family crossed the river in boats, and took refuge in 
the fort, to which place Mrs. Burns and her infant, not a day old, were 
conveyed in safety to the shelter of the guns of Fort Dearborn, and the 
rest of the white inhabitants fled. The Indians were a scalping party of 
Winnebagoes, who hovered around the fort some days, when they dis- 
appeared, and for several weeks the inhabitants were not disturbed by 
alarms. 

Chicago was then so deep in the wilderness, that the news of the 
declaration of war against Great Britain, made on the 19th of June, 1812, 
did not reach the commander of the garrison at Fort Dearborn till the 7th 
of August. Now the fast mail train will carry a man from New York to 
Chicago in twenty-seven hours, and such a declaration might be sent, 
every word, by the telegraph in less than the same number of minutes. 



'^ 



86 



THE ]S"OETHWEST TERRITORY, 



PRESENT CONDITION OF THE NORTHWEST. 



Preceding- chapters have brought us to the close of the Black Hawk 
war, and Ave now turn to the contemplation of the growth and prosperity 
of the Northwest under the smile of peace and the blessings of our civili- 
za,tion. The pioneers of this region date events back to the deep snow 



f 




A REPRESENTATIVE PIONEER. 



of 1831, no one arriving here since that date taking first honors. The 
inciting cause of the immigration which overflowed the prairies early in 
the '30s was the reports of the marvelous beauty and fertility of the 
region distributed through the East by those who had participated in the 
Black Hawk campaign with Gen. Scott. Chicago and Milwaukee then 
had a few hundred inhabitants, and Gurdon S. Hubbard's trail from the 
former city to Kaskaskia led almost through a wilderness. Vegetables 
and clothing were largely distributed through the regions adjoining the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



87 



lakes by steamers from the Ohio towns. There are men now living in 
Illinois who came to the state when barely an acre was in cultivation, 
and a man now prominent in the business circles of Chicago looked over 
the swampy, cheerless site of that metropolis in 1818 and went south 
ward into civilization. Emigrants from Pennsvlvania in 1830 left behind 







LINCOLN MONUMENT, SPKINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. 

them but one small railway in the coal regions, thirty miles in length, 
and made their way to the Northwest mostly with ox teams, finding in 
Northern Illinois petty settlements scores of miles apart, although the 
southern portion of the state was fairly dotted with farms. The 
water courses of the lakes and rivers furnished transportation to the 
second great army of immigrants, and about 18o0 railroads were 
pushed to that extent that the crisis of 1837 was precipitated upon us, 



88 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



from the effects of which the Western country had not fully recovered 
at the outbreak of the war. Hostilities found the colonists of the prairies 
fully alive to the demands of the occasion, and the honor of recruiting 




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the vast armies of the Union fell largely to the Governors of the Western 
States. The struggle, on the whole, had a marked effect for the better on the 
new Northwest, giving it an impetus which twenty years of peace would not have 
produced. In a large degree, this prosperity was an inflated one; and, with 
the rest of the Union, we have since been compelled to atone therefor by four 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 89 

years of depression of values, of scarcity of employment, and loss of 
fortune. To a less degree, however, than the manufacturing or mining 
regions has the West suffered during the prolonged panic now so near its 
end. Agriculture, still the leading feature in our industries, has been 
quite prosperous through all these dark years, and the farmers have 
cleared away many incumbrances resting over them from the period of 
fictitious values. The population has steadily increased, the arts and 
sciences are gaining a stronger foothold, the trade area of the region is 
becoming daily more extended, and we have been largely exempt from 
the financial calamities which have nearly wrecked communities on the 
seaboard dependent wholly on foreign commerce or domestic manufacture. 

At the present period there are no great schemes broached for the 
Northwest, no propositions for government subsidies or national works 
of improvement, but the capital of the world is attracted hither for the 
purchase of our products or the expansion of our capacity for serving the 
nation at large. A new era is dawning as to transportation, and we bid 
fair to deal almost exclusively with the increasing and expanding lines 
of steel rail running through every few miles of territory on the prairies. 
The lake marine will no doubt continue to be useful in the warmer 
season, and to serve as a regulator of freight rates ; but experienced 
navigators forecast the decay of the system in moving to the seaboard 
the enormous crops of the West. Within the past five years it has 
become quite common to see direct shipments to Europe and the West 
Indies going through from the second-class towns along the Mississippi 
and Missouri. 

As to popular education, the standard has of late risen very greatly, 
and our schools would be creditable to any section of the Union. 

More and more as the events of the war pass into obscurity will the 
fate of the Northwest be linked with that of the Southwest, and the 
next Congressional apportionment will give the valley of the Mississippi 
absolute control of the legislation of the nation, and do much toward 
securing the removal of the Federal capitol to some more central location. 

Our public men continue to wield the full share of influence pertain- 
ing to their rank in the national autonomy, and seem not to forget that 
for tlie past sixteen years they and their constituents have dictated the 
principles which should govern the country. 

In a work like this, destined to lie on the shelves of the library for 
generations, and not doomed to daily destruction like a nevv'spaper, one 
can not indulge in the same glowing predictions, the sanguine statements 
of actualities that fill the columns of ephemeral publications. Time may 
bring grief to the pet projects of a writer, and explode castles erected on 
a pedestal of facts. Yet there are unmistakable indications before us of 



90 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

the same radical change in our great Northwest which characterizes its 
history for the past thirty years. Our domain has a sort of natural 
geographical border, save where it melts away to the southward in the 
cattle raisinof districts of the southwest. 

Our prime interest will for some years doubtless be the growth of 
the food of the world, in which branch it has already outstripped all 
competitors, and our great rival in this duty will naturally be the fertile 
plains of Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, to say nothing of the new 
empire so rapidly growing up in Texas. Over these regions there is a 
continued progress in agriculture and in railway building, and we must 
look to our laurels. Intelligent observers of events are fully aware of 
the strides made in the way of shipments of fresh meats to Europe, 
many of these ocean cargoes being actually slaughtered in the West and 
transported on ice to the wharves of the seaboard cities. That this new 
enterprise will continue there is no reason to doubt. There are in 
Chicago several factories for the canning of prepared meats for European 
consumption, and the orders for thi^ class of goods are already immense. 
English capital is becoming daily more and more dissatisfied with railway 
loans and investments, and is gradually seeking mammoth outlays in 
lands and live stock. The stock yards in Chicago, Indianapolis and East 
St. Louis are yearly increasing their facilities, and their plant steadily 
grows more valuable. Importations of blooded animals from the pro- 
gressive countries of Europe are destined to greatly improve the quality 
of our beef and mutton. Nowhere is there to be seen a more enticing 
display in this line than at oar state and county fairs, and the interest 
in the matter is on the increase. 

To attempt to give statistics of our grain production for 1877 would 
be useless, so far have we surpassed ourselves in the quantity and 
quality of our product. We are too liable to forget that we are giving 
the world its first article of necessity — its food supply. An opportunity 
to learn this fact so it never can be forgotten Avas afforded at Chicago at 
the outbreak of the great panic of 1873, when Canadian purchasers, 
fearing the prostration of business mightbring about an anarchical condition 
of affairs, went to that city with coin in bulk and foreign drafts to secure 
their supplies in their own currency at first hands. It may be justly 
claimed by the agricitltural community that their combined efforts gave 
the nation its first impetus toward a restoration of its crippled industries, 
and their labor brought the gold premium to a lower depth than the 
government was able to reach by its most intense efforts of legislation 
and compulsion. The hundreds of millions about to be disbtirsed for 
farm products have already, by the anticipation common to all commercial 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



91 



nations, set the wheels in motion, and will relieve us from the perils sa 
long shadowing our efforts to return to a healthy tone. 

Manufacturing has attained in the chief cities a foothold which bids 
fair to render the Northwest independent of the outside world. Nearly 




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our whole region has a distribution of coal measures which will in time 
support the manufactures necessary to our comfort and prosperity. As 
to transportation, the chief factor in the production of all articles except 
food, no section is so mas^nificently endowed, and our facilities are yearly 
increasing beyond those of any other region. 



92 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

The period from a central point of the ^A ar to the outbreak of the 
panic was marked hy a tremendous growth in our railway lines, but the 
depression of the times caused almost a total suspension of operations. 
Now that prosperity is returning to our stricken country we witness its 
anticipation by the railroad interest in a series of projects, extensions, 
and leases whicli bid fair to largely increase our transportation facilities. 
The process of foreclosure and sale of incumbered lines is another matter 
to be considered. In the case of the Illinois Central road, which formerly 
transferred to other lines at Cairo the vast burden of freight destined for 
the Gulf region, we now see the incorporation of the tracks connecting 
through to New Orleans, every mile co-operating in turning toward the 
northwestern metropolis the weight of the inter-state commerce of a 
thousand miles or more of fertile plantations. Three competing routes 
to Texas have established in Chicago their general freight and passenger 
agencies. Four or five lines compete for all Pacific freights to a point as 
as far as the interior of Nebraska. Half a dozen or more splendid bridge 
structures have been thrown across the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers by 
the railways. The Chicago and Northwestern line has become an aggre-, 
gation of over two thousand miles of rail, and the Chicago, Milwaukee 
and St. Paul is its close rival in extent and importance. The three lines 
running to Cairo via Vincennes form a through route for all traffic with 
the states to the southward. The chief projects now under discussion 
are the Chicago and Atlantic, which is to unite with lines now built to 
Charleston, and the Chicago and Canada Southern, which line will con- 
nect with all the various branches of that Canadian enterprise. Our 
latest new road is the Chicago and Lake Huron, formed of three lines, 
and entering the city from Valparaiso on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne 
and Chicago track. The trunk lines being mainly in operation, the 
progress made in the way of shortening tracks, making air-line branches, 
and running extensions does not show to the advantage it deserves, as 
this process is constantly adding new facilities to the established order 
of things. The panic reduced the price of steel to a point where the 
railways could hardly afford to use iron rails, and all our northwestern 
lines report large relays of Bessemer track. The immense crops now 
being moved have given a great rise to the value of railway stocks, and 
their transportation must result in heavy pecuniary advantages. 

Few are aware of the importance of the wholesale and jobbing trade 
of Chicago. One leading firm has since the panic sold $2-4:,000,000 of 
dry goods in one year, and they now expect most confidently to add 
seventy per cent, to the figures of their last year's business. In boots 
and shoes and in clothing, twenty or more great firms from the east have 
placed here their distributing agents or their factories j and in groceries 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



93 



Chicago supplies the entire Northwest at rates presenting advantages 
over New York. 

Chicago has stepped in between New York and the rural banks as a 
financial center, and scarcely a banking institution in the grain or cattle 
regions but keeps its reserve funds in the vaults of our commercial insti- 
tutions. Accumulating here throughout the spring and summer months, 
they are summoned home at pleasure to move the products of the 
prairies. This process greatly strengthens the northwest in its financial 
operations, leaving home capital to supplement local Generations on 
behalf of home interests. * 

It is impossible to forecast th'- destiny of this grand and growing 
section of the Union. Figures and predictions made at this date might 
seem ten years hence so ludicrously small as to excite only derision. 




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HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 



95 



CHICAGO. 

It is impossible in our brief space to give more than a meager sketch 
of such a city as Chicago, which is in itself the greatest marvel of the 
Prairie State. This mysterious, majestic, mighty city, born first of water, 
and next of fire ; sown in weakness, and raised in power ; planted among 
the willows of the marsh, and crowned with the glory of the mountains ; 
sleeping on the bosom of the prairie, and rocked on the bosom of the sea , 




CHICAGO IN I800. 



the youngest city of the •world, and still the eye of the prairie, as Damas- 
cus, the oklest city of the ■world, is the eye of the desert. With a com- 
merce far exceeding that of Corinth on her isthmus, in the highway to 
the East ; with the defenses of a continent piled around her by the thou- 
sand miles, making her far safer than Rome on the banks of the Tiber ; 



96 HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 

with schools eclipsing Alexandria and Athens : with liberties more con- 
spicuous than those of the old republics ; with a heroism equal to the firsfc 
Carthage, and with a sanctity scarcely second to that of Jerusalem — set 
your thoughts on all this, lifted into the eyes of all men by the miracle of 
its growth, illuminated by the flame of its fall, and transfigured by the 
divinity of its resurrection, and you will feel, as I do, the utter impossi- 
bility of compassing this subject as it deserves. Some impression of her 
importance is received from the shock her burning gave to the civilized 
world. 

When the doubt of her calamity was removed, and the horrid fact 
was accepted, there went a shudder over all cities, and a quiver over all 
lands. There was scarcely a town in the civilized world that did not 
shake on the brink of this opening chasm. The flames of our homes red- 
dened all skies. The city was set upon a hill, and could not be hid. All 
eyes were turned upon it. To have struggled and suffered amid the 
scenes of its fall is as distinguishing as to have fought at Thermopylae, or 
Salamis, or Hastings, or Waterloo, or Bunker Hill. 

Its calamity amazed the world, because it was felt to be the common 
property of mankind. 

The early history of the city is full of interest, just as the early his- 
tory of such a man as Washington or Lincoln becomes public property^ 
and is cherished by every patriot. 

Starting with 560 acres in 1833, it embraced and occupied 23,000 
acres in 1869, and, having now a population of more than 500,000, it com- 
mands general attention. 

The first settler — Jean Baptiste Pointe au Sable, a mulatto from the 
West Indies — came and began trade with the Indians in 1796. John 
Kinzie became his successor in 1801, in which year Fort Dearborn was 
erected. 

A mere trading-post was kept here from that time till about the time 
of the Blackhawk war, in 1832. It was not the city. It was merely a» 
cock crowing at midnight. The morning was not yet. In 1833 the set- 
tlement about the fort was incorporated as a town. The voters were 
divided on the propriety of such corporation, twelve voting for it and one 
against it. Four years later it was incorporated as a city, and embraced 
660 acres. 

The produce handled in this city is an indication of its power. Grain, 
and flour were imported from the East till as late as 1837. The first 
exportation by way of experiment was in 1839. Exports exceeded imports 
first in 1842. The Board of Trade was organized in 1848, but it was so 
weak that it needed nursing till 1855. Grain was purchased by the 
wagon-load in the street. 

I remember sitting with my father on a load of wheat, in the long 



HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 97 

line of wagons along Lake street, while the buyers came and untied the 
bags, and examined the grain, and made their bids. That manner of 
business had to cease with the day of small things. Now our elevators 
will hold 15,000,000 bushels of grain. The cash value of the produce 
handled in a year is 8215,000,000, and the produce weighs 7,000,000 
tons or 700,000 car loads. This handles thirteen and a half ton each 
minute, all the year round. One tenth of all the wheat in the United 
States is handled in Chicago. Even as long ago as 1853 the receipts of 
grain in Chicago exceeded those of the goodly city of St. Louis, and in 
1854 the exports of grain from Chicago exceeded those of New York and 
doubled those of St. Petersburg, Archangel, or Odessa, the largest grain 
markets in Europe. 

The manufacturing interests of the city are not contemptible. In 
1873 manufactories employed 45,000 operatives ; in 1876,60,000. The 
manufactured product in 1875 was worth §177,000,000. 

No estimate of the size and power of Chicago would be adequate 
that did not put large emphasis on the railroads. Before they came 
thundering along our streets canals were the hope of our country. But 
who ever thinks now of traveling by canal packets ? In June, 1852, 
there were only forty miles of railroad connected with the city. The 
old Galena division of the Northwestern ran out to Elgin. But now, 
who can count the trains and measure the roads that seek a terminus or 
connection in this city ? The lake stretches away to the north, gathering 
in to this center all the harvests that might otherwise pass to the north 
of us. If you will take a map and look at the adjustment of railroads, 
you will see, first, that Chicago is the great railroad center of the world, 
as New York is the commercial city of this continent ; and, second, that 
the railroad lines form the iron spokes of a great wheel whose hub is 
this city. The lake furnishes the only break in the spokes, and this 
seems simply to have pushed a few spokes together on each shore. See 
the eighteen trunk lines, exclusive of eastern connections. 

Pass round the circle, and view their numbers and extent. There 
is the great Northwestern, with all its branches, one branch creeping 
along the lake shore, and so reaching to the north, into the Lake Superior 
regions, away to the right, and on to the Northern Pacific on the lett, 
swinging around Green Bay for iron and copper and silver, twelve months 
in the year, and reaching out for the wealth of the great agricultural 
belt and isothermal line traversed by the Northern Pacific. Another 
branch, not so far north, feeling for the heart of the Badger State. 
Another pushing lower down the Mississippi — all these make many con- 
nections, and tapping all the vast wheat regions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, 
Iowa, and all the regions this side of sunset. There is that elegant road, 
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, running out a goodly number of 



98 



HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 




OLD FORT DEARBORN, 1830. 




PRESENT SITE OF LAKE STREET BRIDGE, CHICAGO, IN 1833. 



HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 99 

branches, and reaping the great fields this side of the Missouri River. 
I can only mention the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis, our Illinois Central, 
described elsewhere, and the Chicago & Rock Island. Further around 
we come to the lines connecting us with all the eastern cities. The 
Chicago, Indianapolis & St. Louis, the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & 
Chicago, the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, and the Michigan Cen- 
tral and Great Western, give us many highways to the seaboard. Thus we 
reach the Mississippi at five points, from St. Paul to Cairo and the Gulf 
itself by two routes. We also reach Cincinnati and Baltimore, and Pitts- 
burgh and Philadelphia, and New York. North and south run the water 
courses of the lakes and the rivers, broken just enough at this point to 
make a pass. Through this, from east to west, run the long lines that 
stretch from ocean to ocean. 

This is the neck of the glass, and the golden sands of commerce 
must pass into our hands. Altogether we have more than 10,000 miles 
of railroad, directly tributary to this city, seeking to unload their wealth 
in our coffers. All these roads have come themselves by the infallible 
instinct of capital. Not a dollar was ever given by the city to secure 
one of them, and only a small per cent, of stock taken originally by her 
citizens, and that taken simply as an investment. Coming in the natural 
order of events, they will not be easily diverted. 

There is still another showing to ail this. The connection between 
New York and San Francisco is by the middle route. This passes inevit- 
ably through Chicago. St. Louis wants the Southern Pacific or Kansas 
Pacific, and pushes it out through Denver, and so on up to Cheyenne. 
But before the road is fairly under way, the Chicago roads shove out to 
Kansas City, making even the Kansas Pacific a feeder, and actually leav- 
ing St. Louis out in the cold. It is not too much to expect that Dakota, 
Montana, and Washington Territory will find their great market in Chi- 
cago. 

But these are not all. Perhaps I had better notice here the ten or 
fifteen new roads that have just entered, or are ,just entering, our city. 
Their names are all that is necessary to give. Chicago & St. Paul, look- 
ing up the Red River country to the British possessions ; the Chicago, 
Atlantic & Pacific ; the Chicago, Decatur & State Line ; the Baltimore & 
Ohio; the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes; the Chicago & LaSalle Rail- 
road ; the Chicago, Pittsburgh & Cincinnati : the Chicago and Canada 
Southern ; the Chicago and Illinois River Railroad. These, with their 
connections, and with the new connections of the old roads, already in 
process of erection, give to Chicago not less than 10,000 miles of new 
tributaries from the richest land on the continent. Thus there will be 
added to the reserve power, to the capital within reach of this city, not 
less than $1,000,000,000. 



100 HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 

Add to all this transporting power the ships that sail one every nine 
minutes of the business hours of the season of navigation ; add, also, the 
canal boats that leave one every five minutes during the same time — and 
you will see something of the business of the city. 

THE COMMERCE OF THIS CITY 

has been leaping along to keep pace with the growth of the country 
around us. In 1852, our commerce reached the hopeful sum of 
120,000,000. In 1870 it reached $400,000,000. In 1871 it was pushed 
up above $450,000,000. And in 1875 it touched nearly double that. 

One-half of our imported goods come directly to Chicago. Grain 
enough is exported directly from our docks to the old world to employ a 
semi-weekl}^ line of steamers of 3,000 tons capacity. This branch ia 
not likely to be greatly developed. Even after the great Welland Canal 
is completed we shall have only fourteen feet of water. The great ocean 
vessels will continue to control the trade. 

The banking capital of Chicago is $24,431,000. Total exchange in 
1875, $659,000,000. Her wholesale business in 1875 was $294,000,000. 
The rate of taxes is less than in an}^ other great city. 

The schools of Chicago are unsurjDassed in America. Out of a popu- 
lation of 300,000 there were only 186 persons between the ages of six 
aiid twenty-one unable to read. This is the best known record. 

In 1831 the mail system was condensed into a half-breed, who went 
on foot to Niles, Mich., once in two weeks, and brought back what papers 
and news he could find. As late as 1846 there was often only one mail 
a week. A post-office was established in Chicago in 1833, and the post- 
master nailed, up old boot-legs on one side of his shop to serve as boxes 
for the nabobs and literary men. 

It is an interesting fact in the growth of the young city that in the 
active life of the business men of that day the mail matter has grown to 
a daily average of over 6,500 pounds. It speaks equally well for the 
intelligence of the people and the commercial importance of the place, 
that the mail matter distributed to the territory immediately tributary to 
Chicago is seven times greater than that distributed to the territory 
immediately tributary to St. Louis. 

The improvements that have characterized the city are as startling 
as the city itself. In 1831, Mark Beaubien established a ferry over the 
river, and put himself under bonds to carry all the citizens free for the 
privilege of charging strangers. Now there are twenty-four large bridf es 
and two tunnels. 

In 1833 the government expended $30,000 on the harbor. Then 
commenced that series of manoeuvers with the river that has made it one 



HISTOKY OF THE KORTHWEST. 101 

of the world's curiosities. It used to wind around in the lower end of 
the town, and make its way rippling over the sand into the lake at the 
foot of Madison street. Tliey took it up and put it down where it now 
is. It was a narrow stream, so narrow that even moderately small crafts 
had to go up through the willows and cat's tails to the point near Lake 
street bridge, and back up one of the branches to get room enough in 
which to turn around. 

In 1844 the quagmires in the streets were first pontooned by plank 
roads, which acted in wet weather as public squirt-guns. Keeping yon 
out of the mud, they compromised by squirting the mud over you. The 
wooden-block pavements came to Chicago in 1857. In 1840 water was 
delivered by peddlers in carts or by hand. Then a twenty-five horse- 
power engine pushed it through hollow or bored logs along the streets 
till 1854, when it was introduced into the houses by new works. The 
first fire-engine was used in 1835, and the first steam fire-engine in 1859. 
Gas was utilized for lighting the city in 1850. The Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association was organized in 1858, and horse railroads carried them 
to their work in 1859. The museum was opened in 1863. The alarm 
telegraph adopted in 1864. The opera-house built in 1865. The city 
grew from 560 acres in 1833 to 23,000 in 1869. In 1834, the taxes 
amounted to 148.90, and the trustees of the town borrowed $60 more for 
opening and improving streets. In 1835, the legislature authorized a loan 
of $2,000, and the treasurer and street commissioners resigned rather than 
plunge the town into such a gulf. 

Now the city embraces 36 square miles of territory, and has 30 miles 
of water front, besides the outside harbor of refuge, of 400 acres, inclosed 
by a crib sea-wall. One-third of the city has been raised up an average 
of eight feet, giving good pitch to the 263 miles of sewerage. The water 
of the city is above all competition. It is received through two tunnels 
extending to a crib in the lake two miles from shore. The closest analy- 
sis fails to detect any impurities, and, received 35 feet below the surface, 
it is always clear and cold. The first tunnel is five feet two inches in 
diameter and two miles long, and can deliver 50,000,000 of gallons per 
day. The second tunnel is seven feet in diameter and six miles long, 
running four miles under the city, and can deliver 100,000,000 of gal- 
lons per day. This water is distributed through 410 miles of water- 
mains. 

The three grand engineering exploits of the city are : First, lifting 
the city up on jack-screws, whole squares at a time, without interrupting 
the business, thus giving us good drainage ; second, running the tunnels 
under the lake, giving us the best water in the world ; and third, the 
turning the current of the river in its own channel, delivering us from the 
old abominations, and making decency possible. They redound about 



102 HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 

equally to the credit of the engineering, to the energy of the people, and 
to the healtli of the city. 

That wliich really constitutes the city, its indescribable spirit, its soul, 
the way it lights up in every feature in the hour of action, has not been 
touched. In meeting strangers, one is often surprised how some homely 
women marry so well. Their forms are bad, their gait uneven and awk- 
ward, their complexion is dull, their features are misshapen and mismatch- 
ed, and when we see them there is no beauty that we should desire them. 
But when once they are aroused on some subject, they put on new pro- 
portions. They light up into great power. The real person comes out 
from its unseemly ambush, and captures us at will. They have power. 
They have ability to cause things to come to pass. We no longer wonder 
why they are in such high demand. So it is with our city. 

There is no grand scenery except the two seas, one of water, the 
other of prairie. Nevertheless, there is a spirit about it, a push, a breadth, 
a power, that soon makes it a place never to be forsaken. One soon 
ceases to believe in impossibilities. Balaams are the only prophets that are 
disappointed. The bottom that has been on the point of falling out has 
been there so long that it has grown fast. It can not fall out. It has all 
the capital of the world itching to get inside the corporation. 

The two great laws that govern the growth and size of cities are, 
first, the amount of territory for which they are the distributing and 
receiving points ; second, the number of medium or moderate dealers that 
do this distributing. Monopolists build up themselves, not the cities. 
They neither eat, wear, nor live in proportion to their business. Both 
these laws help Chicago. 

The tide of trade is eastward — not up or down the map, but across 
the map. The lake runs up a wingdam for 500 miles to gather in the 
business. Commerce can not ferry up there for seven months in the year, 
and the facilities for seven months can do the work for twelve. Then the 
great region west of us is nearly all good, productive land. Dropping 
south into the trail of St. Louis, you fall into vast deserts and rocky dis- 
tricts, useful in holding the world together. St. Louis and Cincinnati, 
instead of rivaling and hurting Chicago, are her greatest sureties of 
dominion. They are far enough away to give sea-room, — farther off than 
Paris is from London, — and yet they are near enough to prevent the 
springing up of any other great city between them. 

St. Louis will be helped by the opening of the Mississippi, but also 
hurt. That will put New Orleans on her feet, and with a railroad running 
over into Texas and so West, she will tap the streams that now crawl up 
the Texas and Missouri road. The current is East, not North, and a sea- 
port at New Orleans can not permanently help St. Louis. 

Chicago is in the field almost alone, to handle the wealth of one- 



^ 



HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 103 

fourth of the territoiy of this great republic. Tliis strip of seacoast 
divides its margins between Portland, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore and Savannah, or some other great port to be created for the 
South in the next decade. But Chicago has a dozen empires casting their 
treasures into her lap. On a bed of coal that can run all the machinery 
of the world for 500 centuries ; in a garden that can feed the race by the 
thousand years; at the head of the lakes that give her a temperature as a 
summer resort equaled by no great city in the land ; with a climate that 
insures the health of her citizens ; surrounded by all the great deposits 
of natural wealth in mines aud forests and herds, Chicago is the wonder 
of to-day, and will be the city of the future. 

MASSACRE AT FORT DEARBORN. 

During the war of 1812, Fort Dearborn became the theater of stirring 
<9vents. The garrison consisted of fifty-four men under command of 
Captain Nathan Heald, assisted by Lieutenant Helm (son-in-law of Mrs. 
Kinzie) and Ensign Ronan. Dr. Voorhees was surgeon. The onl}^ resi- 
dents at the post at that time were the wives of Captain Heald and Lieu- 
tenant Helm, and a few of the soldiers, Mr. Kinzie and his family, and 
a few Canadian voyageurs, with their wives and cliildren. The soldiers 
and Mr. Kinzie were on most friendly terms with the Pottawattamies 
and Winnebagos, the principal tribes around them, but they could not 
win them from their attachment to the British. 

One evening in April, 1812, Mr. Kinzie sat playing on his violin and 
his children were dancing to the music, when Mrs. Kinzie came rushing 
into the house, pale with terror, and exclaiming : " The Indians ! the 
Indians!" "What? Where?" eagerly inquired Mr. Kinzie. "Up 
at Lee's, killing and scalping," answered the frightened mother, who, 
when the alarm was given, was attending Mrs. Barnes (just confined) 
living not far off. Mr. Kinzie and his family crossed the river and took 
refuge in the fort, to which place Mrs. Barnes and her infant not a day 
old were safely conveyed. The rest of the inhabitants took shelter in the 
fort. This alarm was caused by a scalping party of Winnebagos, who 
hovered about the fort several days, when they disappeared, and for several 
weeks the inhabitants were undisturbed. 

On the 7th of August, 1812, General Hull, at Detroit, sent orders to 
Captain Heald to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and to distribute all the United 
States property to the Indians in the neighborhood — a most insane order. 
The Pottawattamie chief, who brought the dispatch, had more wisdom 
than the commanding general. He advised Captain Heald not to make 
the distribution. Said he : " Leave the fort and stores as they are, and 
let the Indians make distribution for themselves ; and while they are 
engaged in the business, the white people may escape to Fort Wayne." 




-r. 



HISTORY OF THE KOKTHWEST. 105 

Captain Heald held a council with the Indians on the afternoon of 
the 12th, in which his officers refused to join, for they had been informed 
that treachery was designed — ^that the Indians intended to murder the 
white people in the council, and then destroy those in the fort. Captain 
Heald, however, took the precaution to open a port-hole displaying a 
cannon pointing directly upon the council, and by that means saved 
his life. 

Mr. Kinzie, who knew the Indians well, begged Captain Heald not 
to confide in their promises, nor distribute the arms and munitions among 
them, for it would only put power into their hands to destroy the whites. 
Acting upon this advice, Heald resolved to withhold the munitions of 
war ; and on the night of the 13th, after the distribution of the other 
property had been made, the powder, ball and liquors were thrown into 
the river, the muskets broken up and destroyed. 

Black Partridge, a friendly chief, came to Captain Heald, and said : 
" Linden birds have been singing in my ears to-day: be careful on the 
march you are going to take." On that dark night vigilant Indians had 
crept near the fort and discovered the destruction of their promised booty 
going on within. The next morning the powder was seen floating on the 
surface of the river. The savages were exasperated and made loud com- 
plaints and threats. 

On the following day when preparations were making to leave the 
fort, and all the inmates were deeply impressed with a sense of impend- 
ing danger, Capt. Wells, an uncle of Mrs. Heald, was discovered upon 
the Indian trail among the sand-hills on the borders of the lake, not far 
distant, with a band of mounted Miamis, of whose tribe he was chief, 
having been adopted by the famous Miami warrior, Little Turtle. When 
news of Hull's surrender reached Fort Wayne, he had started with this 
force to assist Heald in defending Fort Dearborn. He was too late. 
Every means for its defense had been destroyed the night before, and 
arrangements were made for leaving the fort on the morning of the loth. 

It was a warm bright morning in the middle of August. Indications 
were positive that the savages intended to murder the white people ; and 
when they moved out of the southern gate of the fort, the march was 
like a funeral procession. The band, feeling the solemnity of the occa- 
sion, struck up the Dead March in Saul. 

Capt. Wells, who had blackened his face with gun-powder in token 
of liis fate, took the lead with his band of Miamis, followed by Capt. 
Heald, with his wife by his side on horseback. Mr. Kinzie hoped by his 
personal influence to avert the impending blow, and therefore accompanied 
them, leaving his family in a boat in charge of a friendly Indian, to be 
taken to his trading station at the site of Niles, Michigan, in the event of 
his death. 



106 



HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 




HISTORY OF THE NORTJIWEST. 107 

The procession moved slowly along the lake shore till they reached 
the sand-hills between the prairie and the beach, when the Pottawattamie 
escort, under the leadership of Blackbird, filed to the right, placing those 
hills between them and the white people. Wells, with his Miamis, had 
kept in the advance. They suddenly came rushing back. Wells exclaim- 
ing, " They are about to attack us ; form instantly." These words were 
quickly followed by a storm of bullets, which came whistling over the 
little hills which the treacherous savages had made the covert for their 
murderous attack. The white troops charged upon the Indians, drove 
them back to the prairie, and then the battle was waged between fifty- 
four soldiers, twelve civilians and tliree or four women (the cowardly 
Miamis having fled at the outset) against five hundred Indian warriors. 
The white people, hopeless, resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible. 
Ensign Ronan wielded his weapon vigorously, even after falling upon his 
knees weak from the loss of blood. Capt. Wells, who was by the side of 
his niece, Mrs. Heald, when the conflict began, behaved with the greatest 
coolness and courage. He said to her, " We have not the slightest chance 
for life. We must part to meet no more in this world. God bless you." 
And then he dashed forward. Seeing a young warrior, painted like a 
demon, climb into a wagon in which were twelve children, and tomahawk 
them all, he cried out, unmindful of his personal danger, " If that is your 
game, butchering women and children, I will kill too." He spurred his 
horse towards the Indian camp, where they had left their squaws and 
papooses, hotly pursued by swift-footed young warriors, w*ho sent bullets 
whistling after him. One of these killed his horse and wounded him 
severely in the leg. With a yell the young braves rushed to make him 
their prisoner and reserve him for torture. He resolved not to be made 
a captive, and by the use of the most provoking epithets tried to induce 
them to kill him instantly. He called a fiery young chief a squaiv, when 
the enraged warrior killed Wells instantly with his tomahaAvk, jumped 
upon his body, cut out his heart, and ate a portion of the warm morsel 
with savage delight ! 

In this fearful combat women bore a conspicuous part. Mrs. Heald 
was an excellent equestrian and an expert in the use of the rifle. She 
fought the savages bravely, receiving several severe wounds. Though 
faint from the loss of blood, she managed to keep her saddle. A savage 
raised his tomahawk to kill her, when she looked him full in the face, 
and with a sweet smile and in a gentle voice said, in his own language, 
"Surely you will not kill a squaw!" The arm of the savage fell, and 
the life of the heroic woman was saved. 

Mrs. Helm, the step-daughter of Mr. Kinzie, had an encounter with 
a stout Indian, who attempted to tomahawk her. Springing to one side, 
she received the glancing blow on her shoulder, and at the same instant 



108 HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 

seized the savage round the neck with her arms and endeavored to get 
hold of his scalping knife, which hung in a sheath at his breast. While 
she was thus struggling she was dragged from iier antagonist by anc ':her 
powerful Indian, who bore her, in spite of her struggles, to the margin 
of the lake and plunged her in. To her astonishment she was held by 
him so that she would not drown, and slie soon perceived that she was 
in the hands of the friendly Black Partridge, who had saved her life. 

The wife of Sergeant Holt, a large and powerful woman, behaved as 
bravely as an Amazon. Slie rode a fine, high-spirited horse, which the 
Indians coveted, and several of them attacked her with the butts of their 
guns, for the purpose of dismounting her ; but she used the sword which 
she had snatched from her disabled husband so skillfully that she foiled 
them ; and, suddenly wheeling her horse, she dashed over the prairie, 
followed by the savages shouting, " The brave woman ! the brave woman ! 
Don't hurt her ! '' They finally overtook her, and while she was fighting 
them in front, a powerful savage came up behind her, seized her by the 
neck and dragged her to the ground. Horse and woman were made 
captives. Mrs. Holt was a long time a captive among the Indians, but 
was afterwards ransomed. 

In this sharp conflict two-thirds of the white people were slain and 
wounded, and all their horses, baggage and provision were lost. Only 
twenty-eight straggling men now remained to fight five hundred Indians 
rendered furious by the sight of blood. They succeeded in breaking 
through the ranks of the murderers and gaining a slight eminence on the 
prairie near the Oak Woods. The Indians did not pursue, but gathered 
on their flanks, while the chiefs held a consultation on the sand-hills, and 
showed signs of willingness to parley. It would have been madness on 
the part of the whites to renew the fight ; and so Capt. Heald went for- 
ward and met Blackbird on the open prairie, where terms of surrender 
were soon agreed upon. It was arranged that the white people should 
give up their arms to Blackbird, and that the survivors should become 
prisoners of war, to be exchanged for ransoms as soon as practicable, 
With this understanding captives and captors started for the Indian 
camp near the fort, to which Mrs. Helm had been taken bleeding and 
suffering by Black Partridge, and had met her step-father and learned 
that her husband was safe. 

A new scene of horror was now opened at the Indian camp. The 
wounded, not being included in' the terms of surrender, as it was inter- 
preted by the Indians, and the British general. Proctor, having offered a 
liberal bounty for American scalps, delivered at Maiden, nearly all the 
wounded men were killed and scalped, and the price of the trophies was 
afterwards paid by the British government. 



THE STATE OP IOWA. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 

The State of Iowa has an outline figure nearly approaching that of a rec- 
tangular parallelogram, the northern and southern boundaries being nearly due 
east and west lines, and its eastern and western boundaries determined by 
southerly flowing rivers — the Mississippi on the east, and the Missouri, together 
with its tributary, the Big Sioux, on the west. The northern boundary is upon 
the parallel of forty-three degrees thirty minutes, and the southern is approxi- 
mately upon that of forty degrees and thirty-six minutes. The distance from 
the northern to the southern boundary, excluding the small prominent angle at 
the southeast corner, is a little more than two hundred miles. Owing to the 
irregularity of the river boundaries, however, the number of square miles does 
not reach that of the multiple of these numbers ; but according to a report of 
the Secretary of the Treasury to the United States Senate, March 12, 1863, 
the State of Iowa contains 35,228,200 acres, or 55,044 square miles. When it 
is understood that all this vast extent of surface, except that which is occupied 
by our rivers, lakes and peat beds of the northern counties, is susceptible of the 
highest cultivation, some idea may be formed of the immense agricultural 
resources of the State. Iowa is nearly as large as England, and twice as large 
as Scotland ; but when we consider the relative area of surface which may be 
made to yield to the wants of man, those countries of the Old World will bear 
no comparison with Iowa. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

No complete topographical survey of the State of Iowa has yet been made. 
Therefore all the knowledge we have yet upon the subject has been obtained 
from incidental observations of geological corps, from barometrical observations 
by authority of the General Government, and levelings done by railroad en- 
gineer corps within the State. 

Taking into view the facts that the highest point in the State is but a little 
more than twelve hundred feet above the lowest point, that these two points are 
nearly three hundred miles apart, and that the whole State is traversed by 

100 



110 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



o 



gently flowing rivers, it will be seen that in reality the State of Iowa rests 
wholly within, and comprises a part of, a vast plain, with no mountain or hill 
ranges within its borders. 

A clearer idea of the great uniformity of the surface of the State may be 
obtained from a statement of the general slopes in feet per mile, from point to 
point, in straight lines across it : 

From the N. E. corner to the S. E. corner of the State 1 foot 1 inch per mile. 

From the N. E. corner to Spirit Lake 5 feet 5 inches per mile. 

From the N. W. corner to Spirit Lake 5 feetO inches per mile. 

From the N. W. corner to the S. W. corner of the State 2 feet inches per mile. 

From the S. W corner to the highest ridge between the two 

great rivers (in Ringgold County) 4 feet 1 inch per mile 

From the dividing ridge in the S. E. corner of the State 5 feet 7 inches per mile. 

From the highest point in the State (near Spirit Lake) to the 
lowest point in the State (at the mouth of Des Moines 
River) 4 feet inches per mile. 

It will be seen, therefore, that there is a good degree of propriety in regard- 
ing the whole State as a part of a great plain, the lowest point of which within 
its borders, the southeast corner of the State, is only 444 feet above the level of 
the sea. The average height of the whole State above the level of the sea is 
not far from eight hundred feet, although it is more than a thousand miles 
inland from the nearest sea coast. These remarks are, of course, to be under- 
stood as applying to the surface of the State as a whole. When we come to 
consider its surface feature in detail, we find a great diversity of surface by the 
formation of valleys out of the general level, which have been evolved by the 
action of streams during the unnumbered years of the terrace epoch. 

It is in the northeastern part of the State that the river valleys are deepest ; 
consequently the country there has the greatest diversity of surface, and its 
physical features are most strongly marked. 

DRAINAGE SYSTEM. 

The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers form the eastern and western bounda- 
ries of the State, and receive the eastern and western drainage of it. 

The eastern drainage system comprises not far from two-thirds of the en- 
tire surface of the State. The great watershed which divides these two systems 
is formed by the highest land between those rivers along the whole length of a 
line running southward from a point on the northern boundary line of the State 
near Spirit Lake, in Dickinson County, to a nearly central point in the northern 
part of Adair County. 

From the last named point, this highest ridge of land, between the two great 
rivers, continues southward, without change of character, through Ringgold 
County into the State of Missouri ; but southward from that point, in Adair 
County, it is no longer the great watershed. From that point, another and 
lower ridge bears off more nearly southeastward, through the counties of Madi- 
son, Clarke, Lucas and Appanoose, and becomes itself the great watershed. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. Ill 

RIVERS. 

All streams that rise in Iowa rise upon the incoherent surface deposits, 
occupying at first only slight depressions in the surface, and scarcely percept- 
ible. These successively coalesce to form the streams. 

The drift and bluff deposits are both so thick in Iowa that its streams not 
only rise upon their surface, but they also reach considerable depth into these 
deposits alone, in some cases to a depth of nearly two hundred feet from the 
general prairie level. 

The majority of streams that constitute the western system of Iowa drainage 
run, either along the whole or a part of their course, upon that peculir deposit 
known as bluff deposit. Their banks are often, even of the small streams, 
from five to ten feet in height, quite perpendicular, so that they make the 
streams almost everywhere unfordable, and a great impediment to travel across 
the open country where there are no bridges. 

The material of this deposit is of a slightly yellowish ash color, except 
where darkened by decaying vegetation, very fine and silicious, but not sandy, 
not very cohesive, and not at all plastic. It forms excellent soil, and does not 
bake or crack in drying, except limy concretions, which are generally dis- 
tributed throughout the mass, in shape and size resembling pebbles ; not a - 
stone or pebble can be found in the whole deposit. If was called " silicious 
marl" by Dr. Owen, in his geological report to the General Government, and 
its origin referred to an accumulation of sediment in an ancient lake, which 
was afterward drained, when its sediment became dry land. Prof. Swallaw 
gives it the name of " bluff," which is here adopted ; the term Lacustral would 
have been better. The peculiar properties of this deposit are that it will stand 
securely with a precipitous front two hundred feet high, and yet is easily 
excavated with a spade. Wells dug in it require only to be Availed to a point just 
above the water line. Yet, compact as it is, it is very porous, so that water 
which falls on its surface does not remain, but percolates through it; neither 
docs it accumulate within its mass, as it does upon the surface of and within 
the drift and the stratified formations. 

The bluff deposit is known to occupy a region through which the Missouri 
runs almost centrally, and measures, as far as is known, more than two hun- 
dred miles in length and nearly one hundred miles in width. The thickest 
part yet known in Iowa is in Fremont County, where it reaches two hundred 
feet. The boundaries of this deposit in Iowa are nearly as follows : Com- 
mencing at the southeast corner of Fremont County, follow up the watershed 
between the East Nishnabotany and the West Tarkio Rivers to the southern 
boundary of Cass County ; thence to the center of Audubon County ; thence 
to Tip Top Station, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway ; thence by a 
broad curve westward to the northwest corner of Plymouth County. 

This deposit is composed of fine sedimentary particles, similar to that 
which the Missouri River now deposits from its waters, and is the same which 



112 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

'that river did deposit in a broad depression in the surface of the drift that 
formed a lake-like expansion of that river in the earliest period of the history 
of its valley. That lake, as shown by its deposit, which now remains, was 
about one hundred miles wide and more than twice as long. The water of the 
river was muddy then, as now, and the broad lake became filled with the sedi- 
ment which the river brought down, before its valley had enough in the lower 
portion of its course to drain it. After the lake became filled with the sedi- 
ment, the valley below became deepened by the constant erosive action of the 
waters, to a depth of more than sufficient to have drained the lake of its first 
waters ; but the only effect then was to cause it to cut its valley out of the de- 
posits its own muddy waters had formed. Thus along the valley of that river, 
so far as it forms the western boundary of Iowa, the bluffs which border it are 
composed of that sediment known as bluif deposit, forming a distinct border 
aloncr the broad, level flood plain, the width of which varies from five to fifteen 
miles, while the original sedimentary deposit stretches far inland. 

All the rivers of the western system of drainage, except the Missouri itself, 
are quite incomplete as rivers, in consequence of their being really only 
branches of other larger tributaries of that great river , or, if they empty into 
the Missouri direct, they have yet all the usual characteristics of Iowa rivers, 
from their sources to iheir mouths. 

Qhariton and Crrand Rivers both rise and run for the first twentv-five miles 
of their courses upon the drift deposit alone. The first strata that are exposed 
by the deepening valleys of both these streams belong to the upper coal meas- 
ures, and they both continue upon the same formation until they make their 
exit from the State (the former in Appanoose County, the latter in Ringgold 
County), near the boundary of which they have passed nearly or quite through 
the whole of that formation to the middle coal measures. Their valleys gradu- 
ally deepen from their upper portions downward, so that within fifteen or twenty 
miles they have reached a depth of near a hundred and fifty feet below the gen- 
eral level of the adjacent high land. When the rivers have cut their valleys 
down through the series of limestone strata, they reach those of a clayey com- 
position. Upon these they widen their valleys and make broad flood plains 
(commonly termed "bottoms "), the soil of which is stiff and clayey, except 
where modified by sandy washings. 

A considerable breadth of woodland occupies the bottoms and valley sidrs 
along a great part of their length ; but their upper branches and tributaries ate 
mostly prairie streams. 

Platte River. — This river belongs mainly to Missouri. Its upper branches 
pass through Ringgold County, and, with the west fork of the Grand River, 
drain a large region of country. 

Here the drift deposit reaches its maximum thickness on an east and west 
line across the State, and the valleys are eroded in some instances to a depth nf 
two hundred feet, apparently, through this deposit alone. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 113 

The term " drift deposit " applies to the soil and sub-soil of the greater part 
of the State, and in it alone many of our wells are dug and our forests take 
root. It rests upon the stratified rocks. It is composed of clay, sand, gravel 
aud boulders, promiscuously intermixed, without stratification, varying in char- 
acter in different parts of the State. 

The proportion of lime in the drift of Iowa is so great that the water of all 
our wells and springs is too " hard " for washing purposes ; and the same sub- 
stance is so prevalent in the drift clays that they are always found to have suffi- 
cient flux when used for the manufacture of brick. 

One Hundred and Two River is represented in Taylor County, the valleys 
of which have the same general character of those just described. The country 
around and between the east and west forks of this stream is almost entirely 
prairie. 

Nodaway Rioer. — This stream is represented by east, middle and west 
branches. The two former rise in Adair County, the latter in Cass County. 
These rivers and valleys are fine examples of the small rivers and valleys of 
Southern Iowa. They have the general character of drift valleys, and with 
beautiful undulating and sloping sides. The Nodaways drain one of the finest 
agricultural regions in the State, the soil of which is tillable almost to their very 
banks. The banks and the adjacent narrow flood plains are almost everywhere 
composed of a rich, deep, dark loam. 

Nislinabotany River. — This river is represented by east and west branches, 
the former having its source in Anderson County, the latter in Shelby County. 
Both these branches, from their source to their confluence — and also the main 
stream, from thence to the point where it enters the great flood plain of the 
Missouri — run through a region the surface of which is occupied by the bluff 
deposit. The West Nishnabotany is probably without any valuable mill sites. 
In the western part of Cass County, the East Nishnabotany loses its identity 
by becoming abruptly divided up into five or six different creeks. A few 
good mill sites occur here on this stream. None, however, that are thought 
reliable exist on either of these rivers, or on the main stream below the 
confluence, except, perhaps, one or two in Montgomery County. The 
valleys of the two branches, and the intervening upland, possess remarkable 
fertility. 

Boyer River. — Until it enters the flood plain of the Missouri, the Boyer 
runs almost, if not quite, its entire course through the region occupied by the 
bluff deposit, and has cut its valley entirely through it along most of its pas- 
sage. The only rocks exposed are the upper coal measures, near Reed's mill, in 
Harrison County. The exposures are slight, and are the most northerly now 
known in Iowa. The valley of this river has usually gently sloping sides, and an 
ndistinctly defined flood plain. Along the lower half of its course the adjacent 
upland presents a surface of the billowy character, peculiar to the bluff deposit. 
The source of this river is in Sac County. 



114 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

Soldier River, — The east and middle branches of this stream have their 
source in Crawford County, and the west branch in Ida County. The whole 
course of this river is through the bluff deposit. It has no exposure of strata 
along its course. 

Little Sioux River. — Under this head are included both the main and west 
branches of that stream, together with the Maple, which is one of its branches. 
The west branch and the Maple are so similar to the Soldier River that they 
need no separate description. The main stream has its boundary near the 
northern boundary of the State, and runs most of its course upon drift deposit 
alone, entering the region of the bluff deposit in the southern part of Cherokee 
County. The two principal upper branches, near their source in Dickinson 
and Osceola .Counties, are small prairie creeks, with indistinct valleys. On 
entering Clay County, the valley deepens, and at their confluence has a depth 
of one hundred feet, which still further increases until along the boundary line 
between Clay and Buena Vista Counties, it reaches a depth of two hundred 
feet. Just as the valley enters Cherokee County, it turns to the southward and 
becomes much widened, with its sides gently sloping to the uplands. When the 
valley enters the region of the bluff deposit, it assumes the billowy appearance. 
No exposures of strata of any kind have been found in the valley of the Little 
Sioux or any of its branches. 

Floyd River. — This river rises upon the drift in O'Brien County, and flow- 
ing southward enters the region of the bluff deposit a little north of the center 
of Plymouth County. Almost from its source to its mouth it is a prairie stream, 
with slightly sloping valley sides, which blend gradually with the uplands. A 
single slight exposure of sandstone of cretaceous age occurs in the valley near 
Sioux City, and which is the only known exposure of rock of any kind along 
its whole length. Near this exposure is a mill site, but farther up the stream 
it is not valuable for such purposes. 

Rock River. — This stream passes through Lyon and Sioux Counties. It 
was evidently so named from the fact that considerable exposures of the red 
Sioux quartzite occur along the main branches of the stream in Minnesota, a 
few miles north of our State boundary. Within this State the main stream and 
its branches are drift streams, and strata are exposed. The beds and banks of 
the streams are usually sandy and gravelly, with occasional boulders intermixed. 

Big Sioux River. — The valley of this river, from the northwest corner of 
the State to its mouth, possesses much the same character as all the streams of 
the surface deposits. At Sioux Falls, a few miles above the northwest corner 
of the State, the stream meets with remarkable obstructions from the presence 
of Sioux quartzite, which outcrops directly across the stream, and causes a fall 
of about sixty feet within a distance of half a mile, producing a series of cas- 
cades. For the first twenty-five miles above its mouth, the valley is very broad, 
•with a broad, flat flood plain, with gentle slopes occasionally showing indistinctly 
defined terraces. These terraces and valley bottoms constitute some of the finest 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 115 

agricultural land of the region. On the Iowa side of the valley the upland 
presents abrupt blufts, steep as the materials of which they are composed will 
stand, and from one hundred to nearly two hundred feet high above the stream. 
At rare intervals, about fifteen miles from its mouth, the cretaceous strata are 
found exposed in the face of the bluffs of the Iowa side. No other strata are 
exposed along that part of the valley which borders our State, with the single 
exception of Sioux quartzite at its extreme northwestern corner. Some good mill 
sites niav be secured along that portion of this river which borders Lyon County, 
but below this the fall will probably be found insufficient and the location for 
dams insecure. 

Missouri River. — This is one of th-e muddiest streams on the globe, and its 
waters are known to be very turbid far toward its source. The chief pecul- 
iarity of this river is its broad flood plains, and its adjacent bluff deposits. 
Much the greater part of the flood plain of this river is upon the Iowa side, and 
continuous from the south boundary line of the State to Sioux City, a distance 
of more than one hundred miles in length, varying from three to five miles in 
width. This alluvial plain is estimated to contain more than half a million acres 
of land within the State, upward of four hundred thousand of which are now 
tillable. 

The rivers ©f the eastern system of drainage have quite a different character 
from those of the western, system. They are larger, longer and have their val- 
leys modified to a much greater extent by the underlying strata. For the lat- 
ter reason, water-power is much more abundant upon them than upon the 
streams of the western system. 

Des Moines River. — This river has its source in Minnesota, but it enters 
Iowa before it has attained any size, and flows almost centrally through it from 
northwest to southeast, emptying into the Mississippi at the extreme southeast- 
ern corner of the State. It drains a greater area than any river within the 
State. The upper portion of it is divided into two branches known as the east 
and west forks. These unite in Humboldt County. The valleys of these 
branches above their confluence are drift-valleys, except a few small exposures 
of subcarboniferous limestone about five miles above their confluence. These 
exposures produce several small mill-sites. The valleys vary from a few hun- 
dred yards to half a mile in width, and are the finest agricultural lands. In the 
northern part of Webster County, the character of the main valley is modified 
by the presence of ledges and low cliffs of the subcarboniferous limestone and 
gypsum,. From a point a little below Fort Dodge to near Amsterdam, in Ma- 
rion County, the river runs all the way through and upon the lower coal-meas- 
ure strata. Along this part of its course the flood-plain varies from an eighth 
to half a mile or more in width. From Amsterdam to Ottumwa the subcarbon- 
iferous limestone appears at intervals in the valley sides. Near Ottumwa. the sub- 
carboniferous rocks pass beneath the i iver again, bringing down the coal-measure 
strata into its bed ; but they rise again from it in the extreme northwestern part 



116 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

of Van Buren County, and subcarboniferous strata resume and keep their place 
along the valley to the north of the river. From Fort Dodge to the northern 
part of Lee County, the strata of the lower coal measures are present in the 
valley. Its flood plain is frequently sandy, from the debris of the sandstone 
and sandy shales of the coal measures produced by their removal in the process 
of the formation of the valley. 

The principal tributaries of the Des Moines are upon the western side. 
These are the Raccoon and the three rivers, viz.: South, Middle and North Riv- 
ers. The three latter have their source in the region occupied by the upper 
coal-measure limestone formation, flow eastward over the middle coal measures, 
and enter the valley of the Des Moines upon the lower coal measures. These 
streams, especially South and Middle Rivers, are frequently bordered by high, 
rocky cliffs. Raccoon River has its source upon the heavy surface deposits of 
the middle region of Western Iowa, and along the greater part of its course it 
has excavated its valley out those deposits and the middle coal measures alone. 
The valley of the Des Moines and its branches are destined to become the seat 
of extensive manufactures in consequence of the numerous mill sites of immense 
power, and the fact that the main valley traverses the entire length of the Iowa 
coal fields. 

Skunk Elver. — This river has its source in Hamilton County, and runs 
almost its entire course upon the border of the outcrop of the lower coal meas- 
ures, or, more properly speaking, upon the subcarboniferous limestone, just where 
it begins to pass beneath the coal measures by its southerly and westerly dip. 
Its general course is southeast. From the western part of Henry County, up 
as far as Story County, the broad, flat flood plain is covered with a rich deep 
clay soil, which, in time of long-continued rains and overflows of the river, has 
made the valley of Skunk River a terror to travelers from the earliest settle- 
ment of the country. There are some excellent mill sites on the lower half of 
this river, but they are not so numerous or valuable as on other rivers of tlie 
eastern system. 

Iowa River. — This river rises in Hancock County, in the midst of a broad, 
slightly undulating drift region. The first rock exposure is that of subcarbon- 
iferous limestone, in the southwestern corner of Franklin County. It enters 
the region of the Devonian strata near the southwestern corner of Benton 
County, and in this it continues to its confluence with the Cedar in Louisa 
County. Below the junction with the Cedar, and for some miles above that 
point, its valley is broad, and especially on the northern side, with a well 
marked flood plain. Its borders gradually blend with the uplands as they slope 
away m the distance from the river. The Iowa furnishes numerous and valua- 
ble mill sites. 

Cedar River. — This stream is usually understood to be a branch of the 
Iowa, but it ought, really, to be regarded as the main stream. It rises by 
numerous branches in the northern part of the State, and flows the entire length 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 117 

of the State, through the region occupied by the Devonian strata and along the 
trend occupied by that formation. 

The valley of this river, in the upper part of its course, is narrow, and the 
sides slope so gently as to scarcely show where the lowlands end and the up- 
lands begin. Below the confluence with the Shell Kock, the flood plain is more 
distinctly marked and the valley broad and shallow. The valley of the Cedar 
is one of the finest regions in the State, and both the main stream and its 
branches afford abundant and reliable mill sites. 

Wapsipinnicon River. — This river has its source near the source of the 
Cedar, and runs parallel and near it almost its entire course, the upper half 
upon the same formation — the Devonian. In the northeastern part of Linn 
County, it enters the region of the Niagara limestone, upon which it continues 
to tlie Mississippi. It is one hundred miles long, and yet the area of its drain- 
age is only from twelve to twenty miles in width. Hence, its numerous mill 
sites are unusually secure. 

Turkey River. — This river and the Upper Iowa are, in many respects, un- 
like other Iowa rivers. The difference is due to the great depth they have 
eroded their valleys and the different character of the material through which 
they have eroded. Turkey River rises in Howard County, and in Winnesheik 
County, a few miles from its source, its valley has attained a depth of more than 
two hundred feet, and in Fayette and Clayton Counties its depth is increased to 
three and four hundred feet. The summit of the uplands, bordering nearly the 
whole length of the valley, is capped by the Maquoketa shales. These shales 
are underlaid by the Galena limestone, between two and three hundred feet 
thick. The valley has been eroded through these, and runs upon the Trenton 
limestone. Thus, all the formations along and within this valley are Lower 
Silurian. The valley is usually narrow, and without a well-marked flood plain. 
Water power is abundant, but in most places inaccessible. 

Upper Iowa River. — This river rises in Minnesota, just beyond the north- 
ern boundary line, and enters our State in Howard County before it has attained 
any considerable size. Its course is nearly eastward until it reaches the Mis- 
sissippi. It rises in the region of the Devonian rocks, and flows across the out- 
crops, respectively, of the Niagara, Galena and Trenton limestone, the lower 
magnesian limestone and Potsdam sandstone, into and through all of whiclu 
except the last, it has cut its valley, which is the deepest of any in Iowa. The 
valley sides are, almost everywhere, high and steep, and cliffs of lower magne- 
sian and Trenton limestone give them a wild and rugged aspect. In the lower 
part of the valley, the flood plain reaches a width sufficient for the location of 
small farms, but usually it is too narrow for such purposes. On the higher 
surface, however, as soon as you leave the valley you come immediately upon a 
cultivated country. This stream has the greatest slope per mile of any in Iowa, 
consequently it furnishes immense water power. In some places, where creeks 
come into it, the valley widens and affords good locations for farms. The town 



118 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

of Decorah, in Winnesheik County, is located in one of these spots, which 
makes it a lovely location ; and the power of the river and the small spring 
streams around it offer fine facilities for manufacturing. This river and its 
tributaries are the only trout streams in Iowa. 

Mississippi River. — This river may be described, in general terms, as a broad 
canal cut out of the general level of the country through which the river flows. 
It is bordered by abrupt hills or bluffs. The bottom of the valley ranges from 
one to eight miles in width. The whole space between the bluffs is occupied by 
the river and its bottom, or flood plain only, if we except the occasional terraces 
or remains of ancient flood plains, which are not now reached by the highest 
floods of the river. The river itself is from half a mile to nearly a mile in 
width. There are but four points along the whole length of the State where the 
bluffs approach the stream on both sides. The Lower Silurian formations com- 
pose the bluffs in the northern part of the State, but they gradually disappear 
by a southerly dip, and the bluffs are continued successively by the Upper 
Silurian, Devonian, and subcarboniferous rocks, which are reached near the 
southeastern corner of the State. 

Considered in their relation to the present general surface of the state, the 
relative ages of the river valley of Iowa date back only to the close of the 
glacial epoch ; but that the Mississippi, and all the rivers of Northeastern Iowa, 
if no others, had at least a large part of the rocky portions of their valleys 
eroded by pre-glacial, or perhaps even by palaeozoic rivers, can scarcely be 
doubted. 

LAKES. 

The lakes of Iowa may be properly divided into two distinct classes. The 
first may be called drift lakes, having had their origin in the depressions left 
in the surface of the drift at the close of the glacial epoch, and have rested upon 
the undisturbed surface of the drift deposit ever since the glaciers disappeared. 
The others may be properly termed jiuvatile or alluvial lakes, because they hav^ 
had their origin by the action of rivers while cutting their own valleys out from 
the surface of the drift as it existed at the close of the glacial epoch, and are now- 
found resting upon the alluvium, as the others rest upon the drift. By the term 
alluvium is meant the deposit which has accumulated in the valleys of rivers by 
the action of their own currents. It is largely composed of sand and other 
coarse material, and upon that deposit are some of the best and most productive 
soils in the State. It is this deposit which form the flood plains and deltas of 
our rivers, as well as the terraces of their valleys. 

The regions to which the drift lakes are principally confined are near the 
head waters of the principal streams of the State. We consequently find them 
in those resions which lie between the Cedar and Des Moines Rivers, and the 
Des Moines and Little Sioux. No drift lakes are found in Southern loAva. 
The largest of the lakes to be found in the State are Spirit and Okoboji, in 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 119 

Dickinson County ; Clear Lake, in Cerro Gordo County ; and Storm Lake, in 
Bunea Yista County. 

Spirit Lake. — The width and length of this lake are about equal , and it 
contains about twelve square miles of surface, its northern border resting directly 
on the boundary of the State. It lies almost directly upon the great watershed. 
Its shores are mostly gravelly, and tlie country about it fertile. 

Ohohoji Lake. — This body of water lies directly south of Spirit Lake, and 
has somewhat the shape of a horse-shoe, with its eastern projection within a few 
rods of Spirit Lake, where it receives the outlet of the latter. Okoboji Lake 
extends about five miles southward from Spirit Lake, thence about the same 
distance westward, and then bends northward about as far as the eastern projec- 
tion. The eastern portion is narrow, but the western is larger, and in some 
places a hundred feet deep. The surroundings of this and Spirit Lake are very 
pleasant. Fish are abundant in them, and they are the resort pf myriads of 
water fowl. 

Clear Lake. — This lake is situated in Cerro Gordo County, upon the 
watershed betAveen the Iowa and Cedar Rivers. It is about five miles long, 
and two or three miles wide, and has a maximum depth of only fifteen 
feet. Its shores and the country around it are like that of Spirit Lake. 

Storm Lake. — This body of water rests upon the great water shed in Buena 
Vista County. It is a clear, beautiful sheet of water, containing a surface area 
of between four and five square miles. 

The outlets of all these drift-lakes are dry during a portion of the year, ex- 
cept Okoboji. 

Walled Lakes. — Along the water sheds of Northern Iowa great numbers of' 
small lakes exist, varying from half a mile to a mile in diameter. One of the lakes 
in Wright County, and another in Sac, have each received the name of " "Walled 
Lake," on account of the existence of embankments on their borders, which are 
supposed to be the work of ancient inhabitants. These embankments are from 
two to ten feet in height, and from five to thirty feet across. They are the 
result of natural causes alone, being referable to the periodic action of ice, aided, 
to some extent, by the force of the waves. These lakes are very shallow, and 
in Avinter freeze to the bottom, so that but little unfrozen Avater remains in the 
middle. The ice freezes fast to everything upon the bottom, and the expansive 
power of the water in freezing acts in all directions from the center to the cir- 
cumference, and whatever was on the bottom of the lake has been thus carried 
to the shore, and this has been going on from year to year, from century to 
century, forming the embankments which have caused so much wonder. 

SPRINGS. 

Springs issue from all formations, and from the sides of almost every valley, 
but they are more numerous, and assume proportions which give rise to the 
name of sink-holes, along the upland borders of the Upper Iowa River, owing 



120 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

to the peculiar fissured and laminated character and great thickness of the strata 
of the age of the Trenton limestone which underlies the whole region of the 
valley of that stream. 

No mineral springs, properly so called, have yet been discovered in Iowa, 
though the water of several artesian wells is frequently found charged with 
soluble mineral substances. 

ORIGIN OF THE PRAIRIES. 

It is estimated that seven-eighths of the surface of the State was prairie 
when first settled. They are not confined to level surfaces, nor to any partic- 
ular variety of soil, for within the State they rest upon all formations, from 
those of the Azoic to those of the Cretaceous age, inclusive. Whatever may 
have been their origin, their present existence in Iowa is not due to the influ- 
ence of climate, nor the soil, nor any of the underlying formations. Tlie real 
cause is the prevalence of the annual fires. If these had been prevented fifty 
years ago, Iowa would now be a timbered country. The encroachment of forest 
trees upon prairie farms as soon as the bordering woodland is protected from 
the annual prairie fires, is well known to farmers throughout the State. 

The soil of Iowa is justly famous for its fertility, and there is probably no 
equal area of the earth's surface that contains so little untillable land, or whose 
soil has so high an average of fertility. Ninety-five per cent, of its surface is 
tillable land. 

GEOLOGY. 

The soil of Iowa may be separated into three general divisions, which not 
only possess different physical characters, but also differ in the mode of their 
origin. These are drift, bluff and alluvial, and belong respectively to the 
deposits bearing the same names. The drift occupies a much larger part of the 
surface of the State than both the others. The bluff has the next greatest area 
of surface, and the alluvial least. 

All soil is disintegrated rock. The drift deposit of Iowa was derived, to a 
considerable extent, from the rocks of Minnesota ; but the greater part of Iowa 
drift was derived from its own rocks, much of which has been transported but a 
short distance. In general terms the constant component element of the drift 
soil is that portion which was transported from the north, while the iticonstant 
elements are those portions which were derived from the adjacent or underlying 
strata. For example, in Western Iowa, wherever that cretaceous formation 
known as the Nishnabotany sandstone exists, the soil contains more sand than 
elsewhere. The same may be said of the soil of some parts of the State occu- 
pied by the lower coal measures, the sandstones and sandy shales of that forma- 
tion furnishing the sand. 

In Northern and Northwestern Iowa, the drift contains more sand and 
gravel than elsewhere. This sand and gravel was, doubtless, derived from the 






HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA 



121 



cretaceous rocks that now Jo, or formerly did, exist there, and also in part 
from the conglomerate and pudding-stone beds of the Sioux quartzite. 

In Southern Iowa, the soil is frequently stiflF cand clayey. This preponder- 
ating clay is doubtless derived from the clayey and shaly beds which alternate 
with the limestones of that region. 

The bluff soil is that which rests upon, and constitutes a part of, the bluff 
deposit. It is found only in the western part of the State, and adjacent to the 
Missouri River. Although it contains less than one per cent, of clay in its 
composition, it is in no respect inferior to the best drift soil. 

The alluvial soil is that of the flood plains of the river valleys, or bottom 
lands. That which is periodically flooded by the rivers is of little value for 
agricultural purposes ; but a large part of it is entirely above the reach of the 
highest floods, and. is very productive. 

The stratified rocks of Iowa range from the Azoic to the Mesozoic, inclu- 
sive ; but the greater portion of the surface of the State is occupied by those 
of the Palneozoic age. The table below will show each of these formations in 
their order : 



SYSTEMS. 

AGES. 



Cretaceous 

Carboniferous.. 

Devonian 

Upper Silurian 

Lower Silurian 
Azoic 



GROaPS. 

PERIODS. 



FORMATIONS. 

EPOCHS. 



(Post Tertiary 
Lower Cretaceous. 

Coal Measures. 
Subcarboniferous. 



Hamilton 

Niagara 

Cincinnati . 



Trenton. 

Primordial. 
Huronian , 



\Drift 

Inoceramous bed 

Woodbury Sandstone and Shales.. 

Nishnabotany Sandstone 

Upper Coal Measures 

Middle Coal Measures 

Lower Coal Measures 

St. Louis Limestone 

Keokuk Limestone... 

Burlington Limestone 

Kinderhook beds 

Hamilton Limestone and Shales. 

Niagara Limestone 

Maquoketa Shales 

Galena Limestone 

Trenton Limestone 

St. Peter's Sandstone 

Lower Magnesian Limestone 

Potsdam Sandstone 

Sioux Quartzite 



THICKNESS. 

IN FEET. 



10 



to 200 

50 
130 
100 
200 
200 
200 

75 

90 
196 
175 
200 
350 

80 
250 
200 

80 
250 
800 

50 



THE AZOIC SYSTEM, 

The Sioux quartzite is found exposed in natural ledges only upon a few 
acres in the extreme northwest corner of the State, upon the banks of the Big 
Sioux River, for which reason the specific name of Sioux Quartzite has been 
given them. It is an intensely hard rock, breaks in splintery fracture, and a 
color varying, in different localities, from a light to deep red. The process of 
metamorphism has been so complete throughout the whole formation that the 
rock is almost everywhere of uniform texture. The dip is four or five degrees 
to the northward, and the trend of the outcrop is eastward and westward. This 



122 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

rock may be quarried in a few rare cases, but usually it cannot be secured in 
dry forms except that into which it naturally cracks, and the tendency is to 
angular pieces. It is absolutely indestructible. 

LOWER SILURIAN SYSTEM. 

PRIMORDIAL GROUP. 

Potsdam Sandstone. — ^This formation is exposed only in a small portion of 
the northeastern portion of the State. It is only to be seen in the bases of the 
bluffs and steep valley sides which border the river there. It may be seen 
underlying the lower magnesian limestone, St. Peter s sandstone and Trenton 
limestone, in their regular order, along the bluffs of the Mississippi from the 
northern boundary of the State as far south as Guttenburg, along the Upper 
Iowa for a distance of about twenty miles from its mouth, and along a few of 
the streams which empty into the Mississippi in Allamakee County. 

It is nearly valueless for economic purposes. 

No fossils have been discovered in this formation in Iowa. 

Lower Magnesium Limestone. — This formation has but little greater geo- 
graphical extent in Iowa than the Potsdam sandstone. It lacks a uniformity 
of texture and stratification, owing to which it is not generally valuable for 
building purposes. 

The only fossils found in this formation in Iowa are a few traces of crinoids, 
near McGregor. 

St. Peter s Sandstone. — This formation is remarkably uniform in thickness 
throughout its known geographical extent ; and it is evident it occupies a large 
portion of the northern half of Allamakee County, immediately beneath the 
drift. 

TRENTON GROUP. 

Treyiton Limestone. — With the exception of this, all the limestones of both 
Upper and Lower Silurian age in Iowa are magnesian limestones — nearly pure 
dolomites. This formation occupies large portions of Winnesheik and Alla- 
makee Counties and a portion of Clayton. The greater part of it is useless for 
economic purposes, yet there are in some places compact and evenly bedded 
layers, which afford fine material for window caps and sills. 

In this formation, fossils are abundant, so much so that, in some places, the 
rock is made up of a mass of shells, corals and fragments of tribolites, cemented 
by calcareous material into a solid rock. Some of these fossils are new to 
science and peculiar to Iowa. 

The Gralena Limestone. — This is the upper formation of the Trenton group. 
It seldom exceeds twelve miles in width, although it is fully one hundred and 
fifty miles long. The outcrop traverses portions of the counties of Howard, 
Winnesheik, Allamakee, Fayette, Clayton, Dubuque and Jackson. It exhibits 
its greatest development in Djibuque County. It is nearly a pure dolomite, 
with a slight admixture of silicious matter. It is usually unfit for dressing, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 12S 

though sometimes near the top of the bed good blocks for dressing are found. 
This formation is the source of the lead ore of the Dubuque lead mines. The 
lead region proper is confined to an area of about fifteen miles square in the 
vicinity of Dubuque. The ore occurs in vertical fissures, which traverse the 
rock at regular intervals from east to west ; some is found in those which have 
a north and south direction. The ore is mostly that known as Galena, or sul- 
phuret of lead, very small quantities only of the carbonate being found wnth it. 

CINCINNATI GROt'P. 

Maquohefa SJiaJes. — The surface occupied by this formation is singulai'ly 
long and narrow, seldom reaching more than a mile or two in width, but more 
than a hundred miles in length. Its most southerly exposure is in the bluffs of 
the Mississippi near Bellevue, in Jackson County, and the most northerly yet 
recognized is in the western part of Winnesheik County, The whole formation 
is largely composed of bluish and brownish shales, sometimes slightly arena- 
ceous, sometimes calcareous, which weather into a tenacious clay upon the sur- 
face, and the soil derived from it is usually stiff and clayey. Its economic 
value is very slight. 

Several species of fossils which characterize the Cincinnati group are found 
in the Maquoketa shales ; but they contain a larger number that have been 
found anywhere else than in these shales in Iowa, and their distinct faunal char- 
acteristics seem to warrant the separation of the Maquoketa shales as>i distinct 
formation from any others of the group. 

UPPER SILURIAN SYSTEM. 

NIAGARA ClOrP. 

Niagara Limestone. — The area occupied by the Niagara limestone is nearly 
one hundred and sixty miles long from north to south, and forty and fifty miles 
wide. 

This formation is entirely a magnesian limestone, with in some places a con- 
siderable proportion of silicious matter in the form of chert or coarse flint. A 
large part of it is evenly bedded, and probably affords the best and greatest 
amount of quarry rock in the State. The quarries at Anamosa, LeClaire and 
Farley are all opened in this formation. 

DEVONIAN SYSTEM. 

HAMILTON GROUP. 

Haviilton Limestone. — The area of surface occupied by the Hamilton lime- 
stone and shales is fully as great as those by all the formations of both Upper 
and Lower Silurian age in the State. It is nearly two hundred miles long and 
from forty to fifty miles broad. The general trend is northwestward and south- 
eastws^'d. 

Although a large part of the material of this formation is practically quite 
worthless, yet other portions are valuable for economic purposes ; and having a 



124 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

large geographical extent in the State, is one of the most important formations, 
in a practical point of view. At Waverly, Bremer County, its value for the 
production of hydraulic lime has been practically demonstrated. The heavier 
and more uniform magnesian beds furnish material for bridge piers and other 
material requiring strength and durability. 

All the Devonian strata of Iowa evidently belong to a single epoch, and re- 
ferable to the Hamilton, as recognized by New York geologists. 

The most conspicuous and characteristic fossils of this formation are bra- 
ohiopod, mollusks and corals. The coral Acervularia Davidson! occurs near 
Iowa City, and is known as " Iowa City Marble," and " bird's-eye marble." 

CARBONIFEROUS SYSTEM. 

Of the three groups of formations that constitute the carboniferous system, 
viz., the subcarboniferous, coal measures and permian, only the first two are 
found in Iowa. 

SUBCARBONIFEROUS GROUP. 

The area of the surface occupied by this group is very large. Its eastern 
border passes from the northeastern part of Winnebago County, with consider- 
able directness in a southeasterly direction to the northern part of Washington 
County. Here it makes a broad and direct bend nearly eastward, striking 
the Mississippi River at Muscatine. The southern and western boundary is to 
a considerable extent the same as that which separates it from the coal field. 
From the southern part of Pocahontas County it passes southeast to Fort Dodge, 
thence to Webster City, thence to a point three or four miles northeast of El- 
dora, in Hardin County, thence southward to the middle of the north line of 
Jasper County, thence southeastward to Sigourney, in Keokuk County, thence 
to the northeastern corner of Jefferson County, thence sweeping a few miles 
•eastward to the southeast corner of Van Buren County. Its area is nearly two 
hundred and fifty miles long, and from twenty to fifty miles wide. 

The Kinderhook Beds. — The most southerly exposure of these beds is near 
the mouth of Skunk River, in Des Moines County. The most northerly now 
known is in the eastern part of Pocahontas County, more than two hundred 
miles distant. The principal exposures of this formation are along the bluffs 
which border the Mississippi and Skunk Rivers, where they form the eastern 
and northern boundary of Des Moines County, along English River, in Wash- 
ington County ; along the Iowa River, in Tama, Marshall, Hamlin and Frank- 
lin Counties ; and along the Des Moines River, in Humboldt County. 

The economic value of this formation is very considerable, particularly in 
the northern portion of the region it occupies. In Pocahontas and Humboldt 
Counties it is almost invaluable, as no other stone except a few boulders are 
found here. At Iowa Falls the lower division is very good for building pur- 
poses. In Marshall County all the limestone to be obtained comes from this 
formation, and the quarries near LeGrand are very valuable. At this point 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 125 

some of the layers are finely veined with peroxide of iron, and are wrought into 
ornamental and useful objects. 

In Tama County, the oolitic member is well exposed, where it is manufac- 
tured into lime. It is not valuable for building, as upon exposure to atmosphere 
and frost, it crumbles to pieces. 

Tiie remains of fishes are the only fossils yet discovered in this formation 
that can be referred to the sub-kingdom vertebrata ; and so far as yet recog- 
nized, they all belong to the order selachians. 

Of ARTICULATES, only two species have been recognized, both of which 
helong to the genus phillipsia. 

The sub-kingdom mollusca is largely represented. 

The RADIATA are represented by a few crinoids, usually found in a very im- 
perfect condition. The sub-kingdom is also represented by corals. 

The prominent feature in the life of this epoch was niolluscan ; so much so 
in fact as to overshadow all other branches of the animal kingdom. The pre- 
vailing classes are: laynellihranchiates, in the more arenaceous portions; and 
brachiopods, in the more calcareous portions. 

No remains of vegetation have been detected in any of the strata of this 
formation. 

The Burlington Limestone. — This formation consists of two distinct calca- 
reous divisions, which are separated by a series of silicious beds. Both divi- 
sions are eminently crinoidal. 

The southerly dip of the Iowa rocks carries the Burlington limestone down, 
so that it is seen for the last time in this State in the valley of Skunk River, 
near the southern boundary of Des Moines County. The most northerly point 
at which it has been recognized is in the northern part of Washington County. 
It probably exists as far north as Marshall County. 

This formation affords much valuable material for economic purposes. The 
upper division furnishes excellent common quany rock. 

The great abundance and variety of its fossils — crinoids — now known to be 
more than three hundred, have justly attracted the attention of geologists in all 
parts of the world. 

The only remains of vertebrates discovered in this formation are those of 
fishes, and consist of teeth and spines ; bone of bony fishes, like those most 
common at the present day, are found in these rocks. On Buffington Creek, in 
Louisa County, is a stratum in an exposure so fully charged with these remains 
that it might with propriety be called bone breccia. 

Remains of articulates are rare in this formation. So far as yet discovered, 
they are confined to two species of tribolites of the genus jjhilUpsia. 

Fossil shells are very common. 

The two lowest classes of the sub-kingdom radiata are represented in the 
genera zaphrentis, amplexus and syringapora, while the highest class — echino- 
derms — are found in most extraordinary profusion. 



126 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

The Keokuk Limestone. — It is only in the four counties of Lee, Van 
Buren, Henry and Des Moines that this formation is to be seen. 

In some localities the upper silicious portion of this formation is known as 
the Geode bed. It is not recognizable in the northern portion of the formation, 
nor in connection with it where it is exposed, about eighty miles below Keokuk. 

The geodes of the Geode bed are more or less spherical masses of silex, 
usually hollow and lined with crystals of quartz. The outer crust is rough and 
unsightly, but the crystals which stud the interior are often very beautiful. 
They vary in size from the size of a walnut to a foot in diameter. 

The economic value of this formation is very great. Large quantities of its 
stone have been used in the finest structures in the State, among which are the 
post ofiices at Dubuque and Des Moines. The principal quarries are along the 
banks of the Mississippi, from Keokuk to Nauvoo. 

The only vertebrate fossils found in the formation are fishes, all belonging 
to the order selachians, some of which indicate that their owners reached a 
length of twenty-five or thirty feet. 

Of the articulates, only two species of the genus i)hillipsia have been found 
in this formation. 

Of tlie mollusks, no cephalopods have yet been recognized in this formation in 
this State ; gasteropods are rare ; brachiopods and polyzoans are quite abundant. 

Of radiates, corals of genera zaphrentes, amplexus and aulopera are found, 
but crinoids are most abundant. 

Of the low forms of animal life, the protozoans, a small fossil related to the 
sponges, is found in this formation in small numbers. 

The St. Louis Limestone. — This is the uppermost of the subcarboniferous 
group in Iowa. The superficial area it occupies is comparatively small, because 
it consists of long, narrow strips, yet its exten^ is very great. It is first seen 
resting on the geode division of the Keokuk limestone, near Keokuk. Pro- 
ceeding northward, it forms a narrow border along the edge of the coal fields 
in Lee, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Washington, Keokuk and Mahaska 
Counties. It is then lost sight of until it appears again in the. banks of Boone 
River, where it again passes out of view under the coal measures until it is 
next seen in the banks of the Des Moines, near Fort Dodge. As it exists in 
Iowa, it consists of three tolerably distinct subdivisions — the magnesian, arena- 
ceous and calcareous. 

The upper division furnishes excellent material for quicklime, and when 
quarries are well opened, as in the northwestern part of Van Buren County, 
large blocks are obtained. The sandstone, or middle division, is of little 
economic value. The lower or magnesian division furnishes a valuable 
and durable stone, exposures of which are found on Lick Creek, in Van Buren 
County, and on Long Creek, seven miles west of Burlington. 

Of the fossils of this formation, the vertebrates are represented only by the 
remains of fish, belonging to the two orders, selachians and ganoids. The 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 127 

articulates are represented by one species of the trilobite, genus phillipsia, and 
two ostracoid, genera, ci/thre and beyricia. The mollusks distinguish this 
formation more than any other branch of the animal kingdom. Radiates are 
eXiCeedingly rare, showing a marked contrast between this formation and the 
two preceding it. 

The rocks of the subcarboniferous period have in other countries, and in 
other parts of our own country, furnished valuable minerals, and even coal, but 
in Iowa the economic value is confined to its stone alone. 

The Lower Silurian, Upper Silurian and Devonian rocks of Iowa are largely 
composed of limestone. Magnesia also enters largely into the subcarbon- 
iferous group. With the completion of the St. Louis limestone, the 
production of the magnesian limestone seems to have ceased among the rocks of 
Iowa. 

Although the Devonian age has been called the age of fishes, yet so far as 
Iowa is concerned, the rocks of no period can compare with the subcarbon- 
iferous in the abundance and variety of the fish remains, and, for this reason, 
the Burlii^ton and Keokuk limestones w^ill in the future become more 
famous among geologists, perhaps, than any other formations in North 
America. 

It will be seen that the Chester limestone is omitted from the subcarbon- 
iferous group, and which completes the full geological series. It is probable 
the whole surface of Iowa was above the sea during the time of tlie 
formation of the Chester limestone to the southward about one hundred 
miles. 

At the close of the epoch of the Chester limestone, the shallow seas in 
which the lower coal measures were formed again occupied the land, extending 
almost as far north as that sea had done in which the Kinderhook beds were 
formed, and to the northeastAvard its deposits extended beyond the subcarbon- 
iferous groups, outlines of which are found upon the next, or Devonian rock. 

THE COAL-MEASURE GROUP. 

The coal-measure group of Iowa is properly divided into three formations, 
viz., the lower, middle and uj)per coal measures, each having a vertical thick- 
ness of about two hundred feet. 

A line drawn upon the map of Iowa as follows, will represent the eastern 
and northern boundaries of the coal fields of the State : Commencing at the 
southeast corner of Van Buren County, carry the line to the northeast corner 
of Jefferson County by a slight easterly curve through the western portions of 
Lee and Henry Counties. Produce this line until it reaches a point six or 
eight miles northward from the one last named, and then carry it northwest- 
ward, keeping it at about the same distance to the northward of Skunk River 
and its north branch that it had at first, until it reaches the southern boundary 
of Marshall County, a little west of its center. Then carry it to a point 



128 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

three or four miles northeast from Eldora, in Hardin County ; thence west- 
ward to a point a little north of Webster City, in Hamilton County; and 
thence further westward to a point a little north of Fort Dodge, in Webster 
County. 

Lower Coal Measures. — In consequence of the recedence to the southward 
of the borders of the middle and upper coal measures, the lower coal measures 
alone exist to the eastward and northward of Des Moines River. They also 
occupy a large area westward and southward of that river, but their southerly 
dip passes them below the middle coal measures at no great distance from the 
river. 

No other formation in the whole State possesses the economic value of the 
lower coal measures. ' The clay that underlies almost every bed of coal furnishes 
a large amount of material for potters' use. The sandstone of these measures 
is usually soft and unfit, but in some places, as near Red Rock, in Marion 
County, blocks of large dimensions are obtained which make good building 
material, samples of which can be seen in the State Arsenal, at Des Moines. 
On the whole, that portion of the State occupied by the lower coal measures, 
is not well supplied with stone. 

But few fossils have been found in any of the strata of the lower coal meas- 
ures, but such animal remains as have been found are without exception of 
marine origin. 

Of fossil plants found in these measures, all probably belong to the clasa 
acrogens. Specimens of calamites, and several species of ferns, are found in 
all of the coal measures, but the genus lepidodendron seems not to have existed 
later than the epoch of the middle coal measures. 

Middle Coal Measures. — This formation within the State of Iowa occupies 
a narrow belt of territory in the southern central portion of the State, embrac- 
ing a superficial area of about fourteen hundred square miles. The counties 
more or less underlaid by this formation are Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Madison^ 
Warren, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wayne and Appanoose. 

This formation is composed of alternating beds of clay, sandstone and lime- 
stone, the clays or shales constituting the bulk of the formation, the limestone 
occurring in their bands, the lithological peculiarities of which offer many con- 
trasts to the limestones of the upper and lower coal measures. The formation 
is also characterized by regular wave-like undulations, with a parallelism which 
indicates a widespread disturbance, though no dislocation of the strata have 
been discovered 

Generally speaking, few species of fossils occur in these beds. Some of the 
shales and sandstone have afforded a few imperfectly preserved land plants — 
three or four species of ferns, belonging to the genera. Some of the carbonif- 
erous shales afford beautiful specimens of what appear to have been sea-weeds. 
Radiates are represented by corals. The mollusks are most numerously repre- 
sented. Trilohites and ostraeoids are the only remains known of articulates. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 129 

Vertebrates are only known by the remains of salachians, or sharks, and 
ganoids. 

Upper Coal Measures. — The area occupied by this formation in Iowa is 
very great, comprising thirteen whole counties, in the southwestern part of the 
State. It adjoins by its northern and eastern boundaries the area occupied by 
the middle coal measures. 

The prominent lithological features of this formation are its limestones, yet 
it contains a considerabl -^ proportion of shales and sandstones. Although it is 
known by the name of upper coal measures, it contains but a single bed of coal, 
and that only about twenty inches in maximum thickness. 

The limestone exposed in this formation furnishes good material for building 
as in Madison and Fremont Counties. The sandstones are quite worthless. No 
beds of clay for potter's use are found in the whole formation. 

The fossils in this formation are much more numerous than in either the 
middle or lower coal measures. The vertebrates are represented by the fishes 
of the orders selachians and ganoids. The articulates are represented b}^ the 
trilobites and^tracoids. Mollusks are represented by the classes cephalapocla, 
gasterojjoda, lamelli, branehiata, hrachiapoda and polyzoa. Radiates are more 
numerous than in the lower and middle coal measures. Protogoans are repre- 
sented in the greatest abundance, some layers of limestone being almost entirely 
composed of their small fusiform shells. 

CRETACEOUS SYSTEM, 

There being no rocks, in Iowa, of permian, triassic or Jurassic age, the 
next strata in the geological series are of the cretaceous age. They are found 
in the western half of the State, and do not dip, as do all the other formations 
upon which they rest, to the southward and westward, but have a general dip 
of their own to the north of westward, w^hich, however, is very slight. 
Although the actual exposures of cretaceous rocks are few in Iowa, there is 
reason to believe that nearly all the western half of the State was originally 
occupied by them ; but being very friable, they have been removed by denuda- 
tion, which has takeij place at two separate periods. The first period was 
during its elevation from the cretaceous sea, and during the long tertiary age 
that passed between the time of that elevation and the commencement of the 
glacial epoch. The second period Avas during the glacial epoch, when the ice 
produced their entire removal over considerable areas. 

It is difficult to indicate the exact boundaries of these rocks ; the following 
will approximate the outlines of the area : 

From the northeast corner to the southwest corner of Kossuth Countv ; 
thence to the southeast corner of Guthrie County; thence to the southeast 
corner of Cass County ; thence to the middle of the south boundary of Mont- 
gomery County ; thence to the middle of the north boundary of Pottawattamie 
County; thence to the middle of the south boundary of Woodbury County ; 



130 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



thence to Sergeant's bluffs ; up the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers to the 
northwest corner of the State; eastward along the State line to the place of 
beginning. 

All the cretaceous rocks in Iowa are a part of the same deposits farther up 
the Missouri River, and in reality form their eastern boundary. 

Nishnahotany Sandstone. — This rock has the most easterly and southerly 
extent of the cretaceous deposits of Iowa, reaching the southeastern part of 
Guthrie County and the southern part of Montgomery County. To the north- 
ward, it passes beneath the Woodbury sandstones and shales, the latter passing 
beneath the inoceramus, or chalky, beds. This sandstone is, with few excep- 
tions, almost valueless for economic purposes. 

The only fossils found in this formation are a few fragments of angiosper- 
mous leaves. 

Woodbury Sandstones and Shales. — These strata rest upon the Nishna- 
hotany sandstone, and have not been observed outside of "Woodbury County, 
hence their name. Their principal exposure is at Sergeant's Bluffs, seven 
miles below Sioux City. 

This rock has no value except for purposes of common masonry. 

Fossil remains are rare. Detached scales of a lepidoginoid species have 
been detected, but no other vertebrate remains. Of remains of vegetation, 
leaves of salix meekii and sassafras cretaceum have been occasionally found. 

Inoceramus Beds. — These beds rest upon the Woodbury sandstones and 
shales. They have not been observed in Iowa, except in the bluffs which 
border the Big Sioux River in Woodbury and Plymouth Counties. They are 
composed almost entirely of calcareous material, the upper portion of which is 
extensively used for lime. No building material is to be obtained from these 
beds ; and the only value they possess, except lime, are the marls, which at 
some time may be useful on the soil of the adjacent region. 

The only vertebrate remains found in the cretaceous rocks are the fishes. 
Those in the inoceramus beds of Iowa are two species of squoloid selachians, 
or cestratront, and three genera of teliosts. Molluscan remains are rare. 

PEAT. 

Extensive beds of peat exist in Northern Middle Iowa, which, it is esti- 
mated, contain the following areas : 

CouiUus. Acres. 

Cerro Gordo 1,500 

Worth : 2,t00 

Winnebago 2,000 

Hancock 1,500 

Wright 500 

Kossuth 700 

Dickinson t^O 

Several other counties contain peat beds, but the character of the peat is 
inferior to that in the northern part of the State. The character of the peat 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 131 

named is equal to that of Ireland. The beds are of an average depth of four 
feet. It is estimated tliat each acre of these beds will furnish two hundred and 
fifty tons of dry fuel for each foot in depth. At present, owing to the sparse- 
ness of the population, this peat is not utilized ; but, owing to its great distance 
from the coal fields and the absence of timber, the time is coming when their 
value will be realized, and the fact demonstrated that Nature has abundantly 
compensated the deficiency of other fuel. 

GYPSUM. 

The only deposits of the sulphates of the alkaline earths of any economic 
value in Iowa are those of gypsum at and in the vicinity of Fort Dodge, in 
Webster County. All others are small and unimportant. The deposit occupies 
a nearly central position in Webster County, the Des Moines River running 
nearly centrally through it, along the valley sides of which the gypsum is seen 
in the form of ordinary rock cliff and ledges, and also occurring abundantly in 
similar positions along both sides of the valleys of the smaller streams and of 
the numerous ravines coming into the river valley. 

The most northerly known limit of the deposit is at a point near the mouth 
of Lizard Creek, a tributary of the Des Moines River, and almost adjoining 
the town of Fort Dodge. The most southerly point at which it has been 
found exposed is about six miles, by way of the river, from this northerly point 
before mentioned. Our knowledge of the width of the area occupied by it is 
limited by the exposures seen in the valleys of the small streams and in the 
ravines which come into the valley within the distance mentioned. As one goes 
up these ravines and minor valleys, the gypsum becomes lost beneath the over- 
lying drift. There can be no doubt that the different parts of this deposit, now 
disconnected by the valleys and ravines having been cut through it, were orig- 
inally connected as a continuous deposit, and there seems to be as little reason 
to doubt that the gypsum still extends to considerable distance on each side of 
the valley of the river beneath the drift which covers the region to a depth of 
from twenty to sixty feet. 

The country round about this region has the prairie surface approximating 
a general level which is so characteristic of the greater part of the State, and 
which exists irrespective of the character or geological age of the strata beneath, 
mainly because the drift is so deep and uniformly distributed that it frequently 
almost alone gives character to the surface. The valley sides of the Des Moines 
River, in the vicinity of Fort Dodge, are somewhat abrupt, having a depth there 
from the general level of the upland of about one hundred and seventy feet, 
and consequently presents somewhat bold and interesting features in the land- 
scape. 

As one walks up and down the creeks and ravines which come into the 
valley of the Des Moines River there, he sees the gypsum exposed on 
either side of them, jutting out from beneath the drift in the form of 



132 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

ledges and bold quarry fronts, having almost the exact appearance of 
ordinary limestone exposures, so horizontal and regular are its lines of 
stratification, and so similar in color is it to some varieties of that rock. Tlie 
principal quarries now opened are on Two Mile Creek, a couple of miles below 
Fort Dodge. 

The reader will please bear in mind that the gypsum of this remarkable 
deposit does not occur in "heaps" or " nests," as it does in most deposits of 
gypsum in the States farther eastward, but that it exists here in the form of a 
regularly stratified, continuous formation, as uniform in texture, color and 
quality throughout the whole region, and from top to bottom of the deposit 
as the granite of the Quincy quarries is. Its color is a uniform gray, result- 
ing from alternating fine horizontal lines of nearly Avhite, with similar lines 
of darker shade. The gypsum of the white lines is almost entirely pure, the 
darker lines containing the impurity. This is at intervals barely sufficient in 
amount to cause the separation of the mass upon those lines into beds or layers, 
thus facilitating the quarrying of it into desired shapes. These bedding sur- 
faces have occasionally a clayey feeling to the touch, but there is nowhere any 
intercalation of clay or other foreign substance in a separate form. The deposit 
is known to reach a thickness of thirty feet at the quarries referred to, but 
although it will probably be found to exceed this thickness at some other points, 
at the natural exposures, it is seldom seen to be more than from ten to twenty 
feet thick. 

Since the drift is usually seen to rest directly upon the gypsum, with noth- 
ing intervening, except at a few points where traces appear of an overlying bed 
of clayey material without doubt of the same age as the gypsum, the latter 
probably lost something of its thickness by mechanical erosion during the 
glacial epoch ; and it has, doubtless, also suffered some diminution of thickness 
since then by solution in the waters which constantly percolate through the 
drift from the surface. The drift of this region being somewhat clayey, partic- 
ulary in its lower part, it has doubtless served in some degree as a protection 
against the diminution of the gypsum by solution in consequence of its partial 
imperviousness to water. If the gypsum had been covered by a deposit £>f sand 
instead of the drift clays, it would have no doubt long since disappeared by 
being dissolved in the water that would have constantly reached it from the sur- 
face. Water merely resting upon it would not dissolve it away to any extent, 
but it rapidly disappears under the action of running 'water. Where little rills 
of water at the time of every rain run over the face of an unused quarry, from 
the surface above it, deep grooves are thereby cut into it, giving it somewhat the 
appearance of melting ice around a waterfall. The fact that gypsum is now 
sufi'ering a constant, but, of course, very slight, diminution, is apparent in the 
fact the springs of the region contain more or less of it in solution in their 
waters. An analysis of water from one of these springs will be found in Prof. 
Emery's report. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 133 

Besides the clayey beds that are .sometimes seen to rest upon the gypsum, 
there are occasionally others seen beneath them that are also of the same 
age, and not of the age of the coal-measure strata upon which they rest. 

A(/e of the Gypsum Deposit. — In neither the gypsum nor the associated 
clays has any trace of any fossil remains been found, nor has any other indica- 
tion of its geological age been observed, except that which is afforded by its 
stratigraphical relations ; and the most that can be said Avith certainty is that it 
is newer than the coal measures, and older than the drift. The indications 
afforded by the stratigraphical relations of the gypsum deposit of Fort Dodge 
are, however, of considerable value. 

As already shown, it rests in that region directly and unconformably upon 
the lower coal measures ; but going southward from there, the whole series of 
coal-measure strata from the top of the subcarboniferous group to the upper 
coal measures, inclusive, can be traced without break or unconformability. 
The strata of the latter also may be traced in the same manner up into the 
Permian rocks of Kansas; and through this long series, there is no place or 
horizon which suggests that the gypsum deposit might belong there. 

Again, no Tertiary deposits are known to exist within or near the borders 
of Iowa to suggest that the gypsum might be of that age ; nor are any of the 
pahieozoic strata newer than the subcarboniferous unconformable upon each 
other as the other gypsum is unconformable upon the strata beneath it. It 
therefore seems, in a measure, conclusive, that the gypsum is of Mesozoic age, 
perhaps older than the Cretaceous. 

LitJiological Origin. — As little can be said with certainty concerning the 
lithological origin of this deposit as can be said concerning its geological age, 
for it seems to present itself in this relation, as in the former one, as an isolated 
fact. None of the associated strata show any traces of a double decomposition 
of pre-existing materials, such as some have supposed all deposits of gypsum to 
have I'csulted from. No considerable quantities of oxide of iron nor any trace 
of native sulphur have been found in connection with it ; nor lias any salt been 
found in the waters of the region. These substances are common in association 
with other gypsum deposits, and are regarded by some persons as indicative of 
the method of or resultino- from their origin as such. Throughout the whole 
region, the Fort Dodge gypsum has the exact appearance of a sedimentary 
deposit. It is arranged in layers like the regular layers of limestone, and the 
whole mass, from top to bottom, is traced with fine horizontal lamimxj of alter- 
nating white and gray gypsum, parallel with the bedding surfaces of the layers, 
but the whole so intimately blended as to form a solid mass. The darker lines 
contain almost all the impurity there is in the gypsum, and that impurity is 
evidently sedimentary in its character. From these facts, and also from the 
further one that no trace of fossil remains has been detected in the gypsum, it 
seems not unreasonable to entertain the opinion that the gypsum of Fort Dodge 
originated as a chemical precipitation in comparatively still waters which Avere 



134 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

saturated with sulphate of lime and destitute of life ; its stratification and 
impurities being deposited at the same time as clayey impurities which had been 
held suspended in the same waters. 

Physical Properties. — Much has already been said of the physical proper- 
ties or character of this gypsum, but as it is so different in some respects from 
that of other deposits, there are yet other matters worthy of mention in connec- 
tion with those. According to the results of a complete and exhaustive anal- 
ysis by Prof Emery, the ordinary gray gypsum contains only about eight per 
cent, of impurity ; and it is possible that the average impurity for the whole 
deposit will not exceed that proportion, so uniform in quality is it from to top 
to bottom and from one end of the region to the other. 

When it is remembered that plaster for agricultural purposes is sometimes 
prepared from gypsum that contains as much as thirty per cent, of impurity, it 
will be seen that ours is a very superior article for such purposes. The impu- 
rities are also of such a character that they do not in any way interfere with its 
value for use in the arts. Although the gypsum rock has a gray color, it 
becomes quite white by grinding, and still whiter by the calcining process nec- 
essary in the preparation of plaster of Paris. These tests have all been practi- 
cally made in the rooms of the Geological Survey, and the quality of the plaster 
of Paris still further tested by actual use and experiment. No hesitation, 
therefore, is felt in stating that the Fort Dodge gypsum is of as good a quality 
as any in the country, even for the finest uses. 

In view of the bounteousness of the primitive fertility of our Iowa soils, 
many persons forget that a time may come when Nature will refuse to respond 
so generously to our demand as she does now, Avithout an adequate return. 
Such are apt to say that this vast deposit of gypsum is valueless to our com- 
monwealth, except to the small extent that it may be used in the arts. This 
is undoubtedly a short-sighted view of the subject, for the time is even now 
rapidly passing away when a man may purchase a new farm for less money 
than he can re-fertilize and restore the partially wasted primitive fertility of the 
one he now occupies. There are farms even now in a large part of the older 
settled portions of the State that would be greatly benefited by the proper 
application of plaster, and such areas will continue to increase until it will be 
difiicult to estimate the value of the deposit of gypsum at Fort Dodge. It 
should be remembered, also, that the inhabitants of an extent of country 
adjoining our State more than three times as great as its own area will find it 
more convenient to obtain their supplies from Fort Dodge than from any other 
source. 

For want of direct railroad communication between this region and other 
parts of the State, the only use yet made of the gypsum by the inhabitants is 
for the purposes of ordinary building stone. It is so compact that it is found 
to be comparatively unaffected by the frost, and its ordinary situation in walls 
of houses is such that it is protected from the dissolving action of water, which 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. " 135 

can at most reach it only from occasional rains, and the efiect of these is too 
slight to be perceived after the lapse of several years. 

One of the citizens of Fort Dodge, Hon. John F. Duncombe, built a large, 
fine residence of it. in 1861, the walls of which appear as unaffected by 
exposure and as beautiful as they were when first erected. It has been so long 
and successfully used for building stone by the inhabitants that they now prefer 
it to the limestone of good quality, which also exists in the immediate vicinity. 
This preference is due to the cheapness of the gypsum, as. compared with the 
stone. The cheapness of the former is largely due to the facility with which it 
is quarried and wrought. Several other houses have been constructed of it in 
Fort Dodge, including the depot building of the Dubuque & Sioux City Rail- 
road. The company have also constructed a large culvert of the same material 
to span a creek near the town, limestone only being used for the lower courses, 
which come in contact with the water. It is a fine arch, each stone of gypsum 
being nicely hewn, and it will doubtless prove a very durable one. Many of 
the sidewalks in the town are made of the slabs or flags of gypsum which occur 
in some of the quarries in the form of thin layers. They are more durable 
than their softness would lead one to suppose. They also possess an advantage 
over stone in not becoming slippery when worn. 

The method adopted in quarrying and dressing the blocks of gypsum is 
peculiar, and quite unlike that adopted in similar treatment of ordinary stone. 
Taking a stout auger-bit of an ordinary brace, such as is used by carpenters, 
and filing the cutting parts of it into a peculiar form, the quarryman bores his 
lioles into the gypsum quarry for blasting, in the same manner and with as 
great facility as a carpenter would bore hard wood. The pieces being loosened 
by blasting, they are broken up with sledges into convenient sizes, or hewn 
into the desired shapes by means of hatchets or ordinary chopping axes, or cut 
by means of ordinary wood-saws. So little grit does the gypsum contain that 
these tools, made for working wood, are found to be better adapted for working 
the former substance than those tools are which are universally used for work- 
ing stone. 

MINOR DEPOSITS OF SULPHATE OF LIME. 

Besides the great gypsum deposit of Fort Dodge, sulphate of lime in the 
various forms of fibrous gypsum, selenite, and small, amorphous masses, has 
also been discovered in various formations in difierent parts of the State, includ- 
ing the coal -measure shales near Fort Dodge, where it exists in small quanti- 
ties, quite independently of the great gypsum deposit there. The quantity of 
gypsum in these minor deposits is always too small to be of any practical value, 
and frequently minute. They usually occur in shales and shaly clays, asso- 
ciated with strata that contain more or less sulphuret of iron (iron pyrites). 
Gypsum has thus been detected in the coal measures, the St. Louis limestone, 
the cretaceous strata, and also in the lead caves of Dubu<iue. In most of these 
cases it is evidently the result of double decomposition of iron pyrites and car- 



136 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

bonate of lime, previously existing there ; in which cases the gypsum is of course 
not an original deposit as the great one at Fort Dodge is supjx>sed to be. 

The existence of these comparatively minute quantities of gypsum in the 
shales of the coal measures and the subcarboniferous limestone which are exposed 
within the region of and occupy a stratigraphical position beneath the great 
gypsum deposits, suggests the possibility that the former may have originated as 
a precipitate from percolating waters, holding gypsum in solution which they 
had derived from that deposit in passing over or through it. Since, however, 
the same substance is found in similar small quantities and under similar con- 
ditions in regions where they could have had no possible connection with that 
deposit, it is believed that none of those mentioned have necessarily originated 
from it, not even those that are found in close proximity to it. 

The gypsum found in the lead caves is usually in the form of efflorescent 
fibers, and is ahvajs in small quantity. In the lower coal-measure shale near 
Fort Dodge, a small mass was found in the form of an intercalated layer, which 
had a distinct fibrous structure, the fibers being perpendicular to the plane of 
the layer. The same mass had also distinct, horizontal planes of cleavage at 
right angles with the perpendicular fibers. Thus, being more or less transpa- 
rent, the mass combined the characters of both fibrous gypsum and selenite. 
No anhydrous sulphate of lime {anliydrite) has been found in connection with 
the great gypsum deposit, nor elsewhere in Iowa, so far as yet known. 

SULPHATE OF STRONTIA. 

{Celes'ine.) • 

The only locality at which this interesting mineral has yet been found in 
Iowa, or, so far as is known, in the great valley of the Mississippi, is at Fort 
Dodge. It occurs there in very small quantity in both the shales of the lower 
coal measures and in the clays that overlie the gypsum deposit, and which are 
regarded as of the same age with it. The first is just below the city, near Rees' 
coal bank, and occurs as a layer intercalated among the coal measure shales, 
amounting in quantity to only a few hundred pounds' weight. The mineral is 
fibrous and crystalline, the fibers being perpendicular to the plane of the layer. 
Breaking also with more or less distinct horizontal planes of cleavage, it resem- 
bles, in physical character, the layer of fibro-crystalline gypsum before men- 
tioned. Its color is light blue, is transparent and shows crystaline facets upon 
both the upper and under surfaces of the layer ; those of the upper surface 
being smallest and most numerous. It breaks up readily into small masses 
along the lines of the perpendicular fibers or columns. The layer is probably 
not more than a rod in extent in any direction and about three ifiches in maxi- 
mum thickness. Apparent lines of stratification occur in it, corresponding with 
those of the shales which imbed it. 

The other deposit was still smaller in amount, and occurred as a mass of 
crystals imbedded in the clays that overlie the gypsum at Cummins' quarry in 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 187 

the valley of Soldier Creek, upon the north side of the town. The mineral is 
in this case nearly colorless, and but for the form of the separate crystals would 
closely resemble masses of impure salt. The crystals are so closely aggregated 
that they enclose but little impurity in the mass, but in almost all cases their 
fundamental forms are obscured. This mineral has almost no real practical 
value, and its occurrence, as described, is interesting only as a mineralogical 
fact. 

SULPHATE OF BARYTA. 
{BarytiS, Heavy Spar.) 

This mineral has been found only in minute quantities in Iowa. It has 
been detected in the coal-measure shales of Decatur, Madison and Marion 
Counties, the Devonian limestone of Johnson and Bremer Counties and in the 
lead caves of Dubuque. In all these cases, it is in the form of crystals or small 
crystalline masses. 

SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA. 

(Fpsomite.) 

Epsomite, or native epsom salts, having been discovered near Burlington, 
we have thus recognized in Iowa all the sulphates of the alkaline earths of 
natural origin ; all of them, except the sulphate of lime, being in very small 
quantity. Even if the sulphate of magnesia were produced in nature, in large 
quantities, it is so very soluble that it can accumulate only in such positions as 
afford it complete shelter from the rains or running water. The epsomite 
mentioned was found beneath the overhanging cliff of Burlington limestone, 
near Starr's mill, which are represented in the sketch upon another page, illus- 
trating the subcarboniferous rocks. It occurs in the form of efflorescent encrus- 
tations upon the surface of stones and in similar small fragile masses among the 
fine debris that has fallen down beneath the overhanging cliff. The projection 
of the cliff over the perpendicular face of the strata beneath amounts to near 
twenty feet at the point where epsomite was found. Consequently the rains 
never reach far beneath it from any quarter. The rock upon which the epsom- 
ite accumulates is an impure limestone, containing also some carbonate of mag- 
nesia, together with a small pi'oportion of iron pyrites in a finely divided con- 
dition. It is doubtless by double decomposition of these that the epsomite re- 
sults. By experiments with this native salt in the office of the Survey, a fine 
article of epsom salts was produced, but the quantity that might be annually 
obtained there would amount to only a few pounds, and of course is of no prac- 
tical value whatever, on account of its cheapness in the market. 

CLIMATOLOGY. 

No extended record of the climatology of Iowa has been made, yet much of 
great value may be learned from observations made at a single point. Prof. T. 
S. Parvin, of the State University, has recorded observations made from 1839 
to the present time. Previous to 1860, these observations were made at Mus-, 



138 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

catine. Since that date, they were made in Iowa City. The result is that the 
atmospheric conditions of the climate of Iowa are in the highest degree favor- 
able to health. 

The highest temperature here occurs in August, while July is the hottest 
month in the year by two degrees, and January the coldest by three degrees. 

The mean temperature of April and October most nearly corresponds to the 
mean temperature of the year, as well as their seasons of Spring and Fall, 
while that of Summer and Winter is best represented in that of August and 
December. 

The period of greatest heat ranges from June 22d to August 31st ; the next 
mean time being July 27th. The lowest temperature extends from December 
16th to February 15th, the average being January 20th — the range in each 
case being two full months. 

The climate of Iowa embraces the range of that of New York, Pennsyl- 
vania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The seasons are not characterized by the 
frequent and sudden changes so common in the latitudes further south. The 
temperature of the Winters is somewhat lower than States eastward, but of other 
seasons it is higher. The atmosphere is dry and invigorating. The surface of 
the State being free at all seasons of the year from stagnant water, with good 
breezes at nearly all seasons, the miasmatic and pulmonary diseases are 
unknown. Mortuary statistics show this to be one of the most healthful States 
in. the Union, being one death to every ninety-four persons. The Spring, 
Summer and Fall months are delightful ; indeed, the glory of Iowa is her 
Autumn, and nothing can transcend the splendor of her Indian Summer, which 
lasts for weeks, and finally blends, almost imperceptibly, into Winter. 




HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



DISCOVERY AND OCCUPATION. 

Iowa, in the symbolical and expressive language of the aboriginal inhab- 
itants, is said to signify " The Beautiful Land," and was applied to this 
magnificent and fruitful region by its ancient owners, to express their apprecia- 
tion of its superiority of climate, soil and location. Prior to 1803, the Mississippi 
River was the extreme western boundary of the United States. All the great 
empire lying west of the " Father of Waters," from the Gulf of Mexico on the 
south to British America on the north, and westward to the Pacific Ocean, was 
a Spanish province. A brief historical sketch of the discovery and occupation 
of this grand empire by the Spanish and French governments Avill be a fitting 
introduction to the history of the young and thriving State of Iowa, which, 
until the commencement of the present century, was a part of the Spanish 
possessions in America. 

Early in the Spring of 1542, fifty years after Columbus discovered the New 
World, and one hundred and thirty years before the French missionaries discov- 
ered its upper waters, Ferdinand De Soto discovered the mouth of the jNIississippi 
River at the mouth of the Washita. After the sudden death of De Soto, in 
May of the same year, his followers built a small vessel, and in July, 1543, 
descended the great river to the Gulf of Mexico. 

In accordance Avith the usage of nations, under which title to the soil was 
claimed by right of discovery, Spain, having conquered Florida and discovered 
the JNIississippi, claimed all the territory bordering on that river and the Gulf of 
Mexico. But it was also held by the European nations that, while discovery 
gave title, that title must be perfected by actual possession and occupation. 
Although Spain claimed the territory by right of first discovery, she made no 
effort to occupy it ; by no permanent settlement had she perfected and held her 
title, and therefore had forfeited it when, at a later period, the Lower Mississippi 
Valley was re-discovered and occupied by Frnnce. 

The unparalleled labors of the zealous Fr( nc i Jesuits of Canada in penetrating 
the unknown region of the West, commencing; in 1611, form a historv of no ordi- 
nary interest, but have no particular connection with the scope of the present 
work, until in the Fall of 1665. Pierre Claude Allouez, who had entered Lake 
Superior in September, and sailed along the southern coast in search of copper, 
had arrived at the great village of the Chippewas at Chegoincegon. Here a 
grand council of some ton or twelve of the principal Indian nations was held. 
The Pottawatomies of Lake Michigan, the Sacs and Foxes of the West, the 
Hurons from the North, the Illinois from the South, and the Sioux from tlie 
land of the prairie and wild rice, were all assembled there. The Illinois told 



140 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

the storv of their ancient glorv and about the noble river on the banks of whicli 
they dwelt. The Sioux also told their white brother of the same great river, 
and AUouez promised to the assembled tribes the protection of the French 
nation against all their enemies, native or foreign. 

The purpose of discovering the great river about which the Indian na- 
tions had given such glowing accounts appears to have originated with Mar- 
quette, in 1669. In the year previous, he and Claude Dablon had established 
the Mission of St. Mary's, the oldest white settlement within the present limits 
of the State of Michigan. Marquette was delayed in the execution of his great 
undertaking, and spent the interval in studying the language and habits of the 
Illinois Indians, among whom he expected to travel. 

About this time, tlie French Government had determined to extend the do- 
minion of France to the extreme western borders of Canada. Nicholas Perrot 
was sent as the agent of the government, to propose a grand council of the 
Indian nations, at St. Mary's. 

When Perrot reached Green Bay, he extended the invitation far and near ; 
and, escorted by Pottawatomies, repaired on a mission of peace and friend- 
ship to the Miamis, who occupied the region about the present location of 
Chicago. 

In May, 1671, a great council of Indians gathered at the Falls of St. 
Mary, from all parts of the Northwest, from the head waters of the St. Law- 
rence, from the valley of the Mississippi and from the Red River of the North. 
Perrot met with them, and after grave consultation, formally announced to the 
assembled nations that their good French Father felt an abiding interest in their 
welfare, and had placed them all under the powerful protection of the French 
Government. 

Marquette, during that same year, had gathered at Point St. Ignace the 
vemn ants of one branch of the Hurons. This station, for a long series of 
years, was considered the key to the unknown West. 

The time was now auspicious for the consummation of Marquette's grand 
project. The successful termination of Perrot's mission, and the general friend- 
liness of the native tribes, rendered the contemplated expedition much less per- 
ilous. But it was not until 1673 that the intrepid and enthusiastic priest was 
finally ready to depart on his daring and perilous journey to lands never trod by 
white men. 

The Indians, who had gathered in large numbers to witness his departure, 
were astounded at the boldness of the proposed undertaking, and tried to dis- 
courage him, representing that the Indians of the Mississippi Valley were cruel 
and bloodthirsty, and would resent the intrusion of strangers upon their domain. 
The great river itself, they said, was the abode of terrible monsters, who could 
swallow both canoes and men. 

But Marquette was not to be diverted from his purpose by these fearful re- 
ports. He assured his dusky friends that he was ready to make any sacrifice, 
even to lay down his life for the sacred cause in which he was engaged. He 
prayed with them ; and having implored the blessing of God upon his undertak- 
ing, on the loth day of May, 1673, with Joliet and five Canad'an-French voy- 
ageurs, or boatmen, he left the mission on his daring journey. Ascending 
Green Bay and Fox River, these bold and enthusiastic pioneers of religion and 
discovery proceeded until they reached a Miami and Kickapoo village, where 
Marquette was delighted to find "• a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the 
town, ornamented with white skins, red girdles and bows and arrows, which 
these good people had offered to the Great Manitou, or God, to thank Him for 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 141 

the pity He had bestowed on them during the Winter, in having given them 
abundant chase." 

This was the extreme point beyond whicli tlie explorations of the French 
missionaries had not then extended. Here Marquette was instructed by his 
Indian hosts in the secret of a root that cures the bite of the venomous rattle- 
snake, drank mineral water with them and was entertained with generous hos- 
pitality. He called together the principal men of the village, and informed 
them that his companion, Joliet, had been sent by the French Governor of Can- 
ada to discover new countries, to be added to the dominion of France ; but that 
he, himself, had been sent by the Most High God, to carry the glorious religion 
of the Cross ; and assured his wondering heai ers that on this mission he had 
no fear of death, to which he knew he would be exposed on his perilous journeys. 

Obtaining the services of two Miami guides, to conduct his little band to the 
Wisconsin River, he left the hospitable Indians on the 10th of June. Conduct- 
ing them across the portage, their Indian guides returned to their village, and 
the little party descended the Wisconsin, to the great river which had so long 
been so anxiously looked for, and boldly floated down its unknown waters. 

On the 25th of June, the explorers discovered indications of Indians on the 
west bank of the river and land -d a little above the mouth of the river now 
known as Des Moines, and for the first time Europeans trod the soil of Iowa. 
Leaving the Canadians to guard the canoes, Marquette and Joliet boldly fol- 
lowed the trail into the interior for fourteen miles (some authorities say six), to 
an Indian village situate on the banks of a river, and discovered two other vil- 
lages, on the rising ground about half a league distant. Their visit, while it 
created much astonishment, did not seem to be entirely unexpected, for there 
was a tradition or prophecy among the Indians that white visitors were to come 
to them. They were, therefore, received with great respect and hospitality, and 
were cordially tendered the calumet or pipe of peace. They were informed that 
this band was a part of the Illini nation and that their village was called Mon- 
in-gou-ma or Moingona, which was the name of the river on which it stood. 
This, from its similarity of sound, Marquette corrupted into Des Moines 
(Monk's River), its present name. 

Here the voyagers remained six days, learning much of the manners and 
customs of their new friends. The new religion they boldly preached an<l the 
authority of the King of France they proclaimed were received without hos- 
tility or remonstrance by their savage entertainers. On their departure, they 
were accompanied to their canoes by the chiefs and hundreds of warriors. 
Marquette received from them the sacred calumet, the emblem of peace and 
safeguard among the nations, and re-embarked for the rest of his journey. 

It is needless to follow him further, as his explorations beyond his discovery 
of Iowa more properly belong to the history of another State. 

In 1682, La Salle descended the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, and in 
the name of the King of France, took formal j)ossession of all the immense 
region watered by the great river and its tributaries from its source to its mouth, 
and named it Louisiana, in honor of his master, Louis XIY. The river he 
called " Colbert,"' aftrr the French Minister, and at its mouth erected a column 
and a cross bearing the inscription, in the French language, 

" Louis the Great, King op France and Navarre, 
Reigning April 9tii, 1682." 

At the close of the seventeenth century, France claimed, by right of dis- 
covery and occupancy, the whole valley of the Mississippi and its tributaries, 
including Texas, as Far as the Rio del Norte. 



142 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA 

The province of Louisiana stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the sources 
of the Tennessee, the Kanawha, the Allegheny and the Monongahela on the 
east, and the Missouri and the other great tributaries of the Father of Waters 
on the west. Says Bancroft, " France had obtained, under Providence, the 
guardianship of this immense district of country, not, as it proved, for her own 
benefit, but rather as a trustee for the infant nation by which it was one day to 
be inherited." 

By the treaty of Utrecht, France ceded to England her possessions 
in Hudson's Bay, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. France still retained 
Louisiana ; but the province had so far failed to meet the expectations of the 
crown and the people that a change in the government and policy of the country 
was deemed indispensable. Accordingly, in 1711, the province was placed in 
the hands of a Governor General, with headquarters at Mobile. This govern- 
ment was of brief duration, and in 1712 a charter was granted to Anthony 
Crozat, a Avealthy merchant of Paris, giving him the entire control and mo- 
nopoly of all the trade and resources of Louisiana. But this scheme also failed. 
Crozat met with no success in his commercial operations ; every Spanish harbor 
on the Gulf was closed against his vessels; the occupation of Louisiana was 
deemed an encroachment on Spanish territory ; Spain was jealous of the am- 
bition of France. 

Failing in his efforts to open the ports of the district, Crozat "sought to 
develop the internal resources of Louisiana, by causing trading posts to be 
opened, and explorations to be made to its remotest borders. But he 
actually accomplished nothing for the advancement of the colony. The only 
prosperity Avhich it ever possessed grew out of the enterprise of humble indi- 
viduals, who had succeeded in instituting a little barter betwean themselves 
and the natives, and a petty trade with neighboring European settlements. 
After a persevering effort of nearly five years, he surrendered his charter in 
August, 1717." 

Immediately following the surrender of his charter by Crozat, another and 
more magnificent scheme was inaugurated. The national government of France 
was deeply involved in debt; the colonies were nearly bankrupt, and John Law 
appeared on the scene with his famous Mississippi Company, as the Louisiana 
branch of the Bank of France. The charter granted to this company gave it a 
legal existence of twenty-five years, and conferred upon it more extensive powers 
and privileges than had been granted to Crozat. It invested the new company 
with the exclusive privilege of the entire commerce of Louisiana, and of New 
France, and with authority to enforce their rights. The Company was author- 
ized to monopolize all the trade in the country ; to make treaties with the 
Indians ; to declare and prosecute war ; to grant lands, erect forts, open mines 
of precious metals, levy taxes, nominate civil officers, commission those of the 
army, and to appoint and remove judges, to cast cannon, and build and equip 
ships of w^ar. All this Avas to be done with the paper currency of John Law's 
Bank of France. He had succeeded in getting His Majesty the French King 
to adopt and sanction his scheme of financial operations both in France and in 
the colonies, and probably there never was such a huge financial bubble ever 
blown by a visionary theorist. Still, such was the condition of France that it 
was accepted as a national deliverance, and Law became the most powerful man 
in France. He became a Catholic, and was appointed Comptroller General of 
Finance. 

Among the first operations of the Company was to send eight hundred 
emigrants to Louisiana, who arrived at Dauphine Island in 1718. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 143 

In 1719, Philipe Francis Renault arrived in Illinois with two hundred 
miners and artisans. The war between France and Spain at this time rendered 
it extremely probable that the Mississippi Valley might become the theater of 
Spanish hostilities against the French settlements ; to prevent this, as well as to 
extend French claims, a chain of forts was begun, to keep open the connection 
between the mouth and the sources of the ^lississippi. Fort Orleans, high up 
the Mississippi River, was erected as an outpost in 1720, 

The Mississippi scheme Avas at the zenith of its power and glory in January, 
1720, but the gigantic bubble collapsed more suddenly than it had been inflated, 
and the Company was declared hopelessly bankrupt in May following. France 
was impoverished by it, both private and public credit were overthrown, capi- 
talists suddenly found themselves paupers, and labor was left without employ- 
ment. The effect on the colony of Louisiana was disastrous. 

While this was going on in Lower Louisiana, the region about the lakes was 
the theater of Indian hostilities, rendering the passage from Canada to Louisiana 
extremely dangerous for many years. The English had not only extended their 
Indian trade into the vicinity of the French settlements, but through their 
friends, the Iroquois, had gained a marked ascendancy over the Foxes, a fierce 
and powerful tribe, of Iroquois descent, whom they incited to hostilities against 
the French. The Foxes began their hostilities with the si^ge of Detroit in 
1712, a siege which they continued for nineteen consecutive days, and although 
the expedition resulted in diminishing their numbers and humbling their pride, 
yet it was not until after several successive campaigns, embodying the best 
military resources of New France, had been directed against them, that were 
finally defeated at the great battles of Butte des Morts, and on the Wisconsin 
River, and driven west in 174G. 

The Company, having found that the cost of defending Louisiana exceeded 
the returns from its commerce, solicited leave to surrender the Mississippi 
wilderness to the home government. Accordingly, on the 10th of April, 1732, 
the jurisdiction and control over the commerce reverted to the crown of France. 
The Company had held possession of Louisiana fourteen years. In 1735, Bien- 
ville returned to assume command for the King. 

A glance at a few of the old French settlements will show the progress made 
in portions of Louisiana during the early part of the eighteenth century. As 
early as 1705, traders and hunters had penetrated the fertile regions of the 
Wabash, and from this region, at that early date, fifteen thousand hides and 
skins had been collected and sent to Mobile for the European market. 

In the year 1716, the French population on the Wabash kept up a lucrative 
commerce with Mobile by means of traders and voyageurs. The Ohio River 
was comparatively unknown. 

In 1746, agriculture on the Wabash had attained to greater prosperity than 
in any of the French settlements besides, and in that year six hundred barrels 
of tlour were manufactured and shipped to New Orleans, together with consider- 
able quantities of hides, peltry, tallow and beeswax. 

In the Illinois country, also, considerable settlements had been made, so that, 
in 1730, they embraced one hundred and forty French families, about six 
hundred "converted Indians." and many traders and voyageurs. 

In 1753, the first actual conflict arose between Louisiana and the Atlantic 
colonies. From the earliest advent of the Jesuit fathers, up to the period of 
which we speak, the great ambition of the French had been, not alone to preserve 
their possessions in the West, but by every possible means to prevent the 
slightest attempt of the English, east of the mountains, to extend their settle- 



144 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

ments toward the Mississippi. France was resolved on retaining possession of 
the great territory which her missionaries had discovered and revealed to the 
world. French commandants had avowed their purpose of seizing every 
Englishman within the Ohio A' alley. 

The colonies of Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia were most affected by 
the encroachments of France in the extension of her dominion, and particularly 
in the great scheme of uniting Canada with Louisiana. To carry out this 
purpose, the French had taken possession of a tract of country claimed by Vir- 
ginia, and had commenced a line of forts extending from the lakes to tlie Ohio 
River. Virginia was not only alive to her own interests, but attentive to the 
vast importance of an immediate and effectual resistance on the part of all 
the English colonies to the actual and contemplated encroachments of the 
French. 

In 17o3, Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia, sent George Washington, then a 
young man just twenty-one, to demand of theFrench commandant " a reason 
for invading British dominions while a solid peace subsisted." Washington met 
the French commandant, Gardeur de St. Pierre, on the head waters of the 
Alleghany, and having communicated to him the object of his journey, received 
the insolent answer that the French would not discuss the matter of right, but 
would make prisoners of every Englishman found trading on the Ohio and its 
waters. The country, he said, belonged to the French, by virtue of the dis- 
coveries of La Salle, and they would not withdraw from it. 

In January, 1754, Washington returned to Virginia, and made his report to 
the Governor and Council. Forces were at once raised, and Washington, as 
Lieutenant Colonel, was dispatched at the head of a hundred and fifty men, to 
the forks of the Ohio, with orders to "finish the fort already beo;un there bv the 
Ohio Company, and to make prisoners, kill or destroy all who interrupted the 
English settlements." 

On his march through the forests of Western Pennsylvania, Washington, 
through the aid of friendly Indians, discovered the French concealed among the 
rocks, and as they ran to seize their arms, ordered his men to fire upon them, at 
the same time, with his own musket, setting the example. An action lasting 
about a quarter of an hour ensued ; ten of the Frenchmen were killed, among 
them Jumonville, the commander of the party, and twenty-one were made pris- 
oners. The dead were scalped by the Indians, and the chief, bearing a toma- 
hawk and a scalp, visited all the tribes of the Miamis, urging them to join the 
Six Nations and the English against the French. The French, however, were 
soon re-enforced, and Col. Washington was compelled to return to Fort 
Necessity. Here, on the 3d day of July, De Villiers invested the fort with 
600 French troops and 100 Indians. On the 4tli, Washingfon accepted 
terms of capitulation, and the English garrison withdrew from the valley of 
the Ohio. 

Tliis attack of Washington upon Jumonville aroused the indignation of 
France, and war was formally declared in May, 175(3, and the " French and 
Indian War" devastated the colonies for several years. Montreal, Detroit 
and all Canada were surrendered to the English, and on the 10th of February, 
1763, by the treaty of Paris — which had been signed, though not formally ratified 
by the respective governments, on the 3dof November, 1762 — France relinquished 
to Great Britian all that portion of the province of Louisiana lying on the east 
side of the Mississippi, except the island and town of New Orleans. On the 
same day that the treaty of Paris was signed, France, by a secret treaty, ceded 
to Spain all her possessions on the west side of the Mississippi, including the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 145 

wliole country to the head waters of the Great River, and west to the Rocky 
Mountains, and the jurisdiction of France in America, which had lasted nearly 
a century, was ended. 

At the close of the Revolutionary war, by the treaty of peace between Great 
Britain and the United States, the English Government ceded to the latter 
all the territory on the east side of the Mississippi River and north of the thirty- 
first ]iarallel of north latitude. At the same time. Great Britain ceded to 
Sjjain all the Floridas, comprising all the territory east of the Mississippi and 
south of the southern limits of the United States. , 

At this time, therefore, the present State of Iowa was a part of the Spanish 
possessions in North America, as all the territory west of the Mississippi River 
Avas under the dominion of Spain. That government also possessed all the 
territory of the Floridas east of the great river and south of the thirty-first 
parallel of north latitude. The Mississippi, therefore, so essential to the pros- 
perity of the western portion of the United States, for the last three hundred 
miles of its course flowed wholly within the Spanish dominions, and that govern- 
ment claimed the exclusive right to use and control it below the southern boun- 
dary of the United States. 

The free navigation of the Mississippi was a very important question during 
all the time that Louisiana remained a dependency of the Spanish (Jrown, and 
as the final settlement intimately affected the status of the then future State 
of Iowa, it will be interesting to trace its progress. 

The people of the United States occupied and exercised jurisdiction over 
the entire eastern valley of the Mississippi, embracing all the country drained 
by its eas:ern tributaries ; they had a natural right, according to the accepted in- 
ternational law, to follow these rivers to the sea, and to the use of the jNlissis- 
sippi River accordingly, as the great natural channel of commerce. The river 
was not only necessary but absolutely indispensable to the prosperity and growth 
of the western settlements then rapidly rising into commercial and political 
importance. They were situated in the heart of the great valley, and with 
wonderfully expansive energies and accumulating resources, it was very evident 
that no power on earth could deprive them of the free use of the river below 
them, only while their numbc^>rs were insufiicient to enable them to maintain 
their right by force. Inevitaldy, therefore, immediately after the ratification of 
the treaty of 1783, the \Ve.5rern people began to demand the free navigation 
of the Mississippi — not as a f ivor, but as a right. In 1786, both banks of 
the river, below the mouth of tlie Ohio, w^ere occupied by Spain, and military 
posts on the east bank enforced her power to exact heavy duties on all im- 
ports by way of the river for the Ohio region. Every boat descending the 
river was forced to land and submit to the arbitrary revenue exactions of the 
Spanish authorities. Under the administration of Governor Miro, these rigor- 
ous exactions were somewhat relaxed from 1787 to 1790 ; but Spain held it as 
her right to make them. Taking advantage of the claim of the American ])eople. 
that tiie Mississippi should be opened to them, in 1791, the Spanish Govern- 
ment concocted a scheme for the dismembership of the Union. The plan was 
to induce the Western people to separate from the Eastern States by liberal land 
grants and extraordinary commercial privileges. 

Spanish emissaries, among the people of Ohio and Kentucky, informed them 
that the Spanish Government would grant them fiivorable commercial ])rivileges, 
provided they Avould secede from the Federal Government east of the mountains. 
The Spanish Minister to the United States plainly declared to his confidential 
correspondent tiiat, unless the AVestern ])eople would declare their independence 



146 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

and refuse to remain in the Union, Spain was determined never to grant the 
free navigation of the Mississippi. 

By the treaty of Madrid, October 20, 1795, however, Spain formally stip- 
ulatecl that the Mississippi River, from its source to the Gulf, for its entire width, 
should be free to American trade and commerce, and that the people of the 
United States should be permitted, for three years, to use the port of New 
Orleans as a port of deposit for their merchandise and produce, duty free. 

In November, 1801, the United States Government received, through Rufus 
King, its Minister at the Court of St. James, a copy of the treaty between Spain 
and France, signed at Madrid March 21, 1801, by which the cession of Loui- 
siana to France, made the previous Autumn, was confirmed. 

The change offered a favorable opportunity to secure the just rights of the 
United States, in relation to the free navigation of the Mississippi, and ended 
the attempt to dismember the Union by an effort to secure an independent 
government west of the Alleghany Mountains. On the 7th of January, 1803, 
the American House of Representatives adopted a resolution declaring their 
" unalterable determination to maintain the boundaries and the rights of navi- 
gation and commerce through the River Mississippi, as established by existing 
treaties." 

In the same month, President Jefferson nominated and the Senate confirmed 
Robert R. Livingston and James Monroe as Envoys Plenipotentiary to the 
Court of France, and Charles Pinckney and James Monroe to the Court of 
Spain, with plenary powers to negotiate treaties to effect the object enunciated 
by the popular branch of the National Legislature. These envoys were in- 
structed to secure, if possible, the cession of Florida and New Orleans, but it 
does not appear that Mr. Jefferson and his Cabinet had any idea of purchasing 
that part of Louisiana lying on the west side of the Mississippi. In fact, on 
the 2d of March following, the instructions were sent to our Ministers, contain- 
ing a plan which expressly left to France "all her territory on the west side of 
the Mississippi." Had these instructions been followed, it might have been that 
there would not have been any State of Iowa or any other member of the glori- 
ous Union of States west of the "Father of Waters." 

In obedience to his instructions, however, Mr. Livingston broached this 
plan to M. Talleyrand, Napoleon's Prime Minister, when that courtly diplo- 
matist quietly suggested to the American Minister that France might be willing 
to cede the whole French domain in North America to the United States, and 
asked how much the Federal Government would be willing to give for it, Liv- 
ingston intimated that twenty millions of francs might be a fair price. Talley- 
rand thought that not enough, but asked the Americans to "think of it." A 
few days later. Napoleon, in an interview with Mr. Livingston, in effect informed 
the American Envoy that he had secured Louisiana in a contract with Spain 
for the purpose of turning it over to the United States for a mere nominal sum. 
He had been compelled to provide for the safety of that province by the treaty, 
and he was " anxious to give the United States a magnificent bargain for a 
mere trifle." The price proposed was one hundred and twenty-five million 
francs. This was subsequently modified to fifteen million dollars, and on this 
basis a treaty was negotiated, and was signed on the 30th day of April, 1803. 

This treaty was ratified by the Federal Government, and by act of Congress, 
approved October 31, 1803, the President of the United States was authorized 
to take possession of the territory and provide for it a temporary government. 
Accordingly, on the 20th day of December foil iwing. on behalf of the Presi- 
dentj Gov. Clairborne and Gen. Wilkinson took possession of the Louisiana 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. ' 147 

purchase, and raised the American flag over the newly acquired domain, at New 
Orleans. Spain, although it had by treaty ceded the province to France in 
1801, still held quasi possession, and at first objected to the transfer, but with- 
drew her opposition early in 1804. 

By this treaty, thus successfully consummated, and the peaceable withdrawal 
of Spain, the then infant nation of the New World extended its dominion west 
of the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean, and north from the Gulf of Mexico to 
British America. 

If the original design of Jefferson's administration had been accomplished, 
the United States would have acquired only that portion of the French territory 
lying east of the Mississippi River, and while the American people would thus 
have acquired the free navigation of that great river, all of the vast and fertile 
empire on the Avest, so rich in its agricultural and inexhaustible mineral 
resources, would have remained under the dominion of a foreign power. To 
Napoleon's desire to sell the whole of his North American possessions, and Liv- 
ingston's act transcending his instructions, which was acquiesced in after it was 
done, does Iowa owe her position as a part of the United States by the 
Louisiana purchase. 

By authority of an act of Congress, approved March 26, 1804, the newly 
acquired territory was, on the 1st day of October following, divided : that part 
lying south of the 33d parallel of north latitude was called the Territory of 
Orleans, and all north of that parallel the District of Louisiana, which was placed 
under the authority of the officers of Indiana Territory, until July 4, 1805, when 
it was organized, with territorial government of its own, and so remained until 
1812, when the Territory of Orleans became the State of Louisiana, and the 
name of the Territory of Louisiana was changed to Missouri. On the 4th of 
July, 1814, that part of Missouri Territory comprising the present State of 
Arkansas, and the country to the westward, was organized into the Arkansas 
Territory. 

On the 2d of March, 1821, the State of Missouri, being a part of the Terri- 
tory of that name, was admitted to the Union. June 28, 1834, the territory 
west of the Mississimji Iliver and north of Missouri was made a part of the 
Territory of Michigan ; but two years later, on the 4th of July, 1836, Wiscon- 
sin Territory was erected, embracing within its limits the present States of 
Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

By act of Congress, approved June 12, 1838, the 

TERRITORY OF IOWA 

was erected, comprising, in addition to the present State, much the larger part 
of Minnesota, and extending north to the boundary of the British Possessions. 

THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. 

Having traced the early history of the great empire lying west of the Mis- 
sissippi, of which the State of Iowa constitutes a part, from the earliest dis- 
covery to the organization of the Territory of Iowa, it becomes necessary to 
give some history of 

THE INDIANS OF IOWA. 

According to the policy of the European nations, possession jierfected title 
to any territory. We have seen that the country west of the Mississippi was first 
discovered by the Spaniards, but afterward, was visited and occupied by the 
French. It was ceded by France to Spain, and by Spain back to France again. 



148 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

and then was purchased and occupied by the United States. During all that 
time, it does not appear to have entered into the heads or hearts of the high 
contracting parties that the country they bought, sold and gave away was in 
the possession of a race of men who, although savage, owned the vast domain 
before Columbus first crossed the Atlantic. Having purchased the territory, 
the United States found it still in the possession of its original owners, who had 
never been dispossessed ; and it became necessary to purchase again what had 
already been bought before, or forcibly eject the occupants ; therefore, the his- 
tory of the Indian nations who occupied Iowa prior to and during its early set- 
tlement by the whites, becomes an important chapter in the history of the State, 
that cannot be omitted. 

For more than one hundred years after Marquette and Joliet trod the virgin 
soil of Iowa, not a single settlement had been made or attempted ; not even a 
trading post had been established. The whole country remained in the undis- 
puted possession of the native tribes, Avho roamed at will over her beautiful and 
fertile prairies, hunted in her woods, fished in her streams, and often poured out 
their life-blood in obstinately contested contests for supremacy. That this State 
so aptly styled "The Beautiful Land," had been the theater of numerous, 
fierce and bloody struggles between rival nations, for possession of the favored 
region, long before its settlement by civilized man, there is no room for doubt. 
In these savage wars, the weaker party, whether aggressive or defensive, was 
either exterminated or driven from their ancient hunting grounds. 

In 1673, when Marquette discovered Iowa, the Illini were a very powerful 
people, occupying a large portion of the State ; but when the country was again 
visited by the whites, not a remnant of that once powerful tribe remained on 
the west side of the Mississippi, and Iowa was principally in the possession of 
the Sacs and Foxes, a warlike tribe which, originally two distinct nations, 
residing in New York and on the waters of the St. Lawrence, had gradually 
fouglit their way westward, and united, probably, after the Foxes had been driven 
out of the Fox River country, in 1846, and crossed the Mississippi. The death 
of Pontiac, a famous Sac chieftain, was made the pretext for war against the 
Illini, and a fierce and bloody struggle ensued, which continued until the Illinois 
wei'e nearly destroyed and their hunting grounds possessed by their victorious 
foes. The lowas also occupied a portion of the State for a time, in common 
with the Sacs, but they, too, were nearly destroyed by the Sacs and Foxes, and, 
in "The Beautiful Land," these natives met their equally Avarlike foes, the 
Northern Sioux, with whom they maintained a constant warfare for the posses- 
sion of the country for many years. 

When the United States came in possession of the great valley of the Mis- 
sissippi, by the Louisiana purchase, the Sacs and Foxes and lowas possessed 
the entire territory now comprising the State of Iowa. The Sacs and Foxes, 
also, occupied the most of the State of Illinois. 

The Sacs had four principal villages, where most of them resided, viz. : 
Their largest and most important town — if an Indian village may be called 
such — and from which emanated most of tlie obstacles and difficulties encoun- 
tered by the Government in the extinguishment of Indian titles to land in this 
region, was on Rock River, near Rock Island ; another was on the east bank of 
the Mississippi, near the mouth of Henderson River ; the third was at the 
head of the Des Moines Rapids, near the present site of Montrose, and the fourth 
was near the mouth of the L^pper Iowa. 

The Foxes had three principal villages, viz. : One on the west side of tlie 
Mississippi, six miles above the rapids of Rock River ; another about twelve 



HISTORY, OF TilE STATE OF IOWA. 149 

miles from the river, in the rear of the Dubuque lead mines, and the third on 
Turkey River. 

The lowas, at one time identified with the Sacs, of 'Rock River, had with- 
drawn from them and become a separate tribe. Their principal village was on 
the Des Moines River, in A'an Buren County, on tlie site where lowaville now 
stands. Here the last great battle between the Sacs and Foxes and the lowas 
was fought, in Avhich Black Hawk, then a young man, commanded one division 
of the attacking forces. The following account of the battle has been given : 

'Contrary to long established custom of Indian attack, this battle was commenced in the day 
time, the attending circumstances justifying this departure from the well settled usages of Indian 
warfare. The battle iield was a level river bottom, about four miles in length, and two miles 
wide near the middle, narrowing to a point at either end. The nnin area of this bottom rises 
perhaps twenty feet above the river, leaving a narrow strip of low bottom along the shore, covered 
with trees that belted the prairie on the river side with a thick forest, and the immediate bank of 
the river was fringed with a dense growth of willows. Near the lower end of this prairie, near 
the river bank, was situated the Iowa village. About two miles above it and near the middle of 
the prairie is a mound, covered at the time with a tuft of small trees and underbrush growing on 
its summit. In the rear of this little elevation or mound lay a belt of wet prairie, covered, at that 
time, with a dense growth of rank, coarse grass. Bordering this wet prairie on the north, the 
country rises abruptly into elevated broken river bluffs, covered with a heavy forest for many 
miles in extent, and in places thickly clustered with undergrowth, affording a convenient shelter 
for the stealthy approach of the foe. 

" Through this forest the Sac and Fox war party made their way in the night and secreted 
themselves in the tall grass spoken of above, intending to remain in ambush during the day and 
make such observations as this near proximity to their intended victim might afford, to aid them 
in their contemplated attack on the town during the following night. From this situation their 
spies ould take a full survey of the village, and watch every movement of the inhabitants, by 
which means tliey were soon convinced that the lowas had no suspicion of their presence. 

" At the foot of the mound above mentioned, the lowas had their race course, where they diverted 
themselves with the excitement of horse r.icing, and schooled their young warriors in cavalry 
evolutions. In these exercises mock battles were fought, and the Indian tactics of attack and 
defense carefully inculcated, by which meansa skill in horsemanship was acquired rarely excelled. 
Unfortunately for them this day was selected for their equestrian sports, and wholly uncon- 
scious of the proximity of their foes, the warriors repaired to the race ground, leaving most of 
their arms in the village and their old men and women and children unprotected. 

" Pash-a-po-po, who was chief in command of the Sacs and Foxes, perceived at once the 
advantage this state of things afiForded for a complete surprise of his now doomed victims, and 
ordered Black Hawk to file off with his young warriors through the tall grass and gain the cover 
of the timber along the river bank, and with the utmost speed reach the village and commence 
the battle, while he remained with his division in the ambush to make a simultaneous as-ault on 
the unarmed men whose attention was engrossed with the excitement of the races. The pi m 
was skillfully laid and most dexterously executed. Black Hawk with his forces reached the 
village undiscovered, and made a furious onslaught upon the defenseless inhabiiants, by firino- 
one general volley into their midst, and completing the slaughter with the tomahawk and scalp- 
ing knife, aided by the devouring flames with which they enveloped the village as sooa as the 
fire brand could be spread from lodge to lodge. 

"On the inslant of the report of firearms at the village the forces under Pash-i-popo 
leaped from their couchant position in the grass and sprang tiger-like upon the astoni.-<hed and 
unarmel lowas in the midst of their r.;cing sp.jrts. The fir-t impulse of tlie latter naturally led 
them to m\ke the utmost speed toward their arms in the village, and protect if possible their 
wives and oh 1 Ircn from the attack of their merciless assaihxnts. The distance from the plac.> of 
attack on the prairie was two miles, and a gre.at number fell in their flight by the bullets and 
tomahawks of their enemies, who pressed them closely with a running tire the whole way. aud 
the survivors only reached their town in time to witness the horrors of its destruction. Tiieir 
whole village was in fl:im:s, and the dearest objects of their lives lay in slaughtered heaps 
amidst the devouring clem n', an 1 th} agonizing groans of t!ie dying, mingled with th> extilting 
shouts.of the victorious foe, fiUe \ their he irts with maddening despair. Their wives an 1 children 
who had been spared the general massacre were prisoners, and to^eiher with their arms were in 
the hands of the victors ; and all that could now be done was to draw off their shattered and 
defenseless forces, and save as mauj' lives as possible by a retreit acr<iss the DesMoine< River, 
which they effected in the best possible manner, and took a position among the Soap Creek 
Hills." 

The Sacs and Fo.xes, prior to the settlement of their village on Rock River, 
hi}(] n fierce conflict with the Winnebagoes, subdued them and took Dosse&sion 



150 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

of their lands. Their village on Rock River, at one time, contained upward of 
sixty lodges, and was among the largest Indian villages on the continent. In 
1825, the Secretary of War estimated the entire number of the Sacs and Foxes 
at 4,600 souls. Their village was situated in the immediate vicinity of the 
upper rapids of the Mississippi, where the beautiful and flourishing towns of 
Rock Island and Davenport are now situated. The beautiful scenery of the 
island, the extensive prairies, dotted over with groves ; the picturesque bluff's 
along the river banks, the rich and fertile soil, producing large crops of corn, 
squash and other vegetables, with little labor ; the abundance of wild fruit, 
game, fish, and almost everything calculated to make it a delightful spot for an 
Indian village, which was found there, had made this place a favorite home of 
the Sacs, and secured for it the strong attachment and veneration of the whole 
nation. 

North of the hunting grounds of the Sacs and Foxes, were those of the 
Sioux, a fierce and warlike nation, who often disputed possession with their 
riA'als in savage and bloody warfare. The possessions of these tribes were 
mostly located in Minnesota, but extended over a portion of Northern and 
Western Iowa to the Missouri River. Their descent from the north upon the 
hunting grounds of Iowa frequently brought them into collision with the Sacs 
and Foxes ; and after many a conflict and bloody struggle, n, boundary line was 
established between them by the Government of the United States, in a treaty 
held at Prairie du Chien, in 1825. But this, instead of settling the difficulties, 
caused them to quarrel all the more, in consequence of alleged trespasses upon 
each others side of the line. These contests were kept up and became so unre- 
lenting that, in 1830, Government bought of the respective tribes of the Sacs 
and Foxes, and tlie Sioux, a strip of land twenty miles in width, on both sides 
of the line, and thus throwing them forty miles apart by creating between them 
a "neutral ground," commanded them to cease their hostilities. Both the 
Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux, however, were allowed to fish and hunt on this 
ground unmolested, provided they did not interfere with each other on United 
States territory. The Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux were deadly enemies, and 
neither let an opportunity to punish the other pass unimproved. 

In April, 1852, a fight occurred between the Musquaka band of Sacs and 
Foxes and a band of Sioux, about six miles above Algona, in Kossuth County, 
on the west side of the Des Moines River. The Sacs and Foxes were under 
the leadership of Ko-ko-wah, a subordinate chief, and had gone up from their 
home in Tama County, by way of Clear Lake, to what was then the "neutral 
ground." At Clear Lake, Ko-ko-wah was informed that a party of Sioux were 
encamped on the west side of the East Fork of the Des Moines, and he deter- 
mined to attack them. With sixty of his warriors, he started and arrived at a 
point on the east side of the river, about a mile above the Sioux encampment, 
in the night, and concealed themselves in a grove, where they were able to dis- 
cover the position and strength of their hereditary foes. The next morning, 
after many of the Sioux braves had left their camp on hunting tours, the vin- 
dictive Sacs and Foxes crossed the river and suddenly attacked the camp. The 
conflict was desperate for a short time, but the advantage was with the assail- 
ants, and the Sioux were routed. Sixteen of them, including some of their 
women and children, were killed, and a boy 14 years old was captured. One 
of the Musquakas was shot in the breast by a squaw as they were rushing into 
the Sioux's camp. He started to run away, when the same brave squaw shot 
him through the body, at a distance of twenty rods, and he fell dead. Three 
other Sac braves were killed. But few of the Sioux escaped. The victorious 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 151 

party hurriedly buried their own dead, leaving the dead Sioux above ground, 
and made their way home, with their captive, with all possible expedition. 

pike's expedition. 

Very soon after the acquisition of Louisiana, the United States Government 
adopted measures for the exploration of the new territory, having in view the 
conciliation of the numerous tribes of Indians by whom it was possess3d, and, 
also, the selection of proper sites for the establishment of military posts and 
trading stations. The Army of the West, Gen. James Wilkinson commanding, 
had its head(iuarters at St. Louis. From this post, Captains Lewis and Clark, 
with a sufficient force, were detailed to explore the unknown sources of the 
Missouri, and Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike to ascend to the head waters of the Mis- 
sissippi. Lieut. Pike, with one Sergeant, two Corporals and seventeen privates, 
left the military camp, near St. Louis, in a keel-boat, with four months" rations, 
on the 9th day of August, 1805. On the 20th of the same month, the expe- 
dition arrived within the present limits of Iowa, at the foot of the Des Moines 
Rapids, where Pike met William Ewing, who had just been appointed Indian 
Agent at this point, a French interpreter and four chiefs and fifteen Sac and 
Fox warriors. 

At the head of the Rapids, where Montrose is now situated, Pike held a 
council with the Indians, in which he addressed them substantially as follows : 
"'Your great Father, the President of the United States, wished to be more 
intimately acquainted with the situation and wants of the different nations of 
red people in our newlv acquired territory of Louisiana, and has ordered the 
General to send a number of his warriors in different directions to take them by 
the hand and make such inquiries as might afford the satisfaction required."' 
At the close of the council he presented the red men with some knives, whisky 
and tobacco. 

Pursuing his way up the river, he arrived, on the 28d of August, at what is 
supposed, from his description, to be the site of the present city of Burlington, 
which he selected as the location of a military post. He describes the place as 
being " on a hill, about forty miles above the River de Moyne Rapids, on the 
west side of the river, in latitude about 41° 21' north. The channel of the 
riVer runs on that shore; the hill in front is about sixty feet perpendicular; 
nearly level on top : four hundred yards in the rear is a small prairie fit for 
gardening, and immediately under the hill is a limestone spring, sufficient for 
the consumption of a whole regiment." In addition to this description, which 
corresponds to Burlington, the spot is laid down on his map at a bend in the 
river, a short distance below the mouth of the Henderson, which pours its waters 
into the Mississippi from Illinois. The fort was built at Fort Madison, but from 
the distance, latitude, description and map furnished by Pike, it could not have 
been the place selected by him, Avhile all the circumstances corroborate the 
opinion that the place he selected was the spot where Burlington is now located, 
called by the early voyagers on the Mississippi, "Flint Hills."" 

On the 24th, with one of his men, he went on shore on a hunting expedition, 
and following a stream which they supposed to be a part of the Mississippi, they 
were led away from their course. Owing to the intense heat and tall grass, his 
tAvo favorite dogs, which he had taken with him, became exhausted and he left 
them on the prairie, supposing that they would follow him as soon as they 
should get rested, and went on to overtake his boat. Reaching the river, he 
waited sometime for his canine friends, but they did not come, and as he deemed 
it inexpedient to detain the boat longer, two of his men volunteered to go in pur- 



152 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

suit of them, and he continued on his -way up the river, expecting that the two 
men wouhl soon overtake him. They lost their way, however, and for six days 
were without food, except a few morsels gathered from the stream, and might 
have perished, had they not accidentally met a trader from St. Louis, who in- 
duced two Indians to take them up the river, and they overtook the boat at 
Dubuque. 

At Dubuque, Pike was cordially received by Julien Dubuque, a Frenchman, 
who held a mining claim under a grant from Spain. Dubuque had an old field 
piece and fired a salute in honor of the advent of the first Americans who had 
visited that part of the Territory. Dubuque, however, was not disposed to pub- 
lish the wealth of his mines, and the young and evidently inquisitive officer 
obtained but little information from him. 

After leaving this place. Pike pursued his way up the river, but as he passed 
beyond the limits of the present State of Iowa, a detailed history of his explo- 
rations on the upper waters of the Mississippi more properly belongs to the his- 
tory of another State. 

It is sufficient to say that on the site of Fort Snelling, Minnesota, at the 
mouth of the Minnesota River, Pike held a council with the Sioux, September 
23, and obtained from them a grant of one hundred thousand acres of land. 
On the 8th of January, 1806, Pike arrived at a trading post belonging to the 
Northwest Company, on Lake De Sable, in latitude 47°. At this time the 
then powerful Northwest Company carried on their immense operations from 
Hudson's Bay to the St. Lawrence; up that river on both sides, along the great 
lakes to the head of Lake Superior, thence to the sources of the Red River of 
the north and west, to the Rocky Mountains, embracing within the scope of 
their operations the entire Territory of Iowa. After successfully accomplishing 
his mission, and performing a valuable service to Iowa and the whole Northwest, 
Pike returned to St. Louis, arriving there on the 30th of April, 1806. 

INDIAN WARS. 

. The Territory of Iowa, although it had been purchased by the United States, 
and was ostensibly -in the possession of the Government, was still occupied by 
-the Indians, who claimed title to the soil by right of ownership and possession. 
Before it could be open to settlement by the whites, it was indispensable that 
the Indian title should be extinguished and the original owners removed. The 
accomplishment of this purpose required the expenditure of large sums of 
money and blood, and for a long series of years the frontier was disturbed by 
Indian wars, terminated repeatedly by treaty, only to be renewed by some act 
of oppression on the part of the whites or some violation of treaty stipulation. 

As previously shown, at the time when the United States assumed the con- 
trol of the country by virtue of the Louisiana purchase, nearly the whole State 
was in possession of the Sacs and Foxes, a powerful and warlike nation, who 
were not disposed to submit without a struggle to what they considered the 
encroachments of the pale faces. 

Among the most noted chiefs, and one whose restlessness and hatred of the 
Americans occasioned more trouble to the Government than any other of his 
tribe, was Black Hawk, who was born at the Sac village, on Rock River, in 
1767. He was simply the chief of his own band of Sac warriors, but by his 
energy and ambition he became the leading spirit of the united nation of Sacs 
and Foxes, and one of the prominent figures in the history of the country from 
1804 until his death. In early manhood he attained some distinction as a 
fighting chief, having led campaigns against the Osages, and other neighboring 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 153 

tribes. About the beginning of the present century he began to appear prom- 
inent in aft'airs on the Mississippi. Some historians have added to the statement 
that " it does not appear that he was ever a great general, or possessed any of 
the qualifications of a successful leader." If this was so, his life was a marvel. 
How any man who had none of the qualifications of a leader became so prom- 
inent as such, as he did, indicates either that he had some ability, or that his 
cotemporaries, both Indian and Anglo-Saxon, had less than he. He is said 
to have been the " victim of a narrow prejudice and bitter ill-will against the 
Americans," but the impartial historian must admit that if he was the enemy 
of theAmericans, it was certainly not without some reason. 

It will be remembered tliat Spain did not give up possession of the country 
to France on its cession to the latter power, in 1801, but retained possession of 
it, and, by the authority of France, transferred it to the United States, in 1804. 
Black Hawk and his band were in St. Louis at the time, and were invited to be 
present and witness the ceremonies of the transfer, but he refused the invitation, ' 
and it is but just to say that this refusal was caused probably more from 
regret that the Indians were to be transferred from the jurisdiction of the 
Spanish authorities than from any special hatred toward the Americans. In 
his life he says : " I found many sad and gloomy faces because the United 
States were about to take possession of the town and country. Soon after the 
Americans came, I took my band and went to take leave of our Spanish father. 
The Americans came to see him also. Seeing them approach, we passed out 
of one door as they entered another, and immediately started in our canoes for 
our village, on Rock River, not liking the change any more than our friends 
appeared to at St. Louis. On arriving at our village, we gave the news that 
strange people had arrived at St. Louis, and that we should never see our 
Spanish father again. The information made all our people sorry." 

On the 3d day of November, 1804, a treaty was concluded between William 
Henry Harrison, then Governor of Indiana Territory, on behalf of the United 
States, and five chiefs of the Sac and Fox nation, by which the latter, in con- 
sideration of two thousand two hundred and thirty-four dollars' Avorth of goods 
then delivered, and a yearly annuity of one thousand dollars to be paid in 
goods at just cost, ceded to the L^nited States all that land on the east side of 
the Mississppi, extending from a point opposite the Jefferson, in Missouri, to 
the Wisconsin River, embracing an area of over fifty-one millions of acres. 

To this treaty Black Hawk always objected and always refused to consider 
it binding upon his people. He asserted that the chiefs or braves who made it 
had no authority to relinquish tire title of the nation to any of the lands they 
held or occupied ; and, moreover, that they had been sent to St. Louis on quite 
a different errand, namely, to get one of their people released, who had been 
imprisoned at St. Louis for killing a white man. 

The year following this treaty (1805), Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike came up 
the river for the purpose of holding friendly councils Avith the Indians and select- 
ing sites for forts within the territory recently acquired from France by the 
United States. Lieutenant Pike seems to have been the first American whom 
Black Hawk ever met or had a personal interview with ; and he was very much 
prepossessed in Pike's favor. He gives the following account of his visit to 
Rock Island : 

" A boat came up the river with a young American chief and a small party 
of soldiers. We heard of them soon after they passed Salt River. Some of our 
young braves watched them every day, to see what sort of people he had on 
board. The boat at length arrived at Rock River, and the young chief came on 



154 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

shore with his interpreter, and made a speech and gave us some presents. We 
in turn presented them with meat and such other provisions as we had to spare. 
We Avere well pleased with the young chief. He gave us good advice, and said 
our American father would treat us well." 

The events which soon followed Pike's expedition were the erection of Fort 
Edwards, at what is now Warsaw, Illinois, and Fort Madison, on the site of the 
present town of that name, the latter being the first fort erected in Iowa. These 
movements occasioned great uneasiness among the Indians. When work was 
commenced on Fort Edwards, a delegation from their nation, headed by some of 
their chiefs, went down to see what the Americans were doing, and had an in- 
terview with the commander; after which they returned home apparently satis- 
fied. In like manner, when Fort Madison was being erected, they sent down 
another delegation from a council of the nation held at Rock River. Accord- 
mg to Black Hawk's account, the American chief told them that he was build- 
*ing a house for a trader who was coming to sell them goods cheap, and that the 
soldiers were coming to keep him company — a statement which Black Hawk 
says they distrusted at the time, believing that the fort was an enci'oachment 
upon their rights, and designed to aid in getting their lands away from them. 

It has been held by good American authorities, that the erection of Fort 
Madison at the point where it was located was a violation of the treaty of 1804. 
By the eleventh article of that treaty, the United States had a right to build a 
fort near the mouth of the Wisconsin River ; by article six they had bound 
themselves "that if any citizen of the United States or any other white persons 
should form a settlement upon their lands, such intruders should forthwith be 
removed." Probably the authorities of the United States did not regard the 
establishment of military posts as coming properly within the meaning of the 
term "settlement," as used in the treaty. At all events, they erected Fort 
Madison within the territory reserved to the Indians, who became very indig- 
nant. Not long after the fort was built, a party led by Black Hawk attempted 
its destruction. They sent spies to watch the movements of the garrison, who 
ascertained that the soldiers were in the habit of marching out of the fort every 
morning and evening for parade, and the plan of the party was to conceal them- 
selves near the fort, and attack and surprise them when they were outside. On 
the morning of the proposed day of attack, five soldiers came out and were fired 
upon by the Indians, two of them being killed. The Indians were too hasty in 
their movement, for the regular drill had not yet commenced. However, they 
kept up the attack for several days, attempting the old Fox strategy of setting 
fire to the fort with blazing arrows; but finding their efforts unavailing, they 
soon gave up and returned to Rock River. 

When war was declared between the United States and Great Britain, m 
1812, Black Hawk and his band allied themselves with the British, partly 
because he was dazzled by their specious promises, and more probably because 
they had been deceived by the Americans. Black Hawk himself declared that 
they were "forced into the war by being deceived." He narrates the circum- 
stances as follows : " Several of the chiefs and head m^i of the Sacs and 
Foxes were called upon to go to Washington to see their Great Father. On 
their return, they related what had been said and done. They said the Great 
Father wished them, in the event of a war faking place with England, not to 
interfere on either side, but to remain neutral. He did not want our help, but 
wished us to hunt and support our families, and live in peace. He said that 
British traders would not be permitted to come on the Mississippi to furnish us 
with goods, but that we should be supplied with an American trader. Our 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 155 

chiefs then told him that the British traders always gave them credit in the 
Fall for guns, powder and goods, to enable us to hunt and clothe our families. 
He repeated that the traders at Fort Madison Avould have plenty of goods ; 
that Ave should go there in the Fall and he would supply us on credit, as the 
British traders had done." 

Black Hawk seems to have accepted of this proposition, and he and his 
people were very much pleased. Acting in good faith, they fitted out for their 
Winter's hunt, and went to Fort Madison in high spirits to receive from the 
trader their outfit of supplies. But, after waiting some time, they were told by 
the trader that he would not trust them. It was in vain that they pleaded the 
promise of their great father at Washington. The trader was inexorable ; and. 
disappointed and crestfallen, they turned sadly toward their own village. ''Few 
of us," says Black -Hawk, "slept that night; all was gloom and discontent. In 
the morning, a canoe was seen ascending the river ; it soon arrived, bearing an 
express, who brought intelligence that a British trader had landed at Rock 
Island with two boats loaded with goods, and requested us to come up imme- 
diately, because he had good news for us, and a variety of presents. The 
express presented us Avith tobacco, pipes and wampum. The news ran through 
our camp like fire on a prairie. Our lodges were soon taken down, and all 
started for Rock Island. Here ended all hopes of our remaining at peace, 
having been forced into the Avar by being deceived." 

He joined the British, Avho flattered him, styled him " Gen. Black Hawk, ' 
decked him with medals, excited his jealousies against the Americans, and 
armed his band ; but he met with defeat and disappointment, and soon aban- 
doned the service and came home. 

With all his skill and courage. Black Hawk Avas unable to lead all the Sacs 
and Foxes into hostilities to the United States, A portion of them, at the head 
of whom was Keokuk ("the Watchful Fox"), were disposed to abide by the 
treaty of 1804, and to cultiA^ate friendly relations with the American people. 
Therefore, when Black Hawk and his band joined the fortunes of Great 
Britain, the rest of the nation remained neutral, and, for protection, organizeil, 
Avith Keokuk for their chief. This divided the nation into the " War and the 
Peace party." 

Black Hawk says he was informed, after he had gone to the war, that the 
nation, Avliich had been reduced to so small a body of fighting men, Avere unable 
to defend themselves in case the Americans should attack them, and havmg all 
the old men and women and children belonging to the Avarriors who had joined 
the British on their hands to provide for, a council was held, and it Avas agreed 
that Quash- qua-me (the Lance) and other chiefs, together with the old men, 
Avomen and children, and such others as chose to accompany them, should go to 
St. Louis and place themselves undei' the American chief stationed there. 
They accordingly Avent down, and Avere received as the "friendly band " of the 
Sacs and Foxes, and were provided for and sent up the Missouri River. On 
Black HaAvk's return from the British army, he says Keokuk Avas introduced 
to him as the war chief of the braves then in the village. He inquired how he 
had become chief, and was informed that their spies had seen a large armed 
force going toward Peoria, and fears were entertained of an attack upon the 
village ; Avhereupon a council was held, which concluded to leave the village 
and cross over to the Avest side of the Mississippi. Keokuk had been standing 
at the door of the lodge where the council was held, not being allowed to enter 
on account of ncA^er having killed an enemy, where he remained until Wa-co-me 
came out. Keokuk asked permission to speak in the council, which Wa-co-me 



156 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

obtained for him. Keokuk then addressed the chiefs ; he remonstrated against 
the desertion of their village, their own homes and the graves of their fathers, 
and offered to defend the village. The council consented that he should be 
their war chief. He marshaled his braves, sent out spies, and advanced on the 
trail leading to Peoria, but returned without seeing the enemy. The Americans 
did not disturb the village, and all were satisfied with the appointment of 
Keokuk. 

Keokuk, like Black Hawk, was a descendant of the Sac branch of the 
nation, and was born on Rock River, in 1780. He was of a pacific disposition, 
but possessed the elements of true courage, and could fight, when occasion 
required, with a cool judgment and heroic energy. In his first battle, he en- 
countered and killed a Sioux, which placed him in the rank of warriors, and he 
was honored with a public feast by his tribe in commemoration of the event. 

Keokuk has been described as an orator, entitled to rank with the most 
gifted of his race. In person, he was tall and of portly bearing ; in his public 
speeches, he displayed a commanding attitude and graceful gestures ; he spoke 
rapidly, but his enunciation was clear, distinct and forcible ; he culled his fig- 
ures from the stores of nature and based his arguments on skillful logic. Un- 
fortunately for the reputation of Keokuk, as an orator among white people, he 
was never able to obtain an interpreter who could claim even a slight acquaint- 
ance with philosophy. With one exception only, his interpreters were unac- 
quainted with the elements of their mother-tongue. Of this serious hindrance 
to his fame, Keokuk was well aware, and retained Frank Labershure, who had 
received a rudimental education in the French and English languages, until the 
latter broke down by dissipation and died. But during the meridian of his 
career among the white people, he was compelled to submit his speeches for 
translation to uneducated men, whose range of thought fell below the flights of 
a gifted mind, and the fine imagery drawn from nature was beyond their power 
of reproduction. He had sufficient knowledge of the English language to make 
him sensible of this bad rendering of his thoughts, and often a feeling of morti- 
fication at the bungling efforts was depicted on his countenance while speaking. 
The proper place to form a correct estimate of his ability as an orator was in 
the Indian council, where he addressed himself exclusively to those who under- 
stood his language, and witness the electrical effect of his eloquence upon his 
audience. 

Keokuk seems to have possessed a more sober judgment, and to have had a 
more intelligent view of the great strength and resources of the United States, 
than his noted and restless cotemporary, Black Hawk. He knew from the first 
that the reckless war which Black Hawk and his band had determined to carry on 
could result in nothing but defeat and disaster, and used every argument against 
it. The large number of warriors whom he had dissuaded from following Black 
Hawk became, however, greatly excited with the Avar spirit after Stillman's 
defeat, and but for the signal tact displayed by Keokuk on that occasion, would 
have forced him to submit to their Avishes in joining the rest of the warriors in 
the field. A war-dance was held, and Keokuk took part in it, seeming to be 
moved with the current of the rising storm. When the dance was over, he 
•called the council to prepare for war. He made a speech, in Avhich he admitted 
the justice of their complaints against the Americans. To seek redress was a 
noble aspiration of their nature. The blood of their brethren had been shed by 
the white man, and the spirits of their braves, slain in battle, called loudly for 
vengeance. ''I am your chief," he said, ''and it is my duty to lead you to bat- 
tle, if, after fully considering the matter, you are determined to go. But before 



HISTORV OF THK STATH OF IOWA. 157 

you decide on taking tliis important step, it is wise to inquire into tlie chances of 
success." He then portrayed to them the great power of tlie United States, 
against whom they would have to contend, tliat tlieir chance of success was 
utterly hopeless. " But," said he, " if you do determine to go upon the war- 
path, I will agree to lead you, on one condition, viz.: that before we go, we will 
kill all our old men and our wives and children, to save them from a lin<xerino: 
death of starvation, and that every one of us determine to leave our homes on 
the other side of the Mississippi." 

This was a strong but truthful picture of the prospect before them, and was 
presented in such a forcible light as to cool their ardor, and cause them to aban- 
don the rash undertaking. 

But during the war of 1832, it is now considered certain that small l^ands of 
Indians, from the west side of the Mississippi, made incursions into the white 
settlements, in the lead mining region, and committed some murders and dep- 
redations. 

When peace was declared between the United States and England, Black 
Hawk was required to make peace with the former, and entered into a treaty 
at Portage des Sioux, September 14, 1815, but did not " touch the goose-quill 
to it until May 13, 1816, when he smoked the pipe of peace with the great 
white chief," at St. Louis. This treaty was a renewal of the treaty of 1804, 
but Black Hawk declared he had been deceived ; that he did not know that by 
signing the treaty he was giving away his village. This Aveighed upon his mind, 
already soured by previous disappointment and the irresistible encroachments of 
the whites ; and when, a few years later, he and his people were driven from 
their possessions by the military, he determined to return to the home of his 
fathers. 

It is also to be remarked that, in 1816, by treaty with various tribes, the 
United States relinquished to the Indians all the lands lying north of a line 
drawn from the southernmost point of Lake Michigan west to the Mississippi, 
except a reservation five leagues square, on the Mississippi River, supposed then 
to be sufficient to include all the mineral lands on and adjacent to Fever River, 
and one league square at the mouth of the Wisconsin River. 

THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 

The immediate cause of the Indian outbreak in 1830 was the occupation of 
Black Hawk's village, on the Rock River, by the whites, during the absence of 
the chief and his braves on a hunting expedition, on the west side of the 
•Mississippi. When they returned, they found their wigwams occupied by white 
families, and their own women and children were shelterless on the banks of 
the river. The Indians were indignant, and determined to repossess their village 
at all hazards, and early in the Spring of 1831 recrossed the Mississippi and 
menacingly took possession of their own cornfields and cabins. It may be well 
to remark here that it was expressly stipulated in the treaty of lb04, to Avhich 
they attributed all their troubles, that the Indians should not be obliged to 
leave their lands until they w^ere sold by the United States, and it does not 
appear that they occupied any lands other than those owned by the Government. 
If this was true, the In<lians had good cause for indignation and complaint. 
But the wliites, driven out in turn by the returning Indians, became so clamorous 
against what they termed the encroachments of the natives, that Gov. Reynolds, of 
Illinois, ordered Gen Gaines to Rock Island with a military force to drive the 
Indians again from their homes to the west side of the Mississippi. Black Hawk 
says he did not intend to be provoked into war by anything less than the blood of 



158 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

some of his own people ; in other words, that there w^ould be no war unless it should 
be commenced by the pale faces. But it was said and probably thought by the mili- 
tary commanders along the frontier that the Indians intended to unite in a general 
war against the whites, from Rock River to the Mexican borders. But it does not 
appear that the hardy frontiersmen themselves had any fears, for their experi- 
ence had been that, when well treated, their Indian neighbors were not danger- 
ous. Black Hawk and his band had done no more than to attempt to repossess the 
the old homes of which they had been deprived in their absence. No blood 
had been shed. Black Hawk and his chiefs sent a flag of truce, and a new 
treaty was made, by which Black Hawk and his band agreed to remain forever 
on the Iowa side and never recross the river without the permission of the 
President or the Governor of Illinois. Whether the Indians clearly understood 
the terms of this treaty is uncertain. As was usual, the Indian traders had 
dictated terms on their behalf, and they had received a large amount of pro- 
visions, etc., from the Government, but it may Avell be doubted whether the 
Indians comprehended that they could never revisit the graves of their fathers 
without violating their treaty. They undoubtedly thought that they had agreed 
never to recross the Mississippi with hostile intent. HoAvever this may be, on 
the 6th day of April, 1832, Black Hawk and his entire band, with their Avomen 
and children, again recrossed the Mississippi in plain view of the garrison of 
Fort Armstrong, and went up Rock River. Although this act was construed 
into an act of hostility by the military authorities, who declared that Black 
Hawk intended to recover his village, or the site where it stood, by force ; but 
it does not appear that he made any such attempt, nor did his apearance 
create any special alarm among the settlers. They knew that the Indians never 
went on the war path encumbered with the old men, their Avomen and their 
children. 

The G-alenian^ printed in Galena, of May 2, 1832, says that Black Hawk 
was invited l)y the Prophet and had taken possession of a tract about forty 
miles up Rock River ; but that he did not remain there long, but commenced 
his march up Rock River. Capt. W. B. Green, who served in Capt. Stephen- 
son's company of mounted rangers, says that " Black Hawk and h^s band 
crossed the river Avith no hostile intent, but that his band had had bad luck in 
hunting during the previous Winter, were actually in a starving condition, and 
had come over to spend the Summer Avith a friendly tribe on the head Avaters of 
the Rock and Illinois Rivers, by invitation from their chief Other old set- 
tlers, who all agree that Black HaAvk had no idea of fighting, say that he came 
back to the Avest side expecting to negotiate another treaty, and get a ncAv 
supply of provisions. The most reasonable explanation of this movement, AAdiich 
resulted so disastrously to Black Hawk and his starving people, is that, during 
the Fall and Winter of 1831-2, his people became deeply indebted to their 
favorite trader at Fort Armstrong (Rock Island). They had not been fortunate 
in hunting, and he Avas likely to lose heavily, as on Indian debt Avas outlaAved 
in one year. If, therefore, the Indians could be induced to come over, and the 
fears of the military could be sufficiently aroused to pursue them, another treaty 
could be negotiated, and from the payments from the Government the shrewd 
trader could get his pay. -lust a week after Black HaAvk crossed the river, on 
the 13th of April, 1832, George Davenport Avrote to Gen. Atkinson : " I am 
informed that the British band of Sac Indians are determined to make war on 
the frontier settlements. * * * From every information that I have 
received, I am of the opinion that the intention of the British band of Sac 
Indians is to commit depredations on the inhabitants of the frontier." And 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 159 

yet, from the 6th day of April until after Stillman's men commenced war by 
firing on a flag of truce from Black Hawk, no murders nor depredations were 
committed by the British band of Sac Indians. 

It is, not the purpose of this sketch to detail the incidents of the Black 
Hawk war of 1832, as it pertains rather to the history of the State of Illinois. 
It is sufficient to say that, after the disgraceful affair at Stillman's Run, Black 
Hawk, concluding that the whites, refusing to treat Avitli him, were determined 
to exterminate his people, determined to return to the Iowa side of the Missis- 
sippi. He could not return by the way he came, for the array was behind him, 
an array, too, that would sternly refuse to recognize the white flag of peace. 
His only course was to make his way northward and reach the Mississippi, if 
possible, before the troops could overtake him, and this he did ; but, before he 
could get his women and children across the Wisconsin, he was overtaken, and a 
battle ensued. Here, again, he sued for peace, and, through his trusty Lieu- 
tenant, "the Prophet," the whites were plainly informed that the starving 
Indians did not wish to fight, but Avould return to the west side of the Missis- 
sippi, peaceably, if they could be permitted to do so. No attention was paid to 
this second eff'ort to negotiate peace, and, as soon as supplies could be obtained, 
the pursuit was resumed, the flying Indians were overtaken again eight miles 
before they reached the mouth of the Bad Axe, and the slaughter (it shovdd not 
be dignified by the name of battle) commenced. Here, overcome by starvation 
and the victorious whites, his band was scattered, on the 2d day of August, 
1832. Black Hawk escaped, but was brought into camp at Prairie du Chien 
by three Winnebagoes. He was confined in Jefferson Barracks until the 
Spring of 1833, Avhen he was sent to Washington, arriving there April 22. On 
the 26th of April, they were taken to Fortress Monroe, where they remained 
till the 4th of June, 1833, when orders were given for them to be liberated and 
returned to their own country. By order of the President, lie Avas brought 
back to Iowa through the principal Eastern cities. Crowds flocked to see him 
all along his route, and he was very much flattered by the attentions he 
received. He lived among his people on the Iowa Biver till that reservation 
was sold, in 1836, when, with the rest of the Sacs and Foxes, he removed to 
the Des Moines Reservation, where he remained till his death, which occurred 
on the 3d of October, 1838. 



INDIAN PURCHASES, RESERVES AND TREATIES, 

At the close of the Black Hawk War, in 1832, a treaty was made at a 
council held on the west bank of the Mississippi, where now stands the thriving 
city of Davenport, on grounds now occupied by the Chicago, Rock Island & 
Pacific Railroad Company, on the 21st day of September, 1832. At this 
council, the United States were represented by Gen. Winfield Scott and Gov. 
Reynolds, of Illinois. Keokuk, Pash-a-pa-ho and some thirty other chiefs and 
warriors of the Sac and Fox nation were present. By this treaty, the Sacs and 
Foxes ceded to the United States a strip of land on the eastern border of Iowa 
fifty miles wide, from the northern boundary of Missouri to the mouth of the 
Upper Iowa River, containing about six million acres. The western line of the 
purchase was parallel with the Mississippi. In consideration of this cession, 
the United States Government stipulated to pay annually to the confederated 
tribes, for thirty consecutive years, twenty thousand dollars in specie, and to 
pay the debts of the Indians at Rock Island, which had been accumulating for 



160 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA, 

♦ 

seventeen years and amounted to fifty thousand dollars, due to Davenport & 
Farnham, Indian traders. The Government also generously donated to the 
Sac and Fox women and children whose husbands and fathers had fillen in the 
Black Hawk war, thirty-five beef cattle, twelve bushels of salt, thirty barrels of 
pork, fifty barrels of flour and six thousand bushels of corn. 

This territory is known as the "Black Hawk Purchase." Although it was 
not the first portion of loAva ceded to the United States by the Sacs and Foxes, 
it was the first opened to actual settlement by the tide of emigration that flowed 
across the Mississippi as soon as the Indian title was extinguished. The treaty 
was ratified February 13, 1833, and took effect on the 1st of June following, 
when the Indians quietly removed from tlie ceded territory, and this fertile and 
beautiful region was opened to white settlers. 

By the terms of the treaty, out of the Black Hawk Purchase was reserved for 
the Sacs and Foxes 400 square miles of land situated on the Iowa River, and in- 
lcudin«; within its limits Keokuk's village, on the right bank of that river. This 
tract was known as " Keokuk's Reserve; ' and was occupied by the Indians until 
1836, when, by a treaty made in. September between them and Gov. Dodge, of 
Wisconsin Territory, it was ceded to the United States. The council was held 
on the banks of the Mississippi, above Davenport, and was the largest assem- 
blage of the kind ever held by the Sacs and Foxes to treat for the sale of lands. 
About one thousand of their chiefs and braves were present, and Keokuk was 
their leading spirit and principal speaker on the occasion. By the terms of the 
treaty, the Sacs and Foxes were removed to another reservation on the Des 
Moines River, where an agency was established for them at what is now the 
town of Agency City. 

Besides the Keokuk Reserve, the Government gave out of the Black Hawk 
Purchase to Antoine Le Claire, interpreter, in fee simple, one section of land 
opposite Rock Island, and another at the head of the first rapids above the 
island, on the Iowa side. This was the first land title granted by the United 
States to an individual in Iowa. 

Soon after the removal of the Sacs and Foxes to their new reservation 
on the Des Moines River, Gen. Joseph M. Street was transferred from the 
agency of the Winnebagoes, at Prairie du Chien, to establish an agency 
among them. A farm was selected, on which the necessary buildings were 
erected, including a comfortable farm house for the agent and his family, at 
the expense of the Indian Fund. A salaried agent was employed to. superin- ' 
tend the farm and dispose of the crops. Two mills Avere erected, one on Soap 
Creek and the other on Sugar Creek. The latter was soon swept away by a 
flood, but the former remained and did good service for many years. Connected 
with the agency were Joseph Smart and John Goodell, interpreters. The 
latter Avas interpreter for Hard Fish's band. Three of the Indian chiefs, Keo- 
kuk, Wapello and Appanoose, had each a large field improved, the two former 
on the right bank of the Des Moines, back from the river, in Avhat is now 
" Keokuk's Prairie," and the latter on the present site of the city of Ottumwa. 
Among the traders connected with the agency were the Messrs. Ewing, from 
Ohio, and Phelps & Co., from Illinois, and also Mr. J. P. Eddy, who estab- 
lished his post at Avhat is now the site of Eddyville. 

The Indians at this a2;encv became idle and listless in the absence of their 
natural and wonted excitements, and many of them plunged into dissipation. 
Keokuk himself became dissipated in the latter years of his life, and it has 
been reported that he died of delirium tremens after his removal with his 
tribe to Kansas. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF lOAVA. 161 

In May, 1843, most of tlie Indians were removed up the Des Moines River, 
above the temporary line of Red Rock, having ceded the remnant of their 
lands in Iowa to the United States on the 21st of September, 1837, and on the 
11th of October, 1842. By the terms of the latter treaty, they held possession 
of the " New Purchase " till the Autumn of 1845, when the most of them 
were removed to their reservation in Kansas, the balance being removed in the 
Spring of 1846. 

1. Treaty ivith the Sioux — Made July 19, 181 o ; ratified December 16, 1815. This treaty 
was made at Portage des Sioux, between the Sioux of Minnesota and Upper Iowa and the United 
States, by William Clark and Ninian Edwards, Commissioners, and was merely a treaty of peace 
and friendship on the part of those Indians toward the United States at the close of the war of 
1812. 

2. Treaty with the Sics. — A similar treaty of peace was made at Portage des Sioux, between 
the United States and the Sacs, by William Clark, Ninian Edwards and Auguste Choteau, on the 
1-ith of September, 1815, and ratified at the same date as the above. In this, the treaty of 1804 
was re-affirmed, and the Sacs here represented promised for themselves and their bands to keep 
entirely separate from the Sacs of Rock River, who, under Black Hawk, had joined the British 
in the war just then closed. 

3 Treaty with the £oxe.f. — A separate treaty of peace was made with the Foxes at Portage 
des Sioux, by the same Commissioners, on the 14th of September, 1815, and ratified the same as 
the above, wherein the Foxes re-affirmed the treaty of St. Louis, of November m, 1804, and 
agreed to deliver up all their prisoners to the officer in command at Fort Clark, now Peoria, 
Illinois. 

4. Treaty with the loicas. — A treaty of peace and mutual good will was made between the 
United States and the Iowa tribe of Indians, at Portage des Sioux, by the same Commissioners 
as above, on the 16th of September, 1815, at the close of the war with Great Britain, and ratified 
at the same dale as the others. 

o. Treaty ivith the Sacs of Rork River — Made at St. Louis on the 13th of jMay, 1816, between 
the United States and the Sacs of Ilock River, by the Commissioners. William Clark, Ninian 
Edwards and Auguste Choteau, and ratified December 30, 1816. In this treaty, that of 1804 
was reestablished and confirmed by twenty-two chiefs and head men of the Sac3 of Rock River, 
and Black Hawk himself attached to it his signature, or, as he said, •• touched the goose quill.'' 

6. Treaty of 1S2A — On the 4th of August, 1824, a treaty was made between the United 
States and the Sacs and Foxes, in the city of Washington, by William Clark, Commissioner, 
wherein the Sac and Fox nation relinquished their title to all lands in ^lissouri and that portion 
of the .southeast corner of Iowa known as the " Half-Breed Tract" was set otf and reserved for 
ihe use of the half-breeds of the Sacs and Foxes, they holding title in the same manner as In- 
dians. Ratified January 18, 1825. 

7. Treaty of August 19, 1825. — .^t this date a treaty was made by William Clark and Lewis 
Cass, at Prairie du Chien, between the United States and the Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes. Me- 
nomonees, Winnebagoes and a portion of the Ottawa" and Pottawatomies. In this treaty, in 
order to make peace between the contending tribes as to the limits of their respective hunting 
grounds in Iowa, it was agreed that the United States Government should run a boundary line 
between the Sioux, on the north, and the Sacs and Foxes, on the south, as follows: 

Commencing at the mouth of the Upper Iowa River, on the west bank of the Mississippi, 
and ascending said Iowa River to its west fork ; thence up the fork to its source ; thence cross- 
ing the fork of Red Cedar Ilivor in a direct line to the second or upper fork of the Des Moines 
River ; thence in a direct line to the lower fork of the Calumet River, and down that river to its 
junction with tlie IMissouri River. 

8. Treaty of 1830.— On the 15th of July, 1830, the confederate tribes of the Sacs and Foxes 
ceded to the United States a strip of country lying south of the above line, twenty miles in width, 
and extending along the line aforesaid from the Mississippi to the Des Moines River. The Sioux 
also, whose possessions were north of the line, ceded to the Government, in the same treaty, a 
like strip on the north side of the boundary. Thus the United States, at the ratification of this 
treaty, February 24, 1831, came into possession of a portion of Iowa forty miles wide, extend- 
ing along the Clark and Cass line of 1825, from the Mississippi to the Des Moines River. Thir 
territory was known as the " Neutral Ground," and the tribes on either side of the line were 
allowed, to fish and hunt on it unmolested till it was made a Winnebago reservation, and the 
Winnebagoes were removed to it in 1841. 

9. Treaty wnh the S'ics and Foxes and other Tribes — At the same time of the above treaty re- 
specting the " Neutral Ground" (July 15, 1830), the Sacs and Foxes. Western Sioux, Omahas, 
lowas and Missouris ceded to the United States a portion of the western slope of Iowa, the boun- 
daries of which were defined as follows : Beginning at the upper fork of the Des Moines River, 
and passing the sources of the Little Sioux and Floyd Rivers, to the fork of the first creek that 
falls into the Big Sioux, or Calumet, on the east side : thence down said creek and the Calumet 



162 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

River to the Missouri River ; thence down said Missouri River to the Missouri State line above 
the Kansas ; thence along said line to the northwest corner of said State ; thence to the high lands 
between the waters falling into the Missouri and Des Moines, passing to said high lands along 
the dividing ridge between the forks of the Grand River ; thence along said high lands or ridge 
separating the waters of the Missouri from those of the Des Moines, to a point opposite the source 
of the Boyer River, and thence in a direct line to the upper fork of the Des Moines, the place of 
beginning. 

It was understood that the lands ceded and relinquished by this treaty were to be assigned 
and allotted, under the direction of the President of the United States, to the tribes then living 
thereon, or to such other tribes as the President might locate thereon for hunting and other pur- 
poses. In consideration of three tracts of land ceded in this treaty, the United States agreed to 
pay to the Sacs three thousand dollars ; to the Foxes, three thousand dollars ; to the Sioux, 
two thousand dollars; to the Yankton and Santie bands of Sioux, three thousand dollars; to the 
Omahas, two thousand five hundred dollars; and to the Ottoes and Missouris, two thousand five 
hundred dollars — to be paid annually for ten successive years. In addition to these annuities, 
the Government agreed to furnish some of the tribes with blacksmiths and agricultural imple- 
ments to the amount of two hundred dollars, at the expense of the United States, and to set apart 
three thousand dollars annually for the education of the children of these tribes. It does not 
appear that any fort was erected in this territory prior to the erection of Fort Atkinson on the 
Neutral Ground, in 1840-41. 

This treaty was made by William Clark, Superintendent of Indian afl"airs, and Col. Willoughby 
Morgan, of the United States First Infantry, and came into effect by proclamation, February 
24, 1831. 

10. Treaty with the Winnebagoes. — Made at Fort Armstrong, Rock Island, September 15, 1832, 
by Gen. Winfield Scott and Hon. John Reynolds, Govei-nor of Illinois. In this treaty the Win- 
nebagoes ceded to the United States all their land lying on the east side of the Mississippi, and 
in part consideration therefor the United States granted to the Winnebagoes, to be held as other 
Indian lands are held, that portion of Iowa known as the Neutral Ground. The exchange of the 
two tracts of country was to take place on or before the 1st day of June, 1833. In addition to 
the Neutral Ground, it was stipulated that the United States should give the Winnebagoes, begin- 
ning in September, 1833, and continuing for twenty-seven successive years, ten thousand dollars 
in specie, and establish a school among them, with a farm and garden, and provide other facili- 
ties for the education of their children, not to exceed in cost three thousand dollars a year, and 
to continue the same for twenty-seven successive years. Six agriculturists, twelve yoke of oxen 
and plows and other farming tools were to be supplied by the Government. 

11. Treaty of 1S3;2 with the Sacs and Foxes. — Already mentioned as the Black Hawk purchase. 

12. Treaty of 1836, with the Sacs and Foxes, ceding Keokuk's Reserve to the United States; 
for which the Government stipulated to pay thirty thousand dollars, and an annuity of ten thou- 
sand dollars for ten successive years, together with other sums and debts of the Indians to 
various parties. 

13. Treaty of 1837.- On the 21st of October, 1837, a treaty was made at the city of Wash- 
ington, between Carey A. Harris, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and the confederate tribes of 
Sacs and Foxes, ratified February 21, 1838, wherein another slice of the soil of Iowa was obtained, 
described in the treity as follows: "A tract of country containing 1,250,000 acres, lying west 
and adjoining the tract conveyed by them to the United States in the treaty of September 21, 
1832. It is understood that the points of termination for the present cession shall be the north- 
ern and southern points of said tract as fixed by the survey made under the authority of the 
United States, and that a line shall be drawn between them so as to intersect a line extended 
■westwardly from the angle of said tract nearly opposite to Rock Island, as laid down in the above 
survey, so far as may be necessary to include the number of acres hereby ceded, which last 
mentioned line, it is estimated, will be about twenty-five miles." 

This piece of land was twenty-five miles wide in the middle, and ran off to a point at both 
ends, lying directly back of the Black Hawk Purchase, and of the same length. 

14 Treaty of Relinquishment. — At the same date as the above treaty, in the city of Washing- 
ton, Carey A. Harris, Commissioner, the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States all their 
right and interest in the country lying south of the boundary line between the Sacs and Foxes 
and Sioux, as described in the treaty of August 19, 1825, and between the Mississippi and Mis- 
souri Rivers, the United States paying for the same one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. 
The Indians also gave up all claims and interests under the treaties previously made with them, 
for the satisfaction of which no appropriations had been made. 

15. Treaty of 1S42. — The last treaty was made with the Sacs and Foxes October 11, 1842 ; 
ratified March 23, 1843. It was made at the Sac and Fox agency (Agency City), by John 
Chambers, Commissioner on behalf of the United States. In this treaty the Sac and Fox Indians 
" ceded to the United States all their lands west of the Mississippi to which they had any claim 
or title." By the terms of this treaty they were to be removed from the country at the expira- 
tion of three years, and all who remained after that were to move at their own expense. Part 
of them were removed to Kansas in the Fall of 1845, and the rest the Spring following. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 163 



SPANISH GRANTS. 

While the territory now embraced in the State of Iowa was under Spanish 
rule as a part of its province of Louisiana, certain claims to and grants of land 
were made by the Spanish authorities, with which, in addition to the extinguishment 
of Indian titles, the United States had to deal. It is proper that these should 
be briefly reviewed. 

Dubuque. — On the 22d day of September, 1788, Julien Dubuque, a French- 
man, from Prairie du Chien, obtained from the Foxes a cession or lease of lands 
on the Mississippi River for mining purposes, on the site of the present city of 
Dubuque. Lead had been discovered here eight years before, in 1780, by the 
wife of Peosta Fox, a w'arrior, and Dubuque's claim embraced nearly all the lead 
bearing lands in that vicinity. He immediately took possession of his claim and 
commenced mining, at the same time making a settlement. The place became 
known as the "Spanish Miners," or, more commonly, "Dubuque's Lead 
Mines." 

In 1796, Dubuque filed a petition with Baron de Carondelet, the Spanish 
Governor of Louisiana, asking that the tract ceded to him by the Indians might 
be granted to him by patent from the Spanish Government. In this petition, 
Dubuque rather indefinitely set forth the boundaries of this claim as " about 
seven leagues along the Mississippi River, and three leagues in width from the 
river," intending to include, as is supposed, the river front between the Little 
Mai^uoketa and the Tete des Mertz Rivers, embracing more than twenty thou- 
sand acres. Carondelet granted the prayer of the petition, and the grant was 
subsequently confirmed by the Board of Land Commissioners of Louisiana. 

In October, 1804, Dubuque transferred the larger part of his claim to 
Auguste Choteau, of St. Louis, and on the 17th of May, 1805, he and Choteau 
jointly filed their claims with the Board of Commissioners. On the 20th of 
September, 1806, the Board decided in their favor, pronouncing the claim to be 
a regular Spanish grant, made and completed prior to the 1st day of October, 
1800, only one member, J. B. C. Lucas, dissenting. 

DubiKjue died March 24, 1810. The Indians, understanding that the claim 
of Dubu([ue under their former act of cession was only a permit to occupy the 
tract and work the mines during his life, and that at his death they reverted to 
them, took possession and continued mining operations, and were sustained by 
the military authority of the United States, notwithstanding the decision of the 
Commissioners. When the Black Hawk purchase was consummated, the Du- 
bucfue claim thus held by the Indians was absorbed by the United States, as the 
Sacs and Foxes made no reservation of it in the treaty of 1832. 

The heirs of Choteau, however, were not disposed to relintjuish their claim 
without a struggle. Late in 1832, they employed an agent to look after their 
interests, and authorized him to lease the right to dig lead on the lands. The 
miners who commenced work under this agent were compelled by the military to 
abandon their operations, and one of the claimants went to Galena to institute 
legal proceedings, but found no court of competent jurisdiction, although he did 
bring an action for the recovery of a quantity of lead dug at Dubutjue, for the 
purpose of testing the title. Being unable to identify the lead, however, he was 
non-suited. 

By act of Congress, approved July 2, 1836, the town of Dubuque was sur- 
veyed and platted. After lots had been sold and occupie<l by the purchasers, 
Henry Choteau brought an action of ejectment against Patrick Malony, who 



164 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

held land in Dubuque under a patent from the United States, for the recovery 
of seven undivided eighth parts of the Dubuque claim, as purchased by Augusta 
Choteau in 1804. The case was tried in the District Court of the United States 
for the District of Iowa, and was decided adversely to the plaintiff. The case was 
carried to the Supreme Court of the United States on a writ of error, when it 
was heard at the December term, 1853, and the decision of the lower court was 
affirmed, the court holding that the permit from Carondolet was merely a lease 
or permit to work the mines ; that Dubuque asked, and the Governor of Louisiana 
granted, nothing more than the " peaceable possession " of certain lands obtained 
from the Indians ; that Carondelet had no legal authority to make snch a grant 
as claimed, and that, even if he had, this was but an " inchoate and imperfect 
title." 

Griard. — In 1795, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana granted to 
Basil Giard five thousand eight hundred and sixty acres of land, in what is now 
Clayton County, known as the "Giard Tract." He occupied the land during 
the time that Iowa passed from Spain to France, and from France to the United 
States, in consideration of which the Federal Government granted a patent of 
the same to Giard in his own right. His heirs sold the whole tract to James H. 
Lockwood and Thomas P. Burnett, of Prairie du Chien, for three hundred dollars. 

Honori. — March 30, 1799, Zenon Trudeau, Acting Lieutenant Governor of 
L^pper Louisiana, granted to Louis Honori a tract of land on the site of the 
present town of Montrose, as follows: " It is permitted to Mr. Louis (Fresson) 
Henori, or Louis Honore Fesson, to establish himself at the head of the rapids 
of the River Des Moines, and his establishment once formed, notice of it shall be 
given to the Governor General, in order to obtain for him a commission of a space 
sufficient to give value to such establishment, and at the same time to render it 
useful to the commerce of the peltries of this country, to watch the Indians and 
keep them in the fidelity which they owe to His Majesty." 

Honori took immediate possession of his claim, which he retained until 1805. 
While trading with the natives, he became indebted to Joseph Robedoux, who 
obtained an execution on which the property was sold May 13, 1803, and was 
purchased by the creditor. In these proceedings the property was described as 
being " about six leagues above the River Des Moines." Robedoux died soon 
after he purchased the proprerty. Auguste Choteau, his executor, disposed of 
the Honori tract to Thomas F. Reddeck, in April, 1805, up to which time 
Honori continued to occupy it. The grant, as made by the Spanish government, 
was a league square, but only one mile square was confirmed by the United 
States. After the half-breeds sold their lands, in which the Honori grant was 
included, various claimants resorted to litigation in attempts to invalidate the 
title of the Reddeck heirs, but it was finally confirmed by a decision of the 
Supreme Court of the United States in 1839, and is the oldest legal title to any 
land in the State of Iowa. 



THE HALF-BREED TRACT. 

Before any permanent settlement had been made in the Territory of Iowa, 
white adventurers, trappers and traders, many of whom were scattered along 
the Mississippi and its tributaries, as agents and employes of the American Fur 
Company, intermarried with the females of the Sac and Fox Indians, producing 
a race of half-breeds, whose number was never definitely ascertained. There 
were some respectable and excellent people among them, children of men of 
some refinement and education. For instance : Dr. Muir, a gentleman educated 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 165 

at Edinburgh, Scotland, a surgeon in the United States Army, stationed at a 
military post located on the present site of Warsaw, married an Indian woman, 
and reared his family of three daughters in the city of Keokuk. Other exam- 
ples might be cited, but they are probably exceptions to the general rule, and 
the race is now nearly or quite extinct in Iowa. 

A treaty was made at Washington, August 4, 1824, between the Sacs and 
Foxes and the United States, by which that portion of Lee County was reserved 
to the half-breeds of those tribes, and which was afterward known as " The 
Half-Breed Tract." This reservation is the triangular piece of land, containing 
about 119,000 acres, lying between the Mississippi andDes Moines Rivers. It is 
bounded on the north by the prolongation of the northern line of Missouri. 
This line was intended to be a straight one, running due east, which would have 
caused it to strike the Mississippi River at or below Montrose ; but the surveyor who 
run it took no notice of the change in the variation of the needle as he proceeded 
eastward, and, in consequence, the line he run was bent, deviating more and more 
to the northward of a direct line as he approached the Mississippi, so that it 
struck that river at the lower edge of the town of Fort Madison. " This errone- 
ous line," says Judge Mason, "has been acquiesced in as well in fixing the 
northern limit of the Half-Breed Tract as in determining the northern boundary 
line of the State of Missouri." The line thus run included in the reservation 
a portion of the lower part of the city of Fort Madison, and all of the present 
townships of Van Buren, Charleston, Jefierson, Des Moines, Montrose and 
Jackson. 

Under the treaty of 1824, the half-breeds had the right to occupy the soil, 
but could not convey it, the reversion being reserved to the United States. But 
on the 30th day of January, 1834, by act of Congress, this reversionary right 
was relinquished, and the half-breeds acquired the lands in fee simple. This 
was no sooner done, than a horde of speculators rushed in to buy land of the 
half-breed owners, and, in many instances, a gun, a blanket, a pony or a few 
quarts of whisky was sufficient for the purchase of large estates. There was 
a deal of sharp practice on both sides ; Indians would often claim ownership of 
land by virtue of being half-breeds, and had no difficulty in proving their mixed 
blood by the Indians, and they would then cheat the speculators by selling land 
to Avhich they had no rightful title. On the other hand, speculators often 
claimed land in which they had no ownership. It was diamond cut diamond, 
until at hist things became badly mixed. There were no authorized surveys, 
and no boundary lines to claims, and, as a natural result, numerous conflicts and 
quarrels ensued. 

To settle these difficulties, to decide the validity of claims or sell them for 
the benefit of the real owners, by act of the Legislature of AVisconsin Territory, 
approved January 16, 1838, EdAvard Johnstone, Thomas S. Wilson and David 
Brigham were appointed Commissioners, and clothed with power to effect these 
objects. The act provided that these Commissioners should be paid six dollars 
a day each. The commission entered upon its duties and continued until the 
next session of the Legislature, when the act creating it was repealed, invalidat- 
ing all that had been done and depriving the Commissioners of their pay. The 
repealing act, however, authorized the Commissioners to commence action against 
the owners of the Half-Breed Tract, to receive pay for their services, in the Dis- 
trict Court of Lee County. Two judgments were obtained, and on execution 
the whole of the tract was sold to Hugh T. Reid, the Sheriff executing the 
deed. Mr. Reid sold portions of it to various parties, but his own title was 
questioned and he became involved in litigation. Decisions in favor of Reid 



166 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

and those holding under him were made by both District and Supreme Courts, 
but in December, 1850, these decisions were finally reversed by the Supreme 
Court of the United States in the case of Joseph Webster, plaintiff in error, vs. 
Hugh T, Reid, and the judgment titles failed. About nine years before the 
"judgment titles " w^ere finally abrogated as above, another class of titles were 
brought into competition with them, and in the conflict between the two, the 
final decision was obtained. These were the titles based on the " decree of 
partition " issued by the United States District Court for the Territory of Iowa, 
on the 8th of May, 1841, and certified to by the Clerk on the 2d day of June of 
that year. Edward Johnstone and Hugh T. Reid, then law partners at Fort 
Madison, filed the petition for the decree in behalf of the St. Louis claimants of 
half-breed lands. Francis S. Key, author of the Star Spangled Banner, who 
was then attorney for the New York Land Company, Avhich held heavy interests 
in these lands, took a leading part in the measure, and drew up the document in 
which it was presented to the court. Judge Charles Mason, of Burlington, pre- 
sided. The plan of partition divided the tract into one hundred and one shares 
and arranged that each claimant should draw his proportion by lot, and should 
abide the result, whatever it might be. The arrangement was entered into, the 
lots drawn, and the plat of the same filed in the Recorder's office, October 6, 
1841. Upon this basis the titles to land in the Half-Breed Tract are now held. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

The first permanent settlement by the whites within the limits of Iowa was 
made by Julien Dubuque, in 1788, when, with a small party of miners, he set- 
tled on the site of the city that now bears his name, where he lived until hia 
death, in 1810. Louis Honori settled on the site of the present town of Mon- 
trose, probably in 1799, and resided there until 1805, when his property passed 
into other hands. Of the Giard settlement, opposite Prairie du Chien, little is 
known, except that it was occupied by some parties prior to the commencement 
of the present century, and contained three cabins in 1805. Indian traders, 
although not strictly to be considered settlers, had established themselves at 
various points at an early date. A Mr. Johnson, agent of the American Fur 
Company, had a trading post below Burlington, where he carried on traffic with 
the Indians some time before the United States possessed the country. In 
1820, Le Moliese, a French trader, had a station at what is now Sandusky, six 
miles above Keokuk, in Lee County. In 1829, Dr. Isaac Gallaud made a set- 
tlement on the Lower Rapids, at what is now Nashville. 

The first settlement in Lee County was made in 1820, by Dr. Samuel C. 
Muir, a surgeon in the L^nited States army, who had been stationed at Fort 
Edwards, now Warsaw, 111., and who built a cabin where the city of Keokuk 
now stands. Dr. Muir was a man of strict integrity and irreproachable char- 
acter. While stationed at a military post on the Upper Mississippi, he had 
married an Indian woman of the Fox nation. Of his marriage, the following 
romantic account is given : 

The post at which he was stationed was visited by a beautiful Indian maiden — whose native 
name, unfortunately, has not been preserved — who, in her dreams, had seen a white brave un- 
moor his canoe, paddle it across the river and come directly to her lodge. She felt assured, 
according to the superstitious belief of her race, that, in her dreams, she had seen her future 
husband, and had come to the fort to find him. Meeting Dr. Muir, she instantly recognized 
him as the hero of her dream, which, with childlike innocence and simplicity, she related to 
him. Her dream was, indeed, prophetic. Charmed with Sophia's beauty, innocence and devo- 
tion, the doctor honorably married her ; but after a while, the sneers and gibes of his brother 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 167 

officers — less honorable than he, perhaps — made him feel ashapaed of his dark-skinned wife, and 
when his regiment was ordered down the river, to Bellefontaine, it is said he embraced the 
opportunity to rid himself of her, and left her, never expecting to see her again, and little 
dreaming that she would have the courage to follow him. But, with her infant child, this in- 
trepid wife and mother started alone in her canoe, and, after many days of weary labor and a 
lonely journey of nine hundred miles, she, at last, reached him. She afterward remarked, when 
speaking of this toilsome journey down the river in search of her husband, " When I got there 
I was all perished away — so thin ! " The doctor, touched by sucli unexampled devotion, took her 
to his heart, an<l ever after, until his death, treated her with marked respect. She always pre- 
sided at his table with grace and dignity, but never abandoned her native style of dress. In 
1819-20, he was stationed at Fort Edward, but the senseless ridicule of some of his brother 
oflBcers on account of his Indian wife induced him to resign his commission. 

After building his cabin, as above stated, he leased his claim for a term of years to Otis 
Reynolds and John Culver, of St. Louis, and went to La Pointe, afterward Galena, where he 
practiced his profession for ten years, when he returned to Keokuk. His Indian wife bore to 
him four children — Louise (married at Keokuk, since dead), James, (drowned at Keokuk), Mary 
and Sophia. Dr. Muir died suddenly of cholera, in 18o2, but left his property in such condition 
that it was soon wasted in vexatious litigation, and his brave and faithful wife, left friendless and 
penniless, became discouraged, and, with her children, disappeared, and, it is said, returned to 
her people on the Upper Missouri. 

Messrs. Reynolds & Culver, who had leased Dr. Muirs claim at Keokuk, 
subsequently employed as their agent Mr. Moses Stillwell, who arrived with 
his family in 1828, and took possession of Muir's cabin. His brothers-in-law, 
Amos and Valencourt Van Ansdal, came with him and settled near. 

His daughter, Margaret Stillwell (afterward Mrs. Ford) was born in 1831. 
at the foot of the rapids, called by the Indians Puch-a-she-tuck, where Keokuk 
now stands. She was probably the first Avhite American child born in Iowa. 

In 1831, Mr. Johnson, Agent of the American Fur Company, who had a 
station at the foot of the rapids, removed to another location, and, Dr. Muir 
having returned from Galena, he and Isaac R. Campbell took the place and 
buildings vacated by the Company and carried on trade with the Indians and 
half-breeds. Campbell, who had first visited and traveled through the southern 
part of Iowa, in 1821, was an enterprising settler, and besides trading with the 
n-atives carried on a farm and kept a tavern. 

Dr. Muir died of cholera in 1832. 

In 1830, James L. and Lucius H. Langworthy, brothers and natives of 
Vermont, visited the Territory for the purpose of working the lead mines ut Du- 
buque. They had been engaged in lead mining at Galena, Illinois, the former 
from as early as 1824. The lead mines in the Dubuque region were an object 
of great interest to the miners about Galena, for they were known to be rich in 
lead ore. To e.xjilore these mines and to obtain permission to work them was 
therefore eminently desirable. 

In 1829, James L. Langworthy resolved to visit the Dubuque mines. Cross- 
ing the Mississippi at a point now known as Dunleith, in a canoe, and swim- 
ming his horse by his side, he landed on the spot now known as Jones Street 
Levee. Before him spread out a beautiful prairie, on which the city of Du- 
buque now stands. Two miles south, at the mouth of Catfish Creek, was a vil- 
lage of Sacs and Foxes. Thither Mr. Langworthy proceeded, and was well 're- 
ceived by the natives. He endeavored to obtain permission from them to mine 
in their hills, but this they refu.sed. He, however, succeeded in gaining the con- 
fidence of the chief to such an extent as to be allowed to travel in the interior 
for three weeks and explore the country. He employed two young Indians as 
guides, and traversed in different directions the whole region \\ ing between the 
Matjuoketa and Turkey Rivers. He returned to the village, secured the good 
will of the Indians, and, returning to Galena, formed plans for future opera- 
tions, to be executed as soon as circumstance? wouM permit. 



168 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

In 1830, with his brother, Lucius H., and others, having obtained the con- 
sent of the Indians, Mr. Langworthy crossed the Mississippi and commenced 
mining in the vicinity around Dubuque. 

At this time, the lands were not in the actual possession of the United States. 
Although they had been purchased from France, the Indian title had not been 
extinguished, and these adventurous persons were beyond the limits of any State 
or Territorial government. The first settlers were therefore obliged to be their 
own law-makers, and to agree to such regulations as the exigencies of the case 
demanded. The first act resembling civil legislation within the limits of the 
present State of Iowa was done by the miners at this point, in June, 1830. They 
met on the bank of the river, by tlie side of an old Cottonwood drift log, at 
what is now the Jones Street Levee, Dubuque, and elected a Committee, con- 
sisting of J, L. Langworthy, II. F. Lander, James McPhetres, Samuel Scales, 
and E. M. Wren. This may be called the first Legislature in Iowa, the mem- 
bers of which gathered around that old cottonwood log, and agreed to and re- 
ported the following, written by Mr. Langworthy, on a half sheet of coarse, un- 
ruled paper, the old log being the Avriting desk : 

We, a Committee having been chosen to draft certain rules and regulations (laws) by 
which we as miners will be governed, and having duly considered the subject, do unanimously 
agree that we will be governed by the regulations on the east side of the Mississippi River,* with 
the following exceptions, to wit: 

Article I. That each and every man shall hold 200 yards square of ground by working 
said ground one day in six. 

Article II. AVe further agree that there shall be chosen, by the majority of the miners 
present, a person who shall hold this article, and who shall grant letters of arbitration on appli- 
cation having been made, and that said letters of arbitration shall be obligatory on the parties so 
applying. 

The report was accepted by the miners present, who elected Dr. Jarote, in 
accordance with Article 2. Here, then, we have, in 1830, a primitive Legisla- 
ture elected by the people, the law drafted by it being submitted to the people 
for approval, and under it Dr. Jarote was elected first Governor within the 
limits of the present State of Iowa. And it is to be said that the laws thus 
enacted Avere as promptly obeyed, and the acts of the executive ofiicer thus 
elected as duly respected, as any have been since. 

The miners who had thus erected an independent government of their pwn 
on the west side of the Mississippi River continued to work successfully for a 
long time, and the new settlement attracted considerable attention. But the 
west side of the Mississippi belonged to the Sac and Fox Indians, and the Gov- 
ernment, in order to preserve peace on the frontier, as well as to protect the 
Indians in their rights under the treaty, ordered the settlers not only to stop 
mining, but to remove from the Indian territory. They were simply intruders. 
The execution of this order was entrusted to Col. Zachary Taylor, then in com- 
mand of the military post at Prairie du Chien, who, early in July, sent an ofiicer 
to the miners with orders to forbid settlement, and to command the miners to 
remove within ten days to the east side of the Mississippi, or they Avould be 
driven off" by armed force. The miners, however, were reluctant about leaving 
the rich "leads " they had already discovered and opened, and were not dis- 
posed to obey the order to remove with any considerable degree of alacrity. In 
due time. Col. Taylor dispatched a detachment of troops to enforce his order. The 
miners, anticipating their arrival, had, excepting tliree, recrossed the river, and 
from the east bank saw the troops land on the western shore. The three Avho 
had lingered a little too long were, however, permitted to make their escape 

* Established by the Superintendent of U. S. Lead Mines at Fever River. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 169 

unmolested. From this time, a military force was stationed at Dubuque to 
prevent the settlers from returning, until June, 1832. The Indians returned, 
and were encouaged to operate the rich mines opened by the late white 
occupants. 

In June, 1832, the troops were ordered to the east side to assist in the 
annihilation of the very Indians whose rights they had been protecting on the 
west side. Immediately after the close of the Black Hawk war, and the negotia- 
tions of the treaty in September, 1832, by which the Sacs and Foxes ceded to 
the United States the tract known as the "Black Hawk Purchase," the set- 
tlers, supposing that now they had a right to re-enter the territory, returned 
and took possession of their claims, built cabins, erected furnaces and prepared 
large (juantities of lead for market. Dubuque was becoming a noted place on 
the river, but the prospects of the hardy and enterprising settlers and miners 
were again ruthlessly interfered with by the Government, on the ground that 
the treaty with the Indians would not go into force until June 1, 1833, although 
they had withdrawn from the vicinity of the settlement. Col. Taylor was again 
ordered by the War Department to remove the miners, and in January, 1833, 
troops Avere again sent from Prairie du Chien to Dubu(|ue for that purpose. 
This was a serious and perhaps unnecessary hardship imposed upon the settlers. 
They were compelled to abandon their cabins and homes in mid-winter. It 
must noAv be said, simply, that "red tape" should be respected. The purchase 
had been made, the treaty ratified, or was sure to be ; the Indians had retired, 
and, after the lapse of nearly fifty years, no very satisfactory reason for this 
rigorous action of the Government can be given. 

But the orders had been given, and there was no alternative but to obey. 
Many of the settlers recrossed the river, and did not return ; a few, however, 
removed to an island near the east bank of the river, built rude cabins of poles, 
in which to store their lead until Spring, when they could float the fruits of 
their labor to St. Louis for sale, and where they could remain until the treaty 
went into force, when they could return. Among these were James L. Lang- 
worthy, and his brother Lucius, who had on hand about three hundred thousand 
pounds of lead. 

Lieut. Covington, who had been placed in command at Dubuque by Col. 
Taylor, ordered some of the cabins of the settlers to be torn down, and wao-ons 
and other property to be destroyed. This wanton and inexcusable action on 
the part of a subordinate clothed with a little brief authority was sternly 
rebuked by Col. Taylor, and Covington was superseded by Lieut. George Wil- 
son, who pursued a just and friendly course with the pioneers, who Avere only 
waiting for the time when they could repossess their claims. 

June 1, 1833, the treaty formally went into effect, the troops were withdrawn, 
and the Langworthy brothers and a few others at once returned and resumed 
possession of their home claims and mineral prospects, and from this time the 
first permanent settlement of this portion of Iowa must date. Mr. John P. 
Sheldon Avas appointed Superintendent of the mines by the Government, and a 
system of permits to miners and licenses to smelters Avas adopted, similar to that 
which had been in operation at Galena, since 1825, under Lieut. Martin Thomas 
and Capt. Thomas C. Legate. Substantially the primitive laAV enacted by the 
miners assembled around that old cottonAvood drift log in 1830 Avas adopted and 
enforced by the United States Government, except that miners were required to 
sell their mineral to licensed smelters and the smelter was required to give bonds 
for the payment of six per cent, of all lead manufactured to the Government. 
This AA'as the same rule adopted in the United States mines on FcA'er River in 



170 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

Illinois, except that, until 1830, the Illinois miners were compelled to pay 10 
per cent. tax. This tax upon the miners created much dissatisfaction among 
the miners on the west side as it had on the east side of the Mississippi. They 
thought they had suffered hardships and privations enough in opening the Avay 
for civilization, without being subjected to the imposition of an odious Govern- 
ment tax upon their means of subsistence, when the Federal Government could 
better afford to aid than to extort from them. The measure soon became unpop- 
ular. It was difficult to collect the taxes, and the Avhole system was abolished 
in about ten years. 

During 1833, after the Indian title was fully extinguished, about five hun- 
dred people arrived at the mining district, about one hundred and fifty of them 
from Galena. 

In the same year, Mr. Langworthy assisted in building the first school house 
in Iowa, and thus was formed the nucleus of the now populous and thriving 
City of Dubuque. Mr. Langworthy lived to see the naked prairie on which he 
first landed become the site of a city of fifteen thousand inhabitants, the small 
school house which he aided in constructing replaced by three substantial edifices, 
wherein two thousand children Avere being trained, churches erected in every 
part of the city, and railroads connecting the wilderness which he first explored 
with all the eastern world. He died suddenly on the 13th of March, 1865, 
while on a trip over the Dubuque & Southwestern Railroad, at Monticello, 
and the evening train brought the news of his death and his remains. 

Lucius H. Langworthy, his brother, was one of the most worthy, gifted and 
mfluential of the old settlers of this section of Iowa. He died, greatly lamented 
by many friends, in June, 1865. 

The name Dubuque was given to the settlement by the miners at a meeting 
held in 1834. 

In 1832, Captain James White made a claim on the present site of Montrose. 
In 1834, a military post was established at this point, and a garrison of cavalry 
was stationed here, under the command of Col. Stephen W. Kearney. The 
soldiers were removed fi'om this post to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1837. 

During the same year, 1832, soon after the close of the Black Hawk War, 
Zachariah Hawkins, Benjamin Jennings, Aaron White, Augustine Horton, 
Samuel Gooch, Daniel Thompson and Peter Williams made claims at Fort 
Madison. In 1833, these claims were purchased by John and Nathaniel 
Knapp, upon which, in 1835, they laid out the town. The next Summer, lots 
were sold. The town was subsequently re-surveyed and platted by the United 
States Government. 

At the close of the Black Hawk War. parties who had been impatiently 
looking across upon "Flint Hills," now Burlington, came over from Illinois 
and made claims The first was Samuel S. White, in the Fall of 1832, who 
erected a cabin on the site of the city of Burlington. About the same time, 
David Tothero made a claim on the prairie about three miles back from the 
river, at a place since known as thefaim of Judge Morgan. In the Winter of 
that year, they were driven off by the military from Rock Island, as intruders 
upon the rights of the Indians, and White's cabin was burnt by the soldiers. 
He retired to Illinois, where he spent the Winter, and in the Summer, as soon 
as the Indian title was extinguished, returned and rebuilt his cabin. White 
was joined by his brother-in-law, Doolittle, and they laid out the original town 
of Burlington in 1834. 

All along the river borders of the Black Hawk Purchase settlers were flocking 
into Iowa. Immediately after the treaty with the Sacs and Foxes, in Septem- 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 171 

ber, 1832, Col. George Davenport made the first claim on the spot where the 
thriving city of Davenport now stands. As earh^ as 1827, Col. Davenport had 
established a flatboat ferry, which ran between the island and the main shore of 
Iowa, by which he carried on a trade with the Indians west of the Mississippi. 
In 1833, Capt. Benjamin W. Clark moved across from Illinois, and laid the 
foundation of the town of Buffalo, in Scott County, which was the first actual 
settlement within the limits of that county. Among other early settlers in this 
part of the Territory were Adrian H. Davenport, Col. John Sullivan, Mulli- 
gan and Franklin Easly, Capt. John Coleman, J. M. Camp, William White, 
H. W. Higgins, Cornelius Harrold, Richard Harrison, E. H. Shepherd and 
Dr. E. S. Barrows. 

The first settlers of Davenport were Antoine LeClaire, Col. George Daven- 
port, Major Thomas Smith, Major William Gordon, Philip Hambough, Alexan- 
der W. McGregor, Levi S. Colton, Capt. James May and others. Of Antoine 
LeClaire, as the representative of the two races of men who at this time occu- 
pied Iowa, Hon. C. C. Nourse, in his admirable Centennial Address, says : 
" Antoine LeClaire was born at St. Joseph, Michigan, in 1797. His father 
was French, his mother a granddaughter of a Pottowatomie chief. In 1818, 
he acted as official interpreter to Col. Davenport, at Fort Armstrong (now Rock 
Island). He was well acquainted with a dozen Indian dialects, and was a man 
of strict integrity and great energy. In 1820, he married the granddaughter 
of a Sac chief. The Sac and Fox Indians reserved for him and his wife two 
sections of land in the treaty of 1833, one at the town of LeClaire and one at 
Davenport. The Pottawatomies, in the treaty at Prairie du Chien, also 
reserved for him two sections of land, at the present site of Moline, 111. He 
received the appointment of Postmaster and Justice of the Peace in the Black 
Hawk Purchase, at an early day. In 1833, he bought for $100 a claim on the 
land upon which the original town of Davenport was surveyed and platted in 
1836. In 1836, LeClaire built the hotel, known since, with its valuable addi- 
tion, as the LeClaire House. He died September 25, 1861." 

In Clayton County, the first settlement was made in the Spring of 1832, 
on Turkey River, by Robert Hatfield and William W. Way man. No further 
settlement was made in this part of the State till the beginning of 1836. 

In that portion now known as Muscatine County, settlements were made in 
1834, by Benjamin Nye, John Vanater and G. W. Kasey, wlio were the first 
settlers. E. E. Fay, William St. John, N. Fullington, H. Reece, Jona Petti- 
bone, R. P. Lowe, Stephen Whicher, Abijah Whiting, J. E. Fletcher, W. D. 
Abernethy and Alexis Smith were early settlers of Muscatine. 

During the Summer of 1835, William Bennett and his family, from Galena, 
built the first cabin within the present limits of Delaware County, in some 
timber since known as Eads' Grove. 

The first post office in Iowa was established at Dubuque in 1833. Milo H. 
Prentice was appointed Postmaster. 

The first Justice of the Peace was Antoine Le Claire, apjiointed in 1833, as 
" a very suitable person to adjust the difficulties between the white settlers and 
the Indians still remaining there."' 

The first ^Methodist Society in the Territory was formed at Dubuque on 
the 18th of May, 1834, and the first class meeting was held June 1st of that 
year. 

The first church bell brought into Iowa was in March, 1834. 

The first mass of the Roman Catholic Church in the Territory was celebrated 
at Dubuque, in the house of Patrick Quigley, in the Fall of 1833. 



172 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

The first school house in the Territory was erected by the Dubuque miners 
in 1833. 

The first Sabbath school was organized at Dubuque early in the Summer 
of 1834. 

The first woman who came to this part of the Territory with a view to per- 
manent residence was Mrs. Noble F. Dean, in the Fall of 1832. 

The first family that lived in this part of Iowa was that of Hosea T. Camp, 
in 1832. 

The first meeting house was built by the Methodist Episcopal Church, at 
Dubuque, in 1834. 

The first newspaper in Iowa was the Dubuque Visitor, issued May 11th, 1836. 
John King, afterward Judge King, was editor, and William C. Jones, printer. 

The pioneers of Iowa, as a class, Avere brave, hardy, intelligent and 
enterprising people. 

As early as 1824, a French trader named Hart had established a trading 
post, and built a cabin on the blufts above the large spring now known as 
"Mynster Spring," within the limits of the present city of Council Bluffs, and 
had probably been there some time, as the post was known to the employes of 
the American Fur Company as Lacote de Hart, or " Hart's Bluff." In 1827, 
an agent of the American Fur Company, Francis Guittar, with others, encamped 
in the timber at the foot of the bluffs, about on the present location of Broad- 
way, and afterward settled there. In 1839, a block house was built on the 
bluff in the east part of the city. The Pottawatomie Indians occupied this part 
of the State until 1846-7, when they relinquished the territory and removed to 
Kansas. Billy Caldwell was then principal chief. There were no white settlers 
in that part of the State except Indian traders, until the arrival of the Mormons 
under the lead of Brigham Young. These people on their way westward halted 
for the Winter of 1846-7 on the west bank of the Missouri River, about five 
miles above Omaha, at a place now called Florence. Some of them had 
reached the eastern bank of the river the Spring before, in season to plant a 
crop. In the Spring of 1847, Young and a portion of the colony pursued their 
journey to Salt Lake, but a large portion of them returned to the Iowa side and 
settled mainly within the limits of Pottawattamie County. The principal settle- 
ment of this strange community Avas at a place first called "Miller's Hollow," 
on Indian Creek, and afterward named Kanesville, in honor of Col. Kane, of 
Pennsylvania, who visited tliAn soon afterward. The Mormon settlement 
extended over the county and into neighboring counties, wherever timber and 
water furnished desirable locations. Orson Hyde, priest, lawyer and editor, was 
installed as President of the Quorum of Twelve, and all that part of the State 
remained under Mormon control for several years. In 1846, they raised a bat- 
.talion, numbering some five hundred men, for the Mexican war. In 1848, Hyde 
started a paper called the Frontier Cruardian, at Kanesville. In 1849, after 
many of the faithful had left to join Brigham Young at Salt Lake, the Mormons 
in this section of Iowa numbered 6,552, and in 1850, 7,828, but they were not 
all Avithin the limits of PottaAvattamie County. This county Avas organized in 
1848, all the first officials being Mormons. In 1852, the order Avas promulgated 
that all the true ])elievers should gather together at Salt Lake. Gentiles flocked 
in, and in a few years nearly all the first settlers were gone. 

May 9, 1843, Captain James Allen, Avith a small detachment of troops on 
board the steamer lone, arrived at the present site of the capital of the State, 
Des Moines. The lone was the first steamer to ascend the Des IMoines River 
to this point. The troops and stores were landed at Avhat is noAv the foot of 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 173 

Court avenue, Des ISIoines, and Capt. Allen returned in the steamer to Fort 
Sanford to arrange for bringing up more soldiers and supplies. In due time 
thev, too, arrived, and a fort was built near the mouth of Raccoon Fork, at its 
confluence with the Des Moines, and named Fort Des Moines. Soon after the 
arrival of the troops, a trading post was established on the east side of the river, 
by two noted Indian traders named Ewing, from Ohio. 

Among the first settlers in this part of Iowa were Benjamin Bryant, J. B. 
Seott, James Drake (gunsmith), John Sturtevant, Robert Kinzie, Alexander 
Turner, Peter Newcomer, and others. 

The Western States have been settled by many of the best and most enter- 
prising men of the older States, and a large immigration of the best blood of 
the Old World, who, removing to an arena of larger opportunities, in a more 
fertile soil and congenial climate, have developed a spirit and an energy 
peculiarly Western. In no country on the globe have enterprises of all kinds 
been pushed forward with such rapidity, or has there been such independence 
and freedom of competition. Among those who have pioneered the civiliza- 
tion of the West, and been the founders of great States, none have ranked 
higher in the scale of intelligence and moral worth than the pioneers of Iowa, 
who came to the territory when it was an Indian country, and through hardship, 
privation and suffering, laid the foundations of the populous and prosperous 
commonwealth which to-day dispenses its blessings to a million and a quarter 
of people. From her first settlement and from her first organization as a terri- 
tory to the present day, Iowa has had able men to manage her affairs, wise 
statesmen to shape her destiny and frame her laws, and intelligent and impartial 
jurists to administer justice to her citizens ; her bar, pulpit and press have been 
able and widely influential ; and in all the professions, arts, enterprises and 
industries which go to make up a great and prosperous commonwealth, she has 
taken and holds a front rank among her sister States of the West. 



TERRITORIAL HISTORY. 

By act of Congress, approved October 31, 1803, the President of the United 
States was authorized to take possession of the territory included in the 
Louisiana purchase, and provide for a temporary government. By another act 
of the same session, approved March 26, 1804, the newly acquired country was 
divided, October 1, 1804 into the Territory of Orleans, south of the thirty-third 
parallel of north latitude, and the district of Louisiana, which latter was placed 
under the authority of the officers of Indiana Territory. 

In 1805, the District of Louisiana was organized as a Territory with a gov- 
ernment of its own. In 1807, Iowa was included in the Territory of Illinois, 
and in 1812 in the Territory of Missouri. When Missouri was admitted as a 
State, March 2, 1821, "Iowa," says Hon. C. C. Nourse, "was left a political 
orphan," until by act of Congress, approved June 28, 1834, the Black Hawk 
purchase having been made, all the territory west of the Mississippi and north 
of the northern boundary of Missouri, was made a part of Michigan Territory. 
Up to this time there had been no county or other organization in what is now 
the State of Iowa, although one or two justices of the Peace had been appointed 
and a post office was established at Dubuque in 1833. In September, 1834, 
however, the Territorial Legislature of Michigan created two counties on the 
west side of the Mississippi River, viz. : Dubuque and Des Moines, separated 
by a line drawn westward from the foot of Rock Island. These counties were 



174 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

partially organized. John King was appointed Chief Justice of Dubuque 
County, and Isaac Leffler, of Burlington, of Des Moines County. Two 
Associate Justices, in each county, were appointed by the Governor. 

On the first Monday in October, 1835, Gen. George W. Jones, now a citi- 
zen of Dubuque, was elected a Delegate to Congress from this part of Michigan 
Territory. On the 20th of April, 1836, through the efforts of Gen. Jones, 
Congress passed a bill creating the Territory of Wisconsin, which went into 
operation, July 4, 1836, and Iowa was then included in 

THE TERRITORY OF WISCONSIN, 

of which Gen. Henry Dodge was appointed Governor; John S. Horner, Secre- 
tary of the Territory ; Charles Dunn, Chief Justice ; David Irwin and William 
C. Frazer, Associate Justices. 

September 9, 1836, Governor Dodge ordered the census of the new Territory 
to be taken. This census resulted in showing a population of 10,531 in -the 
counties of Dubuque and Des Moines. Under the apportionment, these two 
counties were entitled to six members of the Council and thirteen of the House 
of Representatives. The Governor issued his proclamation for an election to be 
held on the first Monday of October, 1836, on which day the following members 
of the First Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin Avere elected from the two 
counties in the Black Hawk purchase : 

Dubuque County. — Council: John Fally, Thomas McKnight, Thomas Mc- 
Craney. House : Loring Wheeler, Hardin Nowlan, Peter Hill Engle, Patrick 
Quigley, Hosea T. Camp. 

Des Moines County. — Council: Jeremiah Smith, Jr., Joseph B. Teas, 
Arthur B. Ingram. House: Isaac Leffler, Thomas Blair, Warren L. Jenkins, 
John Box, George W. Teas, Eli Reynolds, David R. Chance. 

The first Legislature assembled at Belmont, in the present State of Wiscon- 
sin, on the 25th day of October, 1836, and was organized by electing Henry T. 
Baird President of the Council, and Peter Hill Engle, of Dubuque, Speaker of 
the House. It adjourned December 9, 1836. 

The second Legislature assembled at Burlington, November 10, 1837. 
Adjourned January 20, 1838. The third session was at Burlington ; com- 
menced June 1st, and adjourned June 12, 1838. 

During the first session of the W^isconsin Territorial Legislature, in 1836, 
the county of Des Moines was divided into Des Moines, Lee, Van Buren, Henry, 
Muscatine and Cook (the latter being subsequently changed to Scott) and defined 
their boundaries. During the second session, out of the territory embraced in 
Dubuque County, were created the counties of Dubuque, Clayton, Fayette, 
Delaware, Buchanan, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Clinton and Cedar, and their boun- 
daries defined, but the most of them were not organized, until several years 
afterward, under the authority of the Territorial Legislature of Iowa. 

The question of a separate territorial organization for Iowa, which was then 
a part of Wisconsin Territory, began to be agitated early in the Autumn of 
1837. The wishes of the people found expression in a convention held at Bur- 
lington on the 1st of November, Avhich memorialized Congress to organize a 
Territory west of the Mississippi, and to settle the boundary line between Wis- 
consin Ten-itory and Missouri. The Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin, then 
in session at Burlington, joined in the petition. Gen. George W. Jones, of 
Dubuque, then residing at Sinsinawa Mound, in what is now Wisconsin, was 
Delegate to Congress from Wisconsin Territory, and labored so earnestly and 
successfullv, that " An act to divide the Territory of Wisconsin, and to estab- 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 175 

lish the Territorial Government of Iowa," was approved June 12, 1838, to take 
effect and be in force on and after July 3, 1838. The new Territory embraced 
" all that part of the present Territory of Wisconsin whicli lies west of the Mis- 
sissippi River, and west of a line drawn due north from the head water or 
sources of the Mississippi to the territorial line." The organic act provided 
for a Governor, whose terra of office should be three years, and for a Secretary, 
Chief Justice, two Associate Justices, and Attorney and Marshal, who should 
serve four years, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate. The act also provided for the election, by the white 
male inhabitants, citizens of the United States, over twenty-one years of age, 
of a House of Representatives, consisting of twenty-six members, and a Council, 
to consist of thirteen members. It also appropriated $5,000 for a public library, 
and $>20,000 for the erection of public buildings. 

President Van Buren appointed Ex-Governor Robert Lucas, of Ohio, to be 
the first Governor of the new Territory. William B. Conway, of Pittsburgh, 
was appointed Secretary of the Territory ; Charles Mason, of Burlington, 
Chief Justice, and Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, and Joseph Williams, of 
Pennsylvania, Associate Judges of the Supreme and District Courts; Mr. Van 
Allen, of New York, Attorney; Francis Gehon, of Dubuque, Marshal; Au 
gustus C. Dodge, Register of the Land Office at Burlington, and Thomas Mc- 
Knight, Receiver of the Land Office at Dubuque. Mr. Van Allen, the Distric', 
Attorney, died at Rockingham, soon after his appointment, and Col. Charlesi 
Weston was appointed to fill his vacancy. Mr. Conway, the Secretary, also 
died at Burlington, during the second session of the Legislature, and Jamen 
Clarke, editor of the Gazette, was appointed to succeed him. 

Immediately after his arrival, Governor Lucas issued a proclamation for tht! 
election of members of the first Territorial Legislature, to be held on the lOtL 
of September, dividing the Territory into election districts for that purpose, and 
appointing the 12th day of November for meeting of the Legislature to b(! 
elected, at Burlington. 

The first Territorial Legislature was elected in September and assembled ai; 
Burlington on the 12th of November, and consisted of the following members: 

Council. — Jesse B. Brown, J. Keith, E. A. M. Swazey, Arthur Ingram. 
Robert Ralston, George Hepner, Jesse J. Payne, D. B. Hughes, James M 
Clark, Charles Whittlesey, Jonathan W. Parker, Warner Lewis, StepheL 
Hempstead. 

House. — William Patterson, Hawkins Taylor, Calvin J. Price, Jamen 
Brierly, James Hall, Gideon S. Bailey, Samuel Parker, James W. Grimes. 
George Temple, Van B. Delashmutt, Thomas Blair, George H. Beeler," 
William G. Coop, William H. Wallace, Asbury B. Porter, John Frierson, 
William L. Toole, Levi Thornton, S. C. Hastings, Robert G. Roberts, Laurel 
Summers,t Jabez A. Burchard, Jt-., Chauncey Swan, Andrew Bankson, Thomas 
Cox and Hardin Nowlin. 

Notwithstanding a large majority of the members of both branches of the 
Legislature were Democrats, yet Gen. Jesse B. Browne (Whig), of Lee County, 
was elected President of the Council, and Hon. William H. Wallace (Whig), of 
Henry County, Speaker of the House of Representatives — the former unani- 
mously and the latter with but little opposition. At that time, national politics 

*Cyni8 S. Jacobs, who was elected for T)es Moinea County, was killed in an unfortunate encounter at Burlington 
before the meeting of the Legislature, and Mr. Beeler was elected to fill the vacancy. 

t Samuel R. Murray waa returned as elected Irom Clinton County, but his seat was successfully contested by 
Burcbard. 



176 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

were little heeded by the people of the new Territory, but in 1840, during the 
Presidential campaign, party lines were strongly drawn. 

At the election in September, 1838, for members of the Legislature, a Con- 
gressional Delegate was also elected. There were four candidates, viz. : William 
XV. Chapman and David Rohrer, of Des Moines County ; B. F. Wallace, of 
Henry County, and P. H. Engle, of Dubuque County. Chapman was elected, 
receiving a majority of thirty-six over Engle. 

The first session of the Iowa Territorial Legislature was a stormy and excit- 
ing one. By the organic law, the Governor was clothed with almost unlimited 
veto power. Governor Lucas seemed disposed to make free use of it, and the 
independent Hawkeyes could not quietly submit to arbitrary and absolute rule, 
and the result was an unpleasant controversy between the Executive and Legis- 
lative departments. Congress, however, by act approved March 3, 1839, 
amended the organic law by restricting the veto power of the Governor to the 
two-thirds rule, and took from him the power to appoint Sheriffs and Magistrates. 

Among the first important matters demanding attention was the location of 
the seat of government and provision for the erection of public buildings, for 
which Congress had appropriated $20,000. Governor Lucas, in his message, 
had recommended the appointment of Commissioners, with a view to making a 
central location. The extent of the future State of Iowa was not known or 
thought of. Only on a strip of land fifty miles wide, bordering on the Missis- 
sippi River, was the Indian title extinguished, and a central location meant some 
central point in the Black Hawk Purchase. The friends of a central location 
supported the Governor's suggestion. The southern members were divided 
between Buidington and Mount Pleasant, but finally united on the latter as the 
proper location for the seat of government. The central and southern parties 
were very nearly equal, and, in consequence, much excitement prevailed. The 
central party at last triumphed, and on the 21st day of January, 1839, an act 
was passed, appointing Chauncey Swan, of Dubuque County ; John Ronalds, 
of Louisa County, and Robert Ralston, of Des Moines County, Commissioners, 
to select a site for a permanent seat of Government within the limits of John- 
son County. 

Johnson County had been created by act of the Territorial Legislature of 
Wisconsin, approved December 21, 1837, and organized by act passed at the 
special session at Burlington in June, 1838, the organization to date from July 
4th, following. Napoleon, on the Iowa River, a few miles below the future 
Iowa City, was designated as the county seat, temporarily. 

Then there existed good reason for locating the capital in the county. The 
Territory of Iowa was bounded on the north by the British Possessions ; east, by 
the Mississippi River to its source; thence by a line drawn due north to the 
northern boundary of the United States; south, by the State of Missouri, and west, 
by the Missouri and White Earth Rivers. But this immense territory was in un- 
disputed possession of the Indians, except a strip on the Mississippi, known as 
the Black Hawk Purchase. Johnson County was, from north to south, in the 
geographical center of this purchase, and as near the east and west geographical 
center of the future State of Iowa as could then be made, as the boundary line 
between the lands of the United States and the Indians, established by the 
treaty of October 21, 1837, was immediately west of the cor.nty limits. 

The Commissioners, after selecting the site, were directed to lay out 640 
acres into a town, to be called Iowa City, and to proceed to sell lots and erect 
public buildings thereon, Congress having granted a section of land to be 
selected by the Territory for this purpose. The Commissioners met at Napo- 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 177 

leon, Johnson County, May 1, 1839, selected for a site Section 10, in Town- 
ship 79 North of Range 6 West of the Fiftli Principal Meridian, and immedi- 
ately surveyed it and laid off the town. Tlie first sale of lots took place August 
10, 1839. The site selected for the public buildings was a little west of the 
geographical center of the section, where a square of ten acres on the elevated 
grounds overlooking the river was reserved for the purpose. The capitol is 
located in the center of this square. The second Territorial Legislature, which 
assembled in November, 1839, passed an act requiring the Commissioners to 
adopt such plan for the building that the aggregate cost when complete should 
not exceed $51,000, and if they had already adopted a plan involving a greater 
expenditure they were directed to abandon it. Plans for the building were designed 
ami drawn by Mr. John F. Rague, of Springfield, 111., and on the 4th day of July, 
1840, the corner stone of the edifice Avas laid with appropriate ceremonies. 
Samuel C. Trowbridge was Marshal of the day, and Gov. Lucas delivered the 
address on that occasion. 

When the Legislature assembled at Burlington in special session, July 13. 
1840, Gov. Lucas announced that on the 4th of that month he had visited Iowa 
City, and found the basement of the capitol nearly completed. A bill author- 
izing a loan of $20,000 for the building was passed, January 15, 1841, the 
unsold lots of Iowa City being the security offered, but only $5,500 was 
obtained under the act. 

THE BOUNDARY QUESTION. 

The boundary line between the Territory of Iowa and the State of Missouri 
was a difficult question to settle in 1838, in consequence of claims arising from 
taxes and titles, and at one time civil war Avas imminent. In defining the 
boundaries of the counties bordering on Missouri, the loAva authorities had fixed 
a line that has since been established as the boundary betAveen Iowa and Mis- 
souri. The Constitution of Missouri defined her northern boundary to be the 
parallel of latitude which passes through the rapids of the Des Moines River. 
The lower rapids of the Mississippi immediately above the mouth of the Des 
Moines River had ahvays been knoAvn as the Des Moines Rapids, or "the 
rapids of the Des Moines River." The Missourians (evidently not well versed 
in history or geography) insisted on running the northern boundary line from 
the rapids in the Des Moines River, just beloAV Keosaucjua, thus taking from 
loAva a strip of territory eight or ten miles Avide. Assuming this as her 
northern boundary line, Missouri attempted to exercise jurisdiction OA'er the 
disputed territory by assessing taxes, and sending her Sheriffs to collect them by 
distraining the personal property of the settlers. The loAvans, hoAvever, were 
not disposed to submit, and the Missouri officials were arrested by the Sheriffs 
of Davis and Van Buren Counties and confined in jail. Gov. Boggs, of 
Missouri, called out his militia to enforce the claim and sustain the officers of 
Missouri. Gov. Lucas called out the militia of loAva, and both parties made 
active preparations for Avar. In Iowa, about 1,200 men Avere enlisted, and 
500 Avere actually armed and encamped in ^"an Buren County, ready to defend 
the integrity of the Territory. Subseciuently, Gen. A. C. Dodge, of Burlington, 
Gen. Churchman, of Dubuciue, and Dr. Clark, of Fort Madison, were sent to 
Missouri as envoys plenipotentiary, to effect, if possible, a peaceable adjustment 
of the difficulty. Upon their arrival, they found that the County Commissioners 
of Clarke County, Missouri, had rescinded their order for the collection of the taxes, 
and that Gov. Boggs had despatched messengers to the Governor of loAva proposing 



178 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

to submit an agreed case to the Supreme Court of the United States for the 
final settlement of the boundary question. This proposition was declined, but 
afterward Congress authorized a suit to settle the controversy, which was insti- 
tuted, and which resulted in a judgment for Iowa. Under this decision, 
William G. Miner, of Missouri, and Henry B. Hendershott were appointed 
Commissioners to survey and establish the boundary. Mr. Nourse remarks 
that " the expenses of the war on the part of Iowa were never paid, either by 
the United States or the Territorial Government. The patriots who furnished 
supplies to the troops had to bear the cost and charges of the struggle." 

The first legislative assembly laid the broad foundation of civil equality, on 
which has been constructed one of the most liberal governments in the Union. 
Its first act was to recognize the equality of woman with man before the law by 
providing that " no action commenced by a single woman, who intermarries 
during the pendency thereof, shall abate on account of such marriage." This prin- 
ciple has been adopted by all subsequent legislation in Iowa, and to-day woman 
has full and equal civil rights with man, except only the right of the ballot. 

Religious toleration was also secured to all, personal liberty strictly guarded, 
the rights and privileges of citizenship extended to all white persons, and the 
purity of elections secured by heavy penalties against bribery and corruption. 
The judiciary power was vested in a Supreme Court, District Court, Probate 
Court, and Justices of the Peace. Real estate was made divisible by will, and 
intestate property divided equitably among heirs. Murder was made punishable 
by death, and proportionate penalties fixed for lesser crimes. A system of free 
schools, open for every class of white citizens, was established. Provision was 
made for a system of roads and highways. Thus under the territorial organi- 
zation, the country began to emerge from a savage wilderness, and take on the 
forms of civil government. 

By act of Congress of June 12, 1838, the lands which had been purchased 
of the Indians were brought into market, and land offices opened in Dubuque 
and Burlington. Congress provided for military roads and bridges, which 
greatly aided the settlers, who were now coming in by thousands, to make their 
homes on the fertile prairies of Iowa — " the Beautiful Land." The fame of the 
country had spread far and wide ; even before the Indian title was extinguished, 
many were crowding the borders, impatient to cross over and stake out their 
claims on the choicest spots they could find in the new Territory. As 
soon as the country was open for settlement, the borders, the Black Hawk 
Purchase, all along the Mississipi, and up the principal rivers and streams, and 
out over the broad and rolling prairies, began to be thronged with eager land 
hunters and immigrants, seeking homes in Iowa. It was a sight to delight the 
eyes of all comers from every land — its noble streams, beautiful and picturesque 
hills and valleys, broad and fertile prairies extending as far as the eye could 
reach, with a soil surpassing in richness anything which they had ever seen. It 
is not to be wondered at that immigration into Iowa was rapid, and that within 
less than a decade from the organization of the Territory, it contained a hundred 
and fifty thousand people. 

As rapidly as the Indian titles were extinguished and the original owners 
removed, the resistless tide of emigration flowed westward. The following extract 
from Judge Nourse's Centennial Address shows how the immigrants gathered 
on the Indian boundary, ready for the removal of the barrier : 

In obedience to our progressive and aggressive spirit, the Government of the United States 
made another treaty with the Sac and Fox Indians, on the 11th day of August, 1842, for the 
remaining portion of their land in Iowa. The treaty provided that the Indians should retain 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 179 

possession of all the lands thus ceded until May 1, 1843, and should occupy that portion of the 
ceded territory west of a line running north and south through Keilrock, until October 11, 1845. 
These tribes, at this time, had their principal village at Ot-tum-wa-no, now called Ottuniwa. As 
soon as it became known that the treaty had been concluded, there was a rush of immigration to 
Iowa, and a great number of temporary settlements were made near the Indian boundary, wait- 
ing for the l.st day of May. As the day approached, hundreds of families encamped along the 
line, and their tents and wagons gave the scene the appearance of a military expedition. The 
country beyond had been thoroughly explored, but the United States military authorities had 
prevented any settlement or even the making out of claims by any monuments whatever. 

To aid them in making out their claims when the hour should arrive, the settlers had placed 
piles of dry wood on the rising ground, at convenient distances, and a short time before twelve 
o" clock of the night of the 30th of April, these were lighted, and when the midnight hour arrived, 
it was announced by the discharge of firearms. The night was dark, but this army of occupa- 
tion pressed forward, torch in hand, with axe and hatchet, blazing lines with all manner of 
curves and angles. When daylight came and revealed the confusion of these wonderful surveys, 
numerous disputes arose, settled generally by compromise, but sometimes by violence Between 
midnight of the 30th of April and sundown of the 1st of May, over one thousand families had 
settled on their new purchase. 

While this scene was transpiring, the retreating Indians were enacting one more impressive 
and melancholy. The Winter of 1842-43 was one of unusual severity, and the Indian prophet, 
who had disapproved of the treaty, attributed the severity of the Winter to the anger of the Great 
Spirit, because they had sold their country. Many religious rites were performed to atone for 
the crime. When the time for leaving Ot-tum-wa-no arrived, a solemn silence pervaded the Indian 
camp, and the faces of their stoutest men were bathed in tears; and when their cavalcade was 
put in motion, toward the setting sun, there was a spontaneous outburst of frantic grief from the 
entire procession. 

The Indians remained the appointed time beyond the line running north and south through 
Redrock. The government established a trading post and military encampment at the Raccoon 
Fork of the Des Moines River, then and for many years known as Fort Des Moines. Here the 
red man lingered until the 11th of October, 1845, when the same scene that we have before 
described was re-enacted, and the wave of immigration swept over the remainder of the " New 
Purchase." The lands thus occupied and claimed by the settlers still belonged in fee to the Gen- 
eral Government. The surveys were not completed until some time after the Indian title was 
extinguished. After their survey, the lands were publicly proclaimed or advertised for sale at 
public auction. Under the laws of the United States, a pre-emption or exclusive right to purchase 
public lands could net be acquired until after the lands had thus been publicly offered and not 
sold for want of bidders. Then, and not until then, an occupant making improvements in good 
faith might acquire a right over others to enter the land at the minimum price of $1.25 per 
acre. The " claim laws" were unknown to the United States statutes. They originated in the 
" eternal fitness of things," and were enforced, probably, as belonging to that class of natural 
rights not enumerated in the constitution, and not impaired or disparaged by its enumeration. 

The settlers organized in every settlement prior to the public land sales, appointed ofliicers, 
and adopted their own rules and regulations. Each man's claim was duly ascertained and 
recorded by the Secretary. It was the duty of all to attend the sales. The Secretary bid off the 
lands of each settler at $1.25 per acre. The others were there, to see, first, that he did his duty 
and bid in the land, and, secondly, to see that no one else bid. This, of course, sometimes led to 
trouble, but it saved the excitement of competition, and gave a formality and degree of order 
and regularity to the proceedings they would not otherwise have attained. As far as practicable, 
the Territorial Legislature recognized the validity of these " claims " upon the public lands, and 
in 1839 passed an act legalizing their sale and making their transfer a valid consideration to sup- 
port a promise to pay for the same. (Acts of 1843, p. 456). The Supreme Territorial Court 
held this law to be valid. (See Hill v. Smith, 1st Morris Rep. 70). The opinion not only con- 
tains a decision of the question involved, but also contains much valuable erudition upon that 
" spirit of Anglo-Saxon liberty" which the Iowa settlers unquestionably inherited in a direct 
line of descent from the said " Anglo-Saxons." But the early settler was not always able to pay 
even this dollar and twenty-five cents per acre for his land. 

Many of the settlers had nothing to begin with, save their hands, health and 
courage and their family jewels, "the pledges of love," and the "consumers of 
bread." It was not so easy to accumulate money in the early days of the State, 
and the "beautiful prairies," the "noble streams," and all that sort of poetic 
imagery, did not prevent the early settlers from becoming discouraged. 

An old settler, in speaking of the privations and trials of those early days, 
says : 

Well do the "old settlers " of Iowa remember the days from the first settlement to 1840. 
Those were days of sadness and distress. The endearments of home in another land had been 



180 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

broken up ; and all that was hallowed on earth, the home of childhood and the scenes of youth, 
we severed ; and we sat down by the gentle waters of our noble river, and often " hung our harps 
on the willows." 

Another, from another part of the State, testifies : 

There was no such thing as getting money for any kind of labor. I laid brick at $3 00 
per thousand, and took my pay in anything I could eat or wear. I built the first Methodist 
Church at Keokuk, 42x60 feet, of brick, for $600, and took my pay in a subscription paper, part 
of which I never collected, and upon which I only received $50 00 in money. AVheat was hauled 
100 miles from the interior, and sold for STj cents per bushel. 

Another old settler, speaking of a later period, 1843, says : 

Land and everything had gone down in value to almost nominal prices. Corn and oats 
could be bought for six or ten cents a bushel ; pork, $] .00 per hundred ; and the best horse a 
man could raise sold for $50.00, Nearly all were in debt, and the Sheriff and Constable, with 
legal processes, were common visitors at almost every man's door. These were indeed " the times 
that tried men's souls." 

"A few," says Mr. Nourse, ."who were not equal to the trial, returned to 
their old homes, but such as had the courage and faith to be the worthy founders 
of a great State remained, to more than realize the fruition of their hopes, and 
the reward of their self-denial." 

On Monday, December 6, 1841, the fourth Legislative Assembly met, at 
the new capital, Iowa City, but the capitol building could not be used, and the 
Legislature occupied a temporary frame house, that had been erected for that 
purpose, during the session of 1841-2. At this session, the Superintendent of 
Public Buildings (who, with the Territorial Agent, had superseded the Commis- 
sioners first appointed), estimated the expense of completing the building at 
$33,330, and that rooms for the use of the Legislature could be completed for 
|l5,600. 

During 1842, the Superintendent commenced obtaining stone from a new 
quarry, about ten miles northeast of the city. This is now known as the '' Old 
Capitol Quarry," and contains, it is thought, an immense quantity of excellent 
building stone. Here all the stone for completing the building was obtained, 
and it was sO far completed, that on the 5th day of December, 1842, the Legis- 
lature assembled in the new capitol. At this session, the Superintendent esti- 
mated that it would cost $39,143 to finish the building. This was nearly 
$6,000 highfer than the estimate of the previous year, notwithstanding a large 
sum had been expended in the meantime. This rather discouraging discrep- 
ancy was accounted for by the fact that the ofiicers in charge of the work were 
constantly short of funds. Except the congressional appropriation of $20,000 
and the loan of $5,500, obtained from the Miners' Bank, of Dubuque, all the 
funds for the prosecution of the work were derived from the sale of the city 
lots (which did not sell very rapidly), from certificates of indebtedness, and from 
scrip, based upon unsold lots, which was to be received in payment for such lots 
when they were sold. At one time, the Superintendent made a requisition for 
bills of iron and glass, which could not be obtained nearer than St. Louis. To 
meet this, the Agent sold some lots for a draft, payable at Pittsburgh, Pa., for 
which he was compelled to pay twenty-five per cent, exchange. This draft, 
amounting to $507, that officer reported to be more than one-half the cash 
actually handled by him during the entire season, when the disbursements 
amounted to very nearly $24,000. 

With such uncertainty, it could not be expected that estimates could be very 
accurate. With all these disadvantages, however, the work appears to have 
been prudently prosecuted, and as rapidly as circumstances would permit. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 181 

Iowa remained a Territory from 1838 to 1846, during which the office of 
Governor was held by Robert Lucas, John Chambers and James Clarke. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 

By an act of the Territorial Legislature of Iowa, approved February 12, 

1844, the question of the formation of a State Constitution and providing for 
the election of Delegates to a convention to be convened for that purpose was 
submitted to the people, to be voted upon at their township elections in April 
following. The vote was largely in favor of the measure, and the Delegates 
elected assembled in convention at Iowa City, on the 7th of October, 1844. 
On the first day of November following, the convention completed its work and 
adopted the first State Constitution. 

The President of the convention, Hon. Shepherd Leffler, was instructed to 
transmit a certified copy of this Constitution to the Delegate in Congress, to be 
by him submitted to that body at the earliest practicable day. It was also pro- 
vided that it should be submitted, together with any conditions or changes that 
might be made by Congress, to the people of the Territory, for their approval 
or rejection, at the township election in April, 1845. 

The boundaries of the State,' as defined by this Constitution, were as fol- 
lows : 

Beginning in the middle of the channel of the Mississippi River, opposite mouth of the 
Des Moines River, tlience up the said river Des IMoines, in the middle of the main channel 
thereof, to a point where it is intersected by the Old Indian Boundary line, or line run by .lohn 
C. Sullivan, in the year 1816 ; thence westwardly along said line to the " old " northwest corner 
of Missouri; thence due west to the middle of the main channel of the Missouri River; thence 
up in the middle of the main channel of. the river last mentioned to the mouth of the Sioux or 
Calumet River ; thence in a direct line to the middle of the main channel of the St. Peters River, 
where the Watonwan River — according to Nicollet's map — enters the same ; thence down the 
middle of the main channel of said river to the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi 
River ; thence down the middle of the main channel of said river to the place of beginning. 

These boundaries were rejected by Congress, but by act approved March 3, 

1845, a State called Iowa was admitted into the Union, provided the people 
accepted the act, bounded as follows : • 

Beginning at the mouth of the Des Moines River, at the middle ofilie Mississippi, thence 
by the middle ot the channel of that river to a parallel of latitude passing^' through the mouth of 
the Mankato or Blue Earth River; thence west, along said parallel of latitude, to a point where 
it is intersected by a meridian line seventeen degrees and thirty minutes west of the meridian 
of Washington City ; thence due south, to the northern boundary line of the State of Missouri ; 
thence eastwai'dly, following that boundary to the point at which the same intersects the Des 
Moines River ; thence by the middle of the channel of that river to the place of beginning. 

These boundaries, had they been accepted, would have placed the northern 
boundary of the State about thirty miles north of its present location, and would 
have deprived it of the Missouri slope and the boundary of that river. The 
western boundary would have been near the Avest line of what is now Kossuth 
County. But it was not so to be. In consequence of this radical and unwel- 
come change in the boundaries, the people refused to accept the act of Congress 
and rejected the Constitution at the election, held August 4, 1845, by a vote of 
7,656 to 7,2.35. 

A second Constitutional Convention assembled at Iowa City on the 4th day 
of May, 1846, and on the 18th of the same month another Constitution for the 
new State with the present boundaries, was adopted and submitted to the people 
for ratification on the 3d day of August following, when it was accepted ; 9,492 
votes were cast "for the Constitution," and 9,036 "against the Constitution " 



182 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

The Constitution was approved by Congress, and by act of Congress approved 
December 28, 1846, Iowa was admitted as a sovereign State in the American 
Union. 

Prior to this action of Congress, however, the people of the new State held 
an election under the new Constitution on the 26th day of October, and elected 
Oresel Briggs, Governor ; Elisha Cutler, Jr., Secretary of State ; Joseph T. 
Fal^s, Auditor ; Morgan Reno, Treasurer ; and members of the Senate and 
House of Representatives. 

At this time there were twenty-seven organized counties in the State, with 
a population of nearly 100,000, and the frontier settlements were rapidly push- 
ing toward the Missouri River. The Mormons had already reached there. 

The first General Assembly of the State of Iowa was composed of nineteen 
Senators and forty Representatives. It assembled at Iowa City, November 30, 
18-46, about a month before the State was admitted into the Union. 

At the first session of the State Legislature, the Treasurer of State reported 
that the capitol building was in a very exposed condition, liable to injury from 
storms, and expressed the hope that some provision would be made to complete 
it, at least sufficiently to protect it from the weather. The General Assembly 
responded by appropriating |2,500 for the completion of the public buildings. 
At the first session also arose the question of the re-location of the capital. The 
western boundary of the State, as now determined, left Iowa City too far toward 
the eastern and southern boundary of the State ; this was conceded. Congress 
had appropriated five sections of land for the erection of public buildings, and 
toward the close of the session a bill was introduced providing for the re-location 
of the seat of government, involving to some extent the location of the State 
University, which had already been discussed. This bill gave rise to a deal of 
discussion and parliamentary maneuvering, almost purely sectional in its character. 
It provided for the appointment of three Commissioners, Avho were authorized to 
make a location as near the geographical center of the State as a healthy and 
eligible site could be obtained ; to select the five sections of land donated by 
Congress ; to survey and plat into town lots not exceeding one section of the 
land so selected ; to sell lots at public sale, not to exceed two in each block. 
Having done this, they were then required to suspend further operations, and 
make a report of their proceedings to the Governor. The bill passed both 
Houses by decisive votes, received the signature of the Governor, and became a 
law. Soon after, by "An act to locate and establish a State University," 
approved February 25, 1847, the unfinished public buildings at Iowa City, 
together with the ten acres of land on which they were situated, were granted 
for the use of the University, reserving their use, however, by the General 
Assembly and the State officers, until other provisions were made by law. 

The Commissioners forthwith entered upon their duties, and selected four 
sections and two half sections in Jasper County. Two of these sections are in 
what is noAV Des Moines Township, and the others in Fairview Township, in the 
southern part of that county. These lands are situated between Prairie City 
and Monroe, on the Keokuk & Des Moines Railroad, which runs diagonally 
through them. Here a town was platted, called Monroe City, and a sale of 
lots took place. Four hundred and fifteen lots were sold, at prices that were 
not considered remarkably remunerative. The cash payments (one-fourth) 
amounted to $1,797.43, while the expenses of the sale and the claims of the 
Commissioners for services amounted to $2,206.57. The Commissioners made 
a report of their proceedings to the Governor, as required by law, but the loca- 
tion was generally condemned. ^ 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 183 

When the report of the Commissioners, showing this brilliant financial ope- 
ration, had been read in the House of Representatives, at the next session, and 
while it was under consideration, an indignant member, afterward known as 
the eccentric Judge McFarland, moved to refer the report to a select Committee 
of Five, with instructions to report '* how much of said city of Monroe was under 
water and how much was burned." The report was referred, Avithout the 
instructions, however, but Monroe City never became the seat of government. 
By an act approved January 15, 1849, the law by which the location had been 
ijiade was repealed and the now town was vacated, the money paid by purchas- 
ers of lots being refunded to them. This, of course, retained the seat of govern- 
ment at Iowa City, and precluded, for the time, the occupation of the building 
and grounds by the University. 

At the same session, $3,000 more were appropriated for completing the 
State building at Iowa City. In 1852, the further sum of $5,000. and in 1854 
$4,000 more were apppropriated for the same purpose, making the whole cost 
$123,000, paid partly by the General Government and partly by the State, but 
principally from the proceeds of the sale of lots in Iowa City. 

But the question of the permanent location of the seat of government was 
not settled, and in 1851 bills were introduced for the removal of the capital to 
Pella and to Fort Des Moines. The latter appeared to have the support of the 
majority, but was finally lost in the House on the question of ordering it to its 
third reading. 

At the next session, in 1853, a bill was introduced in the Senate for the 
removal of the seat of government to Fort Des Moines, and, on final vote, 
was just barely defeated. At the next session, however, the effort was more 
successful, and on the 15th day of January, 1855, a bill re-locating the capital 
W'ithin two miles of the Raccoon Fork of the Des IVIoines, and for the appoint- 
ment of Commissioners, was approved by Gov. Grimes. The site was selected 
ift 1856, in accordance with the provisions of this act, the land being donated 
to the State by citizens and property -holders of Des Moines. An association of 
citizens erected a building for a temporary capitol, and leased it to the State at 
a nominal rent. 

The third Constitutional Convention to revise the Constitution of the State 
assembled at Iowa City, January 19, 1857. The new Constitution framed by 
this convention was submitted to the people at an election held August 3, 1857, 
when it was approved and adopted by a vote of 40,311 " for " to 38,681 
" against," and on the 3d day of September following was declared by a procla- 
mation of the Governor to be the supreme law of the State of Iowa. 

Advised of the completion of the temporary State House at Des Moines, on 
the 19th of October following. Governor Grimes issued another proclamation, 
declaring the City of Des Moines to be the capital of the State of loAva. 

The removal of the archives and offices was commenced at once and con- 
tinued through the Fall. It was an undertaking of no small magnitude ; there 
was not a mile of railroad to facilitate the work, and the season was unusually 
disagreeable. Rain, snow and other accompaniments increased the difficulties ; 
and it was not until December, that the last of the effects — the safe of the State 
Treasurer, loaded on two large " bob-sleds " — drawn by ten yoke of oxen was de- 
posited in the new capital. It is not imprudent now to remark that, during this 
passage over hills and prairies, across rivers, through bottom lands and timber, 
the safes belonging to the several departments contained large sums of money, 
mostly individual funds, however. Thus, Iowa City ceased to be the capital of 
the State, after four Territorial Legislatures, six State Legislatures and three 



184 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

Constitutional Conventions had held their sessions there. By the exchange, 
the old capitol at Iowa City became the seat of the University, and, except the 
rooms occupied by the United States District Court, passed under the immedi- 
ate and direct control of the Trustees of that institution. 

Des Moines was now the permanent seat of government, made so by the 
fundamental law of the State, and on the 11th day of January, 1858, the 
seventh General Assembly convened at the new capital. The building used 
for governmental purposes was purchased in 1864. It soon became inadequate 
for the purposes for which it was designed, and it became apparent that a new, 
large and permanent State House must be erected. In 1870, the General 
Assembly made an appropriation and provided for the appointment of a Board 
of Commissioners to commence the work. The board consisted of Gov. Samuel 
Merrill, ex officio. President ; Grenville M. Dodge, Council Bluffs ; James F. 
Wilson, Fairfield; James Dawson, Washington; Simon G. Stein, Muscatine ; 
James 0. Crosby, Gainsville ; Charles Dudley, Agency City ; John N. Dewey, 
Des Moines ; William L. Joy, Sioux City ; Alexander R. Fulton, Des Moines, . 
Secretary. 

The act of 1870 provided that the building should be constructed of the 
best material and should be fire proof; to be heated and ventilated in the most 
approved manner ; should contain suitable legislative halls, rooms for State 
officers, the judiciary, library, committees, archives and the collections of the 
State Agricultural Society, and for all purpoees of State Government, and 
should be erected on grounds held by the State for that purpose. The sum first 
appropriated was $150,000 ; and the law provided that no contract should be 
made, either for constructing or furnishing the building, which should bind the 
State for larger sums than those at the time appropriated. A design was drawn 
and plans and specifications furnished by Cochrane & Piquenard, architects, 
which were accepted by the board, and on the 23d of November, 1871, the cor- 
ner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The estimated cost and present 
value of the capitol is fixed at $2,000,000. 

From 1858 to 1860, the Sioux became troublesome in the northwestern 
part of the State. These warlike Indians made frequent plundering raids upon 
the settlers, and murdered several families. In 1861, several companies of 
militia were ordered to that portion of the State to hunt down and punish the 
murderous thieves. No battles were fought, however, for the Indians fled 
when they ascertained that systematic and adequate measures had been adopted 
to protect the settlers. 

" The year 1856 marked a new era in the history of Iowa. In 1854, the 
Chicago & Rock Island Railroad had been completed to the east bank of the 
Mississippi River, opposite Davenport. In 1854, the corner stone of a railroad 
bridge, that was to be the first to span the "Father of Waters," was laid with 
appropriate ceremonies at this point. St. Louis had resolved that the enter- 
prise was unconstitutional, and by writs of injunction made an unsuccessful 
effort to prevent its completion. Twenty years later in her history, St. Louis 
repented her folly, and made atonement for her sin by imitating our example. 
On the 1st day of January, 1856, this railroad was completed to Iowa City. 
In the meantime, two other railroads had reached the east bank of the Missis- 
sippi — one opposite Burlington, and one opposite Dubuque — and these were 
being extended into the interior of the State. Indeed, four lines of railroad 
had been projected across the State from the Mississippi to the Missouri, hav- 
ing eastern connections. On the 15th of May, 1856, the Congress of the 
United States passed an act granting to the State, to aid in the construction of 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 185 

railroads, the public lands in alternate sections, six miles on either side of the 
proposed lines. An extra session of the General Assembly was called in July 
of this year, that disposed of the grant to the several companies that proposed 
to complete these enterprises. The population of our State at this time had 
increased to 500,000. Public attention had been called to the necessity of a 
railroad across the continent. The position of Iowa, in the very heart and 
center of the Republic, on the route of this great highway across the continent, 
began to attract attention Cities and towns sprang up through the State as 
if by magic. Capital began to pour into the State, and had it been employed 
in developing our vast coal measures and establishing manufactories among us, 
or if it had been expended in improving our lands, and building houses and 
barns, it would have been well. But all were in haste to get rich, and the 
spirit of speculation ruled the hour. 

" In the meantime, every effort was made to help the speedy completion of 
the railroads. Nearly every county and city on the Mississippi, and many in 
the interior, voted large corporate subscriptions to the stock of the railroad 
companies, and issued their negotiable bonds for the amount." Thus enormous 
county and city debts were incurred, the payment of which these municipalities 
tried to avoid upon the plea that they had exceeded the constitutional limit- 
ation of their powers. The Supreme Court of the United States held these 
bonds to be valid ; and the courts by mandamus compelled the city and county 
authorities to levy taxes to pay the judgments. These debts are not all paid 
even yet, but the worst is over and ultimately the burden will be entirely 
removed 

The first railroad across the State was completed to Council Bluffs in Jan- 
uary, 1871. The others were completed soon after. In 1854, there was not 
a mile of railroad in the State. In 1874, twenty years after, there were 3,765 
miles in successful operation. 

GROWTH AND PROGRESS. 

When Wisconsin Territory was organized, in 1836, the entire population of 

that portion of the Territory now embraced in the State of Iowa was 10,531. 

The Territory then embraced two counties, Dubuque and Des Moines, erected 

by the Territory of Michigan, in 1834. From 1836 to 1838, the Territorial 

Legislature of Wisconsin increased the number of counties to sixteen, and the 

population had increased to 22,859. Since then, the counties have increased 

to ninety-nine, and the population, in 1875, was 1,366,000. The following 

table will show the population at different periods since the erection of Iowa 

Territory : 

Year. Population. I Year. Population. 

1838 22,589 | 1852 230,713 

1840 43,115 1854 326,013 

1844 75,152 1856 510.055 

1846 '.)7,588 ' 1859 638,775 



1847 116,651 

1849 152,988 

1850 191,982 

1851 204,774 



Year. Population. 

1869 1,040,819 

1870 1,191,727 

1873 1,251,333 

1875 1,366,000 

1876 

1877 



1860 674,913 

1863 701,732 

1865 754,699 

1867 902,040 

The most populous county in the State is Dubuque. Not only in popula- 
tion, but in everything contributing to the growth and greatness of a State has 
Iowa made rapid progress. In a little more than thirty years, its wild but 
beautiful prairies have advanced from the home of the savage to a highly civ- 
ilized commonwealth, embracing all the elements of progress which characterize 
the older States. 



186 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

Thriving cities and towns dot its fair surface ; an iron net-work of thou- 
sands of miles of railroads is woven over its broad acres ; ten thousand school 
houses, in which more than five hundred thousand children are being taught 
the rudiments of education, testify to the culture and liberality of the people; 
high schools, colleges and universities are generously endowed by the State ; 
manufactories spring up on all her water courses, and in most of her cities 
and towns. 

Whether measured from the date of her first settlement, her organization as 
a Territory or admission as a State, Iowa has thus far shown a growth unsur- 
passed, in a similar period, by any commonwealth on the face of the earth ; 
and, with her vast extent of fertile soil, with her inexhaustible treasures of 
mineral wealth, with a healthful, invigorating climate ; an intelligent, liberty- 
loving people; with equal, just and liberal laws, and her free schools, the 
future of Iowa may be expected to surpass the most hopeful anticipations of her 
present citizens. 

Looking upon Iowa as she is to-day — populous, prosperous and happy — it 
is hard to realize the wonderful changes that have occurred since the first white 
settlements were made within her borders. When the number of States was 
only twenty-six, and their total population about twenty millions, our repub- 
lican form of government was hardly more than an experiment, just fairly put 
upon trial. The development of our agricultural resources and inexhaustible 
mineral wealth had hardly commenced. Westward the "Star of Empire" 
had scarcely started on its way. West of the great Mississippi was a mighty 
empire, but almost unknown, and marked on the maps of the period as " The 
Great American Desert." 

Now, thirty-eight stars glitter on our national escutcheon, and forty-five 
millions of people, who know their rights and dare maintain them, tread 
American soil, and the grand sisterhood of States extends from the Gulf of 
Mexico to the Canadian border, and from the rocky coast of the Atlantic to 
the golden shores of i.he Pacific. 

THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AND FARM. 

Ames, Story County. 

The Iowa State Agricultural College and Farm were established by an act 
of the General Assembly, approved March 22, 1858. A Board of Trustees was 
appointed, consisting of Governor R. P. Lowe, John D. Wright, William Duane 
Wilson, M. W. Robinson, Timothy Day, Richard Gaines, John Pattee, G. W. 
F. Sherwin, Suel Foster, S. W. Henderson, Clement Coffin and E. G. Day ; 
the Governors of the State and President of the College being ex officio mem- 
bers. Subsequently the number of Trustees was reduced to five. The Board 
met in June, 1859, and received propositions for the location of the College and 
Farm from Hardin, Polk, Story and Boone, Marshall, Jeft'erson i.nd Tama 
Counties. In .July, the proposition of Story County and some of its citizens 
and by the citizens of Boone County was accepted, and the farm and the site 
for the buildings were located. In 1860-61, the farm-house and barn were 
erected. In 1862, Congress granted to the State 240,000 acres of land for the 
endowment of schools of agriculture and the mechanical arts, and 195,000 acres 
were located by Peter Melendy, Commissioner, in 1862-3. George W. Bassett 
was appointed Land Agent for the institution. In 1864, the General Assem- 
bly appropriated $20,000 for the erection of the college building. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 18T 

In June of that year, the Building Committee, consisting of Suel Foster, 
Peter Melendy and A. J. Bronson, proceeded to let the contract. John Browne, 
of Des Moines, was employed as architect, and furnished the plans of the build- 
ing, but was superseded in its construction by C. A. Dunham. The $20,000 
appropriated by the General Assembly were expended in putting in the foun- 
dations and making the brick for the structure. An additional appropriation 
of $91,000 was made in 1806, and the building was completed in 1868. 

Tuition in this college is made by law forever free to pupils from the State 
over sixteen years of age, who have been resident of the State six months pre- 
vious to their admission. Each county in the State has a prior right of tuition 
for three scholars from each county ; the remainder, equal to the capacity of the 
college, are by the Trustees distributed among the counties in proportion to the 
population, and subject to the above rule. All sale of ardent spirits, wine or 
beer are prohibited by law within a distance of three miles from the college, 
except for sacramental, mechanical or medical purposes. 

The course of instruction in the Agricultural College embraces the following 
branches: Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Botany, Horticulture, Fruit Growing, 
Forestry, Animal and Vegetable Anatomy, Geology, Mineralogy, Meteorology, 
Entomology, Zoology, the Veterinary Art, Plane Mensuration, Leveling, Sur- 
veying, Bookkeeping, and such Mechanical Arts as are directly connected 
with agriculture ; also such other studies as the Trustees may from time to time 
prescribe, not inconsistent with the purposes of the institution. 

The funds arising fi'om the lease and sale of lands and interest on invest- 
ments are sufficient for the support of the institution. Several College Societies 
are maintained among the students, who publish a monthly paper. There is 
also an " out-law " called the " ATA^ Chapter Omega." 

The Board of Trustees in 1877 was composed of C. W. Warden, Ottumwa, 
Chairman ; Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa City ; William B. Treadway, 
Sioux City ; Buel Sherman, Fredericksburg, and Laurel Summers, Le Claire. 
E. W. Starten, Secretary ; William D. Lucas, Treasurer. 

Board of Instruction. — A. S. Welch, LL. D., President and Professor of 
Psychology and Philosophy of Science ; Gen. J. L. Geddes, Professor of Mili- 
tary Tactics and Engineering; W. H. Wynn, A. M., Ph. D., Professor of 
English Literature; C. E. Bessey, M. S., Professor of Botany, Zoology, Ento- 
mology ; A. Thompson, C. E., Mechanical Engineering and Superintendent of 
Workshops; F. E. L. Beal, B. S., Civil Engineering; T. E. Pope, A. M., 
Chemistry; M. Stalker, Agricultural and Veterinary Science; J. L. Budd, 
Horticulture; J. K. Macomber, Physics; E. W. Stanton, Mathematics and 
Political Economy ; Mrs. Margaret P. Stanton, Preceptress, Instructor in 
French and Mathematics. 

THE STATE UNIVERSITY. 

loiva City, Johnson County. 

In the famous Ordinance of 1787, enacted by Congress before the Territory 
of the L^nited States extended beyond the Mississippi River, it was declared 
that in all tbe territory northwest of the Ohio River, " Schools and the means 
of education shall forever be encouraged." By act of Congress, approved July 
20, 1840, the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized " to set apart and re- 
serve from sale, out of any of the public lands within the Territory of Iowa, to 
which the Indian title has been or may be extinguished, and not otherwise ap- 
propriated, a quantity of land, not exceeding the entire townships, for the use 



188 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

and support of a university within said Territorry when it becomes a State, and 
for no other use or purpose whatever ; to be located in tracts of not less than an 
entire section, corresponding with any of the large divisions into which the pub- 
lic land are authorized to be surveyed." 

William W. Dodge, of Scott County, was appointed by the Secretary of the 
Treasury to make the selections. He selected Section 5 in Township 78, north 
of Range 3, east of the Fifth Principal Meridian, and then removed from the 
Territory. No more lands were selected until 1846, when, at the request of the 
Assembly, John M. Whitaker of Van Buren County, was appointed, who selected 
the remainder of the grant except about 122 acres. 

In the first Constitution, under which Iowa was admitted to the Union, the 
people directed the disposition of the proceeds of this munificent grant in ac- 
cordance with its terms, and instructed the General Assembly to provide, as soon 
as may be, effectual means for the improvement and permanent security of the 
funds of the university derived from the lands. 

The first General Assembly, by act approved February 25, 1847, established 
the " State University of Iowa " at Iowa City, then the capital of the State, 
"with such other branches as public convenience may hereafter require." 
The " public buildings at Iowa City, together with the ten acres of land in which 
they are situated," were granted for the use of said university, 2^rovided, how- 
ever, that the sessions of the Legislature and State offices should be held in the 
capitol until otherwise provided by law. The control and management of the 
University were .committed to a board of fifteen Trustees, to be appointed by the 
Legislature, five of whom were to be chosen bienially. The Superintendent 
of Public Instruction was made President of this Board. Provisions were made 
for the disposal of the two townships of land, and for the investment of the funds 
arising therefrom. The act further provides that the University shall never be 
under the exclusive control of any religious denomination whatever," and as 
soon as the revenue for the grant and donations amounts to ^2,000 a year, the 
L^niversity should commence and continue the instruction, free of charge, of fifty 
students annually. The General Assembly retained full supervision over the 
University, its officers and the grants and donations made and to be made to it 
by the State. 

Section 5 of the act appointed James P. Carleton, H. D. Downey, Thomas 
Snyder, Samuel McCrory, Curtis Bates, Silas Foster, E. C. Lyon, James H. 
Gower, George G. Vincent, Wm. G. Woodward, Theodore S. Parvin, George 
Atchinson, S. G. Matson, H. W. Starr and Ansel Briggs, the first Board of 
Trustees. 

The organization of the L^niversity at Iowa City was impracticable, how- 
ever, so long as the seat of government was retained there. 

In January, 1849, two branches of the University and three Normal 
Schools were established. The branches were located — one at Fairfield, and 
the other at Dubuque, and were placed upon an equal footing, in respect to 
funds and all other matters, with the University established at Iowa City 
"This act," says Col. Benton, "created three State Universities, with equal 
rights and powers, instead of a 'University with such branches as public conven- 
ience mai/ hereafter demand,' as provided by the Constitution." 

The Board of Directors of the Fairfield Branch consisted of Barnet Ris- 
tine. Christian W. Slagle, Daniel Rider, Horace Gaylord, Bernhart Henn and 
Samuel S. Bayard. At the first meeting of the Board, Mr. Henn was elected 
President, Mr. Slagle Secretary, and Mr. Gaylord Treasurer. Twenty acres 
of land were purchased, and a building erected thereon, costing $2,500. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 189 

This building was nearly destroyed by a hurricane, in 1850, but was rebuilt , 
more substantially, all by contributions of the citizens of Fairfield. This 
branch never received any aid from the State or from the University Fund, 
and by act approved January 24, 1853, at the request of the Board, the Gen- 
eral Assembly terminated its relation to the State. 

The branch at Dubuque was placed under the control of the Superintendent 
of Public Instruction, and John King, Caleb H. Booth, James M. Emerson, 
Michael J. Sullivan, Richard Benson and the Governor of the State as 
Trustees. The Trustees never organized, and its existence was only nominal. 

The Normal Schools were located at Andrew, Oskaloosa and Mount 
Pleasant, respectively. Each was to be governed by a board of seven Trustees, to 
be appointed by the Trustees of the University. Each was to receive ^500 annu- 
ally from the income of the University Fund, upon condition that they should ed- 
ucate eight common school teachers, free of charge for tuition, and that the citizens 
should contribute an equal sum for the erection of the requisite buildings. 
The several Boards of Trustees were appointed. At Andrew, the school was 
organized Nov. 21, 1849; Samuel Ray, Principal; Miss J. S. Dorr, Assist- 
ant. A building was commenced and over ^1,000 expended on it, but it was 
never completed. At Oskaloosa, the Trustees organized in April, 1852. This 
school was opened in the Court House, September 13, 1852, under the charge 
of Prof. G. M. Drake and wife. A two story brick building was completed in 
1853, costing $2,473. The school at Mount Pleasant was never organized. 
Neither of these schools received any aid from the University Fund, but in 
1857 the Legislature appropriated $1,000 each for those at Oskaloosa and 
Andrew, and repealed the law authorizing the payment of money to them from 
the University Fund. From that time they made no further effort to 
continue in operation. 

At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, held February 21, 1850, 
the " College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Upper Mississippi," established 
at Davenport, was recognized as the " College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
the State University of Iowa," expressly stipulating, however, that such recog- 
nition should not render the University liable for any pecuniary aid, nor was 
the Board to have any control over the property or management of the ISIedical 
Association. Soon after, this College was removed to Keokuk, its second ses- 
sion being opened there in November, 1850. In 1851, the General Assembly 
confirmed the action of the Board, and by act approved January 22, 1855, 
placed the Medical College under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of 
the University, and it continued in operation until this arrangement was termi- 
nated by the new Constitution, September 3, 1857. 

From 1847 to 1855, the Board of Trustees was kept full by regular elec- 
tions by the Legislature, and the Trustees held frequent meetings, but there was 
no eff"ectual organization of the University. In March, 1855, it was partially 
opened for a term of sixteen weeks. July 16, 1855, Amos Dean, of Albany, 
N. Y., was elected President, but he never entered fully upon its duties. The 
University was again opened in September, 1855, and continued in operation 
until June, 1856, under Professors Johnson, Welton, Van A'alkcnburg and 
Guffin. 

In the Spring of 1856, the capital of the State was located at Des Moines; 
but there were no buildings there, and the capitol at Iowa City was not vacated 
by the State until December, 1857. 

In June, 1856, the faculty was re-organized, with some changes, and the 
University was again opened on the third Wednesday of September, 1856. 



190 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

There were one hundred and twenty-four students — eighty-three males and 
forty-one females — in attendance during the year 1856-7, and the first regular 
catalogue was published. 

At a special meeting of the Board, September 22, 1857, the honorary de- 
gree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on D. Franklin Wells. This was the 
first degree conferred by the Board. 

Article IX, Section 11, of the new State Constitution, which went into force 
September 3, 1857, provided as follows : 

The State University shall be established at one place, without branches at any other place ; 
and the University fund shall be applied to that institution, and no other. 

Article XI, Section 8, provided that 

The seat of Government is hereby permanently established, as now fixeil by law, at the city 
of Des Moines, in the county of Polk ; and the State University at Iowa City, in the county of 
Johnson. 

The new Constitution created the Board of Education, consisting of the 
Lieutenant Governor, who was ex officio President, and one member to be elected 
from each judicial district in the State. This Board was endowed with 
" full power and authority to legislate and make all needful rules and regula- 
tions in relation to common schools and other educational institutions," subject 
to alteration, amendment or repeal by the General Assembly, Avhich was vested 
with authority to abolish or re-organize the Board at any time after 1863. 

In December, 1857, the old capitol building, now known as Central Hall of 
the University, except the rooms occupied by the United States District Court, 
and the property, with that exception, passed under the control of the Trustees, 
and became the seat of the University. The old building had had hard usage^ 
and its arrangement was illy adapted for University purposes. Extensive repairs 
and changes were necessary, but the Board was without funds for these pur- 
poses. 

The last meeting of the Board, under the old law, was held in January, 
1858. At this meeting, a resolution was introduced, and seriously considered, 
to exclude females from the University ; but it finally failed. 

March 12, 1858, the first Legislature under the new Constitution enacted 
a new law in relation to the University, but it was not materially different from 
the former. March 11, 1858, the Legislature appropriated $3,000 for the re- 
pair and modification of the old capitol building, and $10,000 for the erection 
of a boarding house, now known as South Hall. 

The Board of Trustees created by the new law met and duly organized 
April 27, 1858, and determined to close the LTniversity until the income from its 
fund should be adequate to meet the current expenses, and the buildings should 
be ready for occupation. Until this term, the building known as the " Mechan- 
ics' Academy" had been used for the school. The Faculty, except the Chan- 
cellor (Dean), was dismissed, and all further instruction suspended, from the close 
of the term then in progress until September, 1859. At this meeting, a reso- 
lution was adopted excluding females from the University after the close of the 
existing term ; but this was afterward, in August, modified, so as to admit them 
to the Normal Department. 

At the meeting of the Board, August 4, 1858, the degree of Bachelor of 
Science was conferred upon Dexter Edson Smith, being the first degree con- 
ferred upon a student of the University. Diplomas were awarded to the mem- 
bers of the first graduating class of the Normal Department as follows : Levi 
P. Aylworth, Cellina H. Aylworth, Elizabeth L. Humphrey, Annie A. Pinney 
and Sylvia M. Thompson. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 191 

An "Act for the Government and Regulation of the State University of 
Iowa," approved December 25, 1858, was mainly a re-enactment of the law of 
March 12, 1858, except that changes were made in the Board of Trustees, and 
manner of their appointment. This law provided that both sexes were to be 
admitted on equal terms to all departments of the institution, leaving the Board 
no discretion in the matter. 

The new Board met and organized, February 2, 1859, and decided to con- 
tinue the Normal Department only to the end of the current term, and that it 
was unwise to re-open the University at that time; but at the annual meeting 
of the Board, in June of the same year, it was resolved to continue the Normal 
Department in operation ; and at a special meetmg, October 25, 1859, it was 
decided to re-open the University in September, 1860. Mr. Dean had resigned 
as Chancellor prior to this meeting, and Silas Totten, D. D., LL. D., was elected 
President, at a salary of $2,000, and his term commenced June, 1860. 

At the annual meeting, June 28, 1860, a full Faculty was appointed, and 
the University re-opened, under this new organization, September 19, 1860 
(third Wednesday) ; and at this date the actual existence of the University may 
be said to commence. 

August 19, 1862, Dr. Totten having resigned. Prof Oliver M. Spencer 
was elected President and the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred 
upon Judge Samuel F. Miller, of Keokuk. 

At the commencement, in June, 1863, was the first class of graduates in 
the Collegiate Department. 

The Board of Education was abolished March 19, 1864, and the ofiice of 
Superintendent of Public Instruction was restored ; the General Assembly 
resumed control of the subject of education, and on March 21, an act was ap- 
proved for the government of the University. It was substantially the same as 
the former law, but provided that the Governor should be ex officio President of 
the Board of Trustees. Until 1858, the Superintendent of Public Instruction 
had been ex officio President. During the period of the Board of Education, 
the University Trustees were elected by it, and elected their own President. 

President Spencer was granted leave of absence from April 10, 1866, for 
fifteen months, to visit Europe; and Prof Nathan R. Leonard was elected 
President pro tern. 

The North Hall was completed late in 1866. 

At the annual meeting in June, 1867, the resignation of President Spencer 
(absent in Europe) was accepted, and Prof Leonard continued as President }}ro 
tern., until March 4, 1868, when James Black, D. D., Vice President of Wash- 
ington and Jefferson College, Penn., was elected President. Dr. Black entered 
upon his duties in September, 1868. 

The Law Department was established in June, 1868, and, in September fol- 
lowing, an arrangement was perfected with the Iowa Law School, at Des Moines, 
which had been in successful operation for three years, under the management 
of Messrs. George G. Wright, Chester C. Cole and William G. Hammond, by 
which that institution was transferred to Iowa City and merged in the Law De- 
partment of the University. The Faculty of this department consisted of the 
President of the University, Hon. Wm. G. Hammond, Resident Professor and 
Principal of the Department, and Professors G. G. Wright and C. C. Cole. 

Nine students entered at the commencement of the first term, and during 
the year ending June, 1877, there were 103 students in this department. 

At a special meeting of the Board, on the 17th of September, 1868, a Com- 
mittee was appointed to consider the expediency of establishing a Medical De- 



192 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

partment. This Committee reported at once in favor of the proposition, the 
Faculty to consist of the President of the University and seven Professors, and 
recommended that, if practicable, the new department should be opened at the 
commencement of the University year, in 1869-70. At this meeting, Hon. 
Ezekiel Clark was elected Treasurer of the University. 

By an act of the General Assembly, approved April 11, 1870, the " Brard 
of Regents" was instituted as the governing power of the University, and since 
that time it has been the fundamental law of the institution. The Boaid of 
Regents held its first meeting June 28, 1870. Wm. J. Haddock was elected 
Secretary, and Mr. Clark, Treasurer. 

Dr. Black tendered his resignation as President, at a special meeting of the 
Board, held August 18, 1870, to take effect on the 1st of December following. 
His resignation was accepted. 

The South Hall having been fitted up for the purpose, the first term of the 
Medical Department was opened October 21, 1870, and continued until March, 
1871, at which time there were three graduates and thirty-nine students. 

March 1, 187]., Rev. George Thacher was elected President of the Univer- 
sity. Mr. Thacher accepted, entered upon his duties April 1st, and was form- 
ally inaugui'ated at the annual meeting in June, 1861. 

In June, 1874, the " Chair of Military Instruction " was established, and 
the President of the United States was requested to detail an officer to perform 
its duties. In compliance with this request, Lieut. A. D. Schenck, Second Artil- 
lery, U. S. A., was detailed as "Professor of Military Science and Tactics," 
at Iowa State University, by order of the War Department, August 26, 1874, 
who reported for duty on the 10th of September following. Lieut. Schenck 
was relieved by Lieut. James Chester, Third Artillery, January 1, 1877. 

Treasurer Clark resigned November 3, 1875, and John N, Coldren elected 
in his stead. 

At the annual meeting, in 1876, a Department of Homoeopathy was 
established. 

In March, 1877, a resolution was adopted affiliating the High Schools of 
the State with the University. 

In June, 1877, Dr. Thacher's connection with the University was termi- 
nated, and C. W. Slagle, a member of the Board of Regents, was elected Pres- 
ident. 

In 1872, the ex officio membership of the Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion was abolished ; but it was restored in 1876. Following is a catalogue of 
the officers of this important institution, from 1847 to 1878: 

TRUSTEES OR REGENTS. 

PRESIDENTS. 

FROM TO 

James Harlan, Superintendent Public Instruction, ex oificio 1847 1848 

Thomas H. Benton, Jr,, Superintendent Public Instruction, ex officio 1848 1854 

James D. Eads, Superintendent Public Instruction, ex officio 1854 1857 

Maturin L. Fisher, Superintendent Public Instruction, ex officio 1857 1858 

Amos Dean, Chancellor, ex officio 1858 1859 

Thomas H. Benton, Jr 1859 1863 

Francis Springer 1863 1864 

William M. Stone, Governor, ex officio 1864 1868 

Samuel Merrill, Governor, ex officio 1868 1872 

Cyrus C. Carpenter, Governor, ex officio 1872 1876 

Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor, ex officio 1876 1877 

Joshua G. Newbold, Governor, ex officio 1877 1878 

John H. Gear 1878 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 193 

VICE PRESIDENTS. FROM TO 

Silas Foster 1847 1851 

Robert Lucas 1851 1853 

Edward Connelly 1854 1855 

Moses J. Morsman 1855 1858 

SECRETARIES. 

Hugh D. Downey 1847 1851 

Anson Hart 1851 1857 

Elijah Sells 1857 1858 

Anson Hart 1858 1864 

William J. Haddock 1864 

TREASURERS. 

Morgan Reno, State Treasurer, ex officio 1847 1850 

Israel Kister, State Treasurer, ex officio 1850 1852 

Martin L. Morris, State Treasurer, ex officio 1852 1855 

Henry W. Lathrop 1855 1862 

William Crum 1862 1868 

Ezekiel Clark 1868 1876 

John N. Coldren 1876 

PRESIDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. 

Amos Dean, LL. D 1855 1858 

Silas Totten, D. D., LL. D 1860 1862 

Oliver M. Spencer, D. D.* 1862 1867 

James Black, D. D 1868 1870 

George Thacher, D. D 1871 1877 

C. W. Slagle 1877 

The present educational corps of the University consists of the President, 
nine Professors in the Collegiate Department, one Professor and six Instructors 
in Military Science ; Chancellor, three Professors and four Lecturers in the 
Law Department ; eight Professor Demonstrators of Anatomy ; Prosector of 
Surgery and two Lecturers in the Medical Department, and two Professors in 
the Homoeopathic Medical Department. 



STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 

By act of the General Assembly, approved January 28, 1857, a State His- 
torical Society was provided for in connection with the University. At the 
commencement, an appropriation of $250 was made, to be expended in collecting, 
embodying, and preserving in an authentic form a library of books, pamphlets, 
charts, maps, manuscripts, papers, paintings, statuary, and other materials illus- 
trative of the history of Iowa; and with the further object to rescue from 
oblivion the memory of the early pioneers ; to obtain and preserve various 
accounts of their exploits, perils and hardy adventures ; to secure facts and 
statements relative to the history and genius, and progress and decay of the 
Indian tribes of Iowa; to exhibit faitlifully the antiquities and past and present 
resources of the State; to aid in the publication of such collections of the Society 
as shall from time to time be deemed of value and interest ; to aid in binding 
its books, pamplilets, manuscripts and papers, and in defraying other necessary 
incidental expenses of the Society. 

There was appropriated by law to this institution, till the General Assembly 
shall otherwise direct, the sum of $500 per annum. The Society is under the 
management of a Board of Curators, consisting of eighteen persons, nine of 
whom are appointed by the Governor, and nine elected by the members of the 
Society. The Curators receive no compensation for their services. The annual 



194 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

meeting is provided for by law, to be held at Iowa City on Monday preceding 
the last Wednesday in June of each year. 

The State Historical Society has published a series of very valuable collec- 
tions, including history, biography, sketches, reminiscences, etc., with quite a 
large number of finely engraved portraits of prominent and early settlers, under 
the title of " Annals of Iowa." 



THE PENITENTIARY. 

Located at Fort Madison, Lee County. 

The first act of the Territorial Legislature, relating to a Penitentiary in 
Iowa, was approved January 25, 1839, the fifth section of which authorized the 
Governor to draw the sum of $20,000 appropriated by an act of Congress ap- 
proved July 7, 1838, for public buildings in the Territory of Iowa. It provided 
for a Board of Directors of three persons elected by the Legislature, who should 
direct the building of the Penitentiary, which should be located within one mile 
of the public square, in the town of Fort Madison, Lee County, provided Fort 
Madison should deed to the directors a tract of land suitable for a site, and assign 
them, by contract, a spring or stream of water for the use of the Penitentiary. 
To the Directors was also given the power of appointing the Warden ; the latter 
to appoint his own assistants. 

The first Directors appointed w^ere John S. David and John Claypole. They 
made their first report to the Legislative Council November 9, 1839. The citi- 
zens of the town of Fort Madison had executed a deed conveying ten acres of 
land for the building site. Amos Ladd was appointed Superintendent of the 
building June 5, 1839. The building was designed of sufficient capacity to con- 
tain one hundred and thirty- eight convicts, and estimated to cost $55,933.90. 
It was begun on the 9th of July, 1839 ; the main building and Warden's house 
were completed in the Fall of 1841. Other additions were made from time to 
time till the building and arrangements were all complete according to the plan 
of the Directors. It has answered the purpose of the State as a Penitentiary 
for more than thirty years, and during that period many items of practical ex- 
perience in prison management have been gained. 

It has long been a problem how to conduct prisons, and deal with what are 
called the criminal classes generally, so as to secure their best good and best 
subserve the interests of the State. Both objects must be taken into considera- 
tion in any humaritarian view of the subject. This problem is not yet solved, 
but Iowa has adopted the progressive and enlightened policy of humane treat- 
ment of prisoners and the utilization of their labor for their own support. The 
labor of the convicts in the Iowa Penitentiary, as in most others in the L^nited 
States, is let out to contractors, who pay the State a certain stipulated amount 
therefor, the State furnishing the shops, tools and machinery, as well as the 
supervision necessary to preserve order and discipline in the prison. 

While this is an improvement upon the old solitary confinement system, it 
still falls short of an enlightened reformatory system that in the future will 
treat the criminal for mental disease and endeavor to restore him to usefulness 
in the community. The objections urged against the contract system of dis- 
posing of the labor of prisoners, that it brings the labor of honest citizens into 
competition with convict labor at reduced prices, and is disadvantageous to the 
State, are not without force,' and the system will have no place in the prisons of 
the future. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 195 

It is right that the convict should labor. He should not be allowed to live 
in idleness at public expense. Honest men labor ; why should not they? Hon- 
est men are entitled to the fruits of their toil ; why should not the convict as 
well ? The convict is sent to the Penitentiary to secure public safety. The 
State deprives him of his liberty to accomplish this purpose and to punish him 
for violations of law, but, having done this, the State wrongs both itself and the 
criminal by confiscating his earnings ; because it deprives his family of what 
justly belongs to them, and an enlightened civilization will ere long demand 
that the prisoner in the penitentiary, after paying a fair price for his board, is 
as justly entitled to his net earnings as the good citizen outside its walls, and 
his family, if he has one, should be entitled to draw his earnings or stated portioii 
of them at stated periods. If he has no family, then if his net earnings should 
be set aside to his credit and paid over to him at the expiration of his terra of 
imprisonment, he would not be turned out upon the cold charities of a somewhat 
Pharisaical world, penniless, with the brand of the convict upon his brow, with 
no resource save to sink still deeper in crime. Let Iowa, " The Beautiful Land," 
be first to recognize the rights of its convicts to the fruits of their labor ; keep 
their children from the alms-house, and place a powerful incentive before them 
to become good citizens when they return to the busy world again. 



ADDITIONAL PENITENTIARY. 

Located at Anamosa, Jones County. 

By an act of the Fourteenth General Assembly, approved April 23, 1872, 
William Ure, Foster L. Downing and Martin Heisey were constituted Commis- 
sioners to locate and provide for the erection and control of an additional 
Penitentiary for the State of Iowa. These Commissioners met on the 4th of 
the following June, at Anamosa, Jones County, and selected a site donated by 
the citizens, within the limits of the city. L. W. Foster & Co., architects, of 
Des Moines, furnished the plan, drawings and specifications, and work was 
commenced on the building on the 28th day of September, 1872. May 13, 
1873, twenty convicts were transferred to Anamosa from the Fort Madison 
Penitentiary. The entire enclosure includes fifteen acres, with a frontage of 
663 feet. 

IOWA HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 

Mount Pleasant, Henry County. 

By an act of the General Assembly of Iowa, approved January 24, 1855, 
$4,425 were appropriated for the purchase of a site, and ^50,000 for building 
an Insane Hospital, and the Governor (Grimes), Edward Johnston, of Lee 
County, and Cliarles S. Blake, of Henry County, were appointed to locate the 
institution and superintend the erection of the building. These Commission- 
ers located the institution at Mt. Pleasant, Henry County. A plan for a 
building designed to accommodate 300 patients, drawn by Dr. Bell, of Massa- 
chusetts, was accepted, and in October Avork was commenced under the superin- 
tendence of Mr. Henry Winslow. Up to February 25, 1858, and including an 
appropriation made on that date, the Legislature had appropriated $258,555.67 
to this institution, but the building was not finished ready for occupancy by 
patients until March 1, 1861. The Trustees Avere Maturin L. Fisher, Presi- 
dent, Farmersburg; Samuel McFarland, Secretary, Mt. Pleasant; D. L. 



196 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

McGugin, Keokuk; G. W, Kincaid, Muscatine; J. D. Elbert, Keosauqua; 
John B. Lash and Harpin Riggs, Mt. Pleasant. Richard J. Patterson, M. D., 
of Ohio, was elected Superintendent; Dwight C. Dewey, M. D., Assistant 
Physician; Henry Winslow, Steward; Mrs. Catharine Winslow, Matron. 
The Hospital was formally opened March 6, 1861, and one hundred patients 
were admitted within three months. About 1865, Dr. Mark Ranney became 
Superintendent. April 18, 1876, a portion of the hospital building was 
destroyed by fire. From the opening of the Hospital to the close of October, 
1877, 3,584 patients had been admitted. Of these, 1,141 were discharged 
recovered, 505 discharged improved, 589 discharged unimproved, and 1 died ; 
total discharged, 2,976, leaving 608 inmates. During this period, there were 
1,384 females admitted, whose occupation was registered "domestic duties ;" 
122, no occupation; 25, female teachers; 11, seamstresses; and 25, servants. 
Among the males were 916 farmers, 394 laborers, 205 without occupation, 39 
cabinet makers, 23 brewers, 31 clerks, 26 merchants, 12 preachers, 18 shoe- 
makers, 13 students, 14 tailors, 13 teachers, 14 agents, 17 masons, 7 lawyers, 
7 physicians, 4 saloon keepers, 3 salesmen, 2 artists, and 1 editor. The pro- 
ducts of the farm and garden, in 1876, amounted to $13,721.26. 

Trustees, 1877 :—T. Whiting, President, Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. E. M. Elliott, 
Secretary, Mt. Pleasant; William C. Evans, West Liberty; L. E. Fellows, 
Lansing ; and Samuel Klein, Keokuk ; Treasurer, M. Edwards, Mt. Pleasant. 

Resident Officers: — Mark Ranney, M. D., Medical Superintendent; H. M. 
Bassett, M. D., First Assistant Physician; M. Riordan, M. D., Second Assistant 
Physician; Jennie McCowen, M. D,, Third Assistant Physician ; J. W. Hender- 
son, Steward; Mrs. Martha W. Ranney, Matron; Rev. Milton Sutton, 
Chaplain. 

HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 

Independence, Buchanan County. 

In the Winter of 1867-8, a bill providing for an additional Hospital for the 
Insane was passed by the Legislature, and an appropriation of $125,000 was 
made for that purpose. Maturin L. Fisher, of Clayton County ; E. G. Morgan, 
of Webster County, and Albert Clark, of Buchanan County, were appointed 
Commissioners to locate and supervise the erection of the Building. Mr. Clark 
died about a year after his appointment, and Hon. G. W. Bemis, of Indepen- 
dence, was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

The Commissioners met and commenced their labors on the 8th day of 
June, 1868, at Independence. The act under which they were appointed 
required them to select the most eligible and desirable location, of not less than 
320 acres, within two miles of the city of Independence, that might be offered 
by the citizens free of charge to the State. Several such tracts were offered, 
but the Commissioners finally, selected the south half of southwest quarter of 
Section 5 ; the north half of northeast quarter of Section 7 ; the north half of 
northwest quarter of Section 8, and the north half of northeast quarter of Sec- 
tion 8, all in Township 88 north. Range 9 west of the Fifth Principal Meridian. 
This location is on the west side of the Wapsipinicon River, and about a mile 
from its banks, and about the same distance from Independence. 

Col. S. V. Shipman, of Madison, Wis., was employed to prepare plans, 
specifications and drawings of the building, which, when completed, were sub- 
mitted to Dr. M. Ranney, Superintendent of the Hospital at Mount Pleasant, 
who suggested several improvements. The contract for erecting the building 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 197 

was awarded to Mr. David Armstrong, of Dubuque, for ^88,114. The con- 
tract was signed November 7, 1868, and Mr. Armstrong at once commenced 
work. Mr. George Josselyn was appointed to superintend the work. The 
main buildings were constructed of dressed limestone, from the quarries at 
Anamosa and Farley. The basements are of the local granite worked from the 
immense boulders found in large quantities in this portion of the State. 

In 1872, the building was so far completed that the Commissioners called 
the first meeting of the Trustees, on the 10th day of July of that year. These 
Trustees were Maturin L. Fisher, Mrs. P. A. Appleman, T. W. Fawcett, C. 
C. Parker, E. G. Morgan, George W. Bemis and John M. Boggs. This board 
was organized, on the day above mentioned, by the election of Hon. M. L. 
Fisher, President ; Rev. J. G. Boggs, Secretary, and George W. Bemis, Treas- 
urer, and, after adopting preliminary measures for organizing the local govern- 
ment of the hospital, adjourned to the first Wednesday of the following Septem- 
ber. A few days before this meeting, Mr. Boggs died of malignant fever, 
and Dr. John G. House was appointed to fill the vacancy. Dr. House was 
elected Secretary. At this meeting, Albert Reynolds, M. D., was elected 
Superintendent ; George Josselyn, Steward, and Mrs. Anna B. Josselyn, 
Matron. September 4, 1873, Dr. Willis Butterfield was elected Assistant 
Physician. The building was ready for occupancy April 21, 1873. 

In the Spring of 1876, a contract was made with Messrs. Mackay & Lundy, 
of Independence, for furnishing materials for building the outside walls of the 
two first sections of the south wing, next to the center building, for $6,250. 
The carpenter work on the fourth and fifth stories of the center building was 
completed during the same year, and the wards were furnished and occupied by 
patients in the Fall. 

In 1877, the south wing was built, but it will not be completed ready for 
occupancy until next Spring or Summer (1878). 

October 1, 1877, the Superintendent reported 322 patients in this hospital, 
and it is now overcrowded. 

The Board of Trustees at present (1878) are as follows : Maturin L. 
Fisher, President, Farmersburg ; John G. House, M. D., Secretary, Indepen- 
dence ; Wm. G. Donnan, Treasurer, Independence ; Erastus G. Morgan, Fort 
Dodge ; Mrs. Prudence A. Appleman, Clermont ; and Stephen E. Robinson, 
M. D., West Union. 

RESIDENT OFFICERS. 

Albert Reynolds, M. D., Superintendent ; G. H. Hill, M. D., Assistant 
Physician; Noyes Appleman, Steward; Mrs. Lucy M. Gray, Matron. 

IOWA COLLEGE FOR THE BLIND. 
Vinton, Benton County. 

In August, 1852, Prof Samuel Bacon, himself blind, established an Insti- 
tution for the Instruction of tlie Blind of Iowa, at Keokuk. 

By act of the General Assembly, entitled " An act to establish an Asylum 
for the Blind," approved January 18, 1853, the institution was adopted by the 
State, removed to Iowa City, February 3d, and opened for the reception of pupils 
April 4, 1853, free to all the blind in the State. 

The first Board of Trustees were James D. Eads, President ; George W. 
McClary, Secretary; James II. Gower, Treasurer; ]\Iartin L. Morris, Stephen 
Hempstead, Morgan Reno and John McCaddon. The Board appointed Prof 



198 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

Samuel Bacon, Principal ; T. J. McGittigen, Teacher of Music, and Mrs. Sarah 
K. Bacon, Matron. Twenty-three pupils were admitted during the first term. 

In his first report, made in 1854, Prof. Bacon suggested that the name 
should be changed from "Asylum for the Blind," to that of "Institution for 
the Instruction of the Blind." This was done in 1855, when the General As- 
sembly made an annual appropriation for the College of $55 per quarter for 
each pupil. This was subsequently changed to $3,000 per annum, and a charge 
of $25 as an admission fee for each pupil, which sum, with the amounts realized 
from the sale of articles manufactured by the blind pupils, proved sufficient for 
the expenses of the institution during Mr. Bacon's administration. Although 
Mr. Bacon was blind, he was a fine scholar and an economical manager, and 
had founded the Blind Asylum at Jacksonville, Illinois. As a mathematician 
he had few superiors. 

On the 8th of May, 1858, the Trustees met at Vinton, and made arrange- 
ments for securing the donation of $5,000 made by the citizens of that town. 

In June of that year, a quarter section of land was donated for the College, 
by John W. 0. Webb and others, and the Trustees adopted a plan for the 
erection of a suitable building. In 1860, the plan was modified, and the con- 
tract for enclosing let to Messrs. Finkbine & Lovelace, for $10,420. 

In August, 1862, the building was so far completed that the goods and fur- 
uiture of the institution were removed from Iowa City to Vinton, and early in 
October, the school was opened there with twenty-four pupils. At this time, 
Rev. Orlando Clark was Principal. 

In August, 1864, a new Board of Trustees were appointed by the Legisla- 
ture, consisting of James McQuin, President; Reed Wilkinson, Secretary; Jas. 
Chapin, Treasurer; Robert Gilchrist, Elijah Sells and Joseph Dysart, organized 
and made important changes. Rev. Reed Wilkinson succeeded Mr. Clark as 
Principal. Mrs. L. S. B. Wilkinson and Miss Amelia Butler were appointed 
Assistant Teachers ; Mrs. N. A. Morton, Matron. 

Mr. Wilkinson resigned in June, 1867, and Gen. James L. Geddes was 
appointed in his place. In September, 1869, Mr. Geddes retired, and was 
succeeded by Prof. S. A.Knapp. Mrs. S. C. Lawton was appointed Matron, 
and was succeeded by Mrs. M. A. Knapp. Prof, Knapp resigned July 1, 

1875, and Prof. Orlando Clark was elected Principal, who died April 2, 

1876, and was succeeded by John B. Parmalee, who retired in July, 1877, 
when the present incumbent. Rev. Robert Carothers, was elected. 

Trustees, 1877-8. — Jeremiah L. Gay, President ; S. H. Watson, Treasurer; 
H. C. Piatt, Jacob Springer, C. L. Flint and P. F. Sturgis. 

Faculty. — Principal, Rev. Robert Carothers, A. M. ; Matron, Mrs. Emeline 
E. Carothers; Teachers, Thomas F. McCune, A. B., Miss Grace A. Hill, 
Mrs. C. A. Spencer, Miss Mary Baker, Miss C. R. Miller, Miss Lorana Mat- 
tice. Miss A. M. McCutcheon ; Musical Director, S. 0. Spencer. 

The Legislative Committee who visited this institution in 1878 expressed 
their astonishment at the vast expenditure of money in proportion to the needs 
of the State. The structure is well built, and the money properly expended ; 
yet it was enormously beyond the necessities of the State, and shows an utter 
disregard of the fitness of things. The Committee could not understand why 
$282,000 should have been expended for a massive building covering about two 
and a half acres for the accommodation of 130 people, costing over eight thou- 
sand dollars a year to heat it, and costing the State about five hundred dollars 
a year for each pupil. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 199 

INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB. 

Council Bluffs, Pottawattomie County. 

The Iowa Institution for the Deaf and Dumb was established at Iowa City 
by an act of the General Assembly, approved January 24, 1855. The number 
of deaf mutes then in the State was 301 ; the number attending the Institution, 
50. The first Board of Trustees were: Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood, Hon. E. 
Sells, W. Penn Clarke, J. P. Wood, H. D. Downey, William Crum, W. E. 
Ijams, Principal. On the resignation of Mr. Ijams, in 1862, the Board 
appointed in his stead Mr. Benjamin Talbot, for nine years a teacher in the 
Ohio Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. Mr. Talbot was ardently devoted to 
the interests of the institution and a faithful worker for the unfortunate class 
under his charge. 

A strong effort was made, in 1866, to remove this important institution to 
Des Moines, but it was located permanently at Council Bluffs, and a building 
rented for its use. In 1868, Commissioners were appointed to locate a site for, 
and to superintend the erection of, a new building, for which the Legislature 
appropriated $125,000 to commence the work of construction. The Commis- 
sioners selected ninety acres of land about two miles south of the city of Coun- 
cil Bluffs. The main building and one wing were completed October 1, 1870, 
and immediately occupied by the Institution. February 25, 1877, the main 
building and east wing were destroyed by fire; and August 6 following, the 
roof of the new west wing was blown off and the walls partially demolished by 
a tornado. At the time of the fire, about one hundred and fifty pupils were in 
attendance. After the fire, half the classes were dismissed and the number of 
scholars reduced to about seventy, and in a week or two the school was in run- 
ning order. 

The Legislative Committee which visited this Institution in the "Winter of 
1857-8 was not well pleased with the condition of aftairs, and reported that the 
building (west wing) was a disgrace to the State and a monument of unskillful 
workmanship, and intimated rather strongly that some reforms in management 
were very essential. 

Trustees, 1877-8. — Thomas Officer, President ; N. P. Dodge, Treasurer ; 
Paul Lange, William Orr, J. W. Cattell. 

Superintendent, Benjamin Talbot, M. A. Teachers, Edwin Southwick, 
Conrad S. Zorbaugh, John A. Gillespie, John A. Kennedy, Ellen J. Israel, 
Ella J. Brown, Mrs. H. R. Gillespie; Physician, H. W. Hart, M. D.; Steward, 
N. A. Taylor; Matron, Mary B. Swan. 

SOLDIERS' ORPHANS' HOMES. 

Davenport, Cedar Falls, Grlenwood. 

The movement which culminated in the establishment of this beneficent in- 
stitution was originated by Mrs. Annie Wittenmeyer, during the civil war of 
1861-65. This noble and patriotic lady called a convention at Muscatine, on 
the 7th of October 1863, for the purpose of devising measures for the support 
and education of the orphan children of the brave sons of Iowa, who had follen 
in defense of national honor and integrity. So great was the public interest in 
the movement that there was a large representation from all parts of the State 
on the day named, and an association was organized called the Iowa State Or- 
phan Asvlum. 



200 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

The first officers were : President, "William M. Stone ; Vice Presidents, Mrs. 
G. G. Wright, Mrs. R. L. Cadle, Mrs. J. T. Hancock, John R. Needham, J. W. 
Cattell, Mrs. Mary M. Bagg ; Recording Secretary, Miss Mary Kibben ; Cor- 
responding Secretary, Miss M. E. Shelton ; Treasurer, N. H. Brainerd; Board 
of Trustees, Mrs. Annie Wittenmeyer, Mrs. C. B. Darwin, Mrs. D. T. Newcomb, 
Mrs. L. B. Stephens, 0. Fayville, E. H. Williams, T. S. Parvin, Mrs. Shields, 
Caleb Baldwin, C. C. Cole, Isaac Pendleton, H. C. Henderson. 

The first meeting of the Trustees was held February 14, 18(34, in the Repre- 
sentative Hall, at Des Moines. Committees from both branches of the General 
Assembly were present and were invited to participate in their deliberations. 
Gov. Kirkwood suggested that a home for disabled soldiers should be connected 
with the Asylum. Arrangements were made for raising funds. 

At the next meeting, in Davenport, in March, 1864, the Trustees decided to 
commence operations at once, and a committee, of which Mr. Howell, of Keo- 
kuk, was Chairman, was appointed to lease a suitable building, solicit donations, 
and procure suitable furniture. This committee secured a large brick building 
in Lawrence, Van Buren County, and engaged Mr. Fuller, of Mt. Pleasant, as 
Steward. 

At the annual meeting, in Des Moines, in June, 1864, Mrs. C. B. Baldwin, 
Mrs. G. G. Wright, Mrs. Dr. Horton, Miss Mary E. Shelton and Mr. George 
Sherman were appointed a committee to furnish the building and take all neces- 
sary steps for opening the ""Home," and notice was given that at the next 
meeting of the Association, a motion would be made to change the name of the 
Institution to Iowa Orphans' Home. 

Tlie work of preparation was conducted so vigorously that on the 1 3th day 
of July following, the Executive Committee announced that they were ready to 
receive the children. In three weeks twenty-one were admitted, and the num- 
ber constantly increased, so that, in a little more than six months from the time 
of opening, there were seventy children admitted, and twenty more applica- 
tions, which the Committee had not acted upon — all orphans of soldiers. 

Miss M. Elliott, of Washington, was appointed Matron. She resigned, 
in February, 1865, and was succeeded by Mrs. E. G. Piatt, of Fremont 
Countv. 

The " Home " was sustained by the voluntary contributions of the people, 
until 1866, when it was assumed by the State. In that year, the General 
Assem bly provided for the location of several such "Homes" in the diiferent 
counties, and which were established at Davenport, Scott County; Cedar Falls, 
Black Hawk County, and at Glenwood, Mills County. 

The Board of Trustees elected by the General Assembly had the oversight 
and management of the Soldiers' Orphans' Homes of the State, and consisted 
of one person from each county in which such Home was located, and one for 
the State at large, who held their office two years, or until their successors were 
elected and qualified. An appropriation of $10 per month for each orphan 
actually supported was made by the General Assembly. 

The Home in Cedar Falls was organized in 1865, and an old hotel building 
was fitted up for it. Rufus C, Mary L. and Emma L. Bauer were the first 
children received, in October, and by January, 1866, there were ninety-six in- 
mates. 

October 12, 1869, the Home was removed to a large brick building, about 
two miles west of Cedar Falls, and was very prosperous for several years, but 
in 1876, the General Assembly established a State Normal School at Cedar 
Falls and appropriated the buildings and grounds for that purpose. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 201 

By " An act to provide for tlie organization and support of an asylum at 
Glenwood, in Mills County, for feeble minded children," approved March 17, 
1876, the buildings and grounds used by the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that 
place were appropriated for this purpose. By another act, approved March 15, 
1876, the soldiers' orphans, then at the Homes at Glenwood and Cedar Falls, 
were to be removed to the Home at Davenport within ninety days thereafter, 
and the Board of Trustees of the Home were authorized to receive other indigent 
children into that institution, and provide for their education in industrial 
pursuits. 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 
Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County. 

Chapter 129 of the laws of the Sixteenth General Assembly, in 1876, estab- 
lished a State Normal School at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, and required 
the Trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home to turn over the property in their 
char ere to the Directors of the new institution. 

The Board of Directors met at Cedar Falls June 7, 1876, and duly organ- 
ized by the election of H. C. Hemenway, President ; J. J. Toleston, Secretary, 
and E. Townsend, Treasurer. The Board of Trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans' 
Home met at the same time for the purpose of turning over to the Directors the 
property of that institution, which was satisfactorily done and properly receipted 
for as required by law. At this meeting, Prof. J. C. Gilchrist was elected 
Principal of the School. 

On the 12th of July, 1876, the Board again met, when executive and 
teachers' committees were appointed and their duties assigned. A Steward 
and a Matron were elected, and their respective duties defined. 

The buildings and grounds were repaired and fitted up as well as the appro- 
priation would admit, and the first terra of the school opened September 6, 1876, 
commencing with twenty-seven and closing with eighty-seven students. The 
second term closed with eighty-six, and one hundred and six attended during 
the third term. 

The following are the Board of Directors, Board of Officers and Faculty : 

Board of Directors. — H. C. Hemenway, Cedar Falls, President, term 
expires 1882 ; L. D. Lewelling, Salem, Henry County, 1878 ; W. A. Stow, 
Hamburg, Fremont County, 1878 ; S. G. Smith, New^ton, Jasper County, 
1880 ; E. H. Thayer, Clinton, Clinton County, 1880 ; G. S. Robinson, Storm 
Lake, Buena Yista County, 1882. 

Board of Officers. — J. J. Toleston, Secretary ; E. Townsend, Treasurer ; 
William Pattes, SteAvard ; Mrs. P. A. Schermerhorn, Matron — all of Cedar 
Falls. 

Faculty. — J. C. Gilchrist, A. M., Principal, Professer of, Mental and 
Moral Philosophy and Didactics ; ]\L W. Bartlett, A. M., Professor of Lan- 
guages and Natural Science ; D. S. Wright, A. M., Professor of Mathematics ; 
Miss Frances L. Webster, Teacher of Geography and History ; E. W. Burnham, 
Professor of Music. 

ASYLUM FOR FEEBLE MINDED CHILDREN. 

Glenwood, Mills County. 

Chapter 152 of the laws of the Sixteenth General Assembly, approved 
March 17, 1876, provided for the establishment of an asylum for feeble minded 
children at Glenwood, Mills County, and the buildings and grounds of the 



202 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that place were to be used for that purpose. The 
asylum was placed under the management of three Trustees, one at least of 
whom should be a resident of Mills County. Children between the ages of 7 
and 18 years are admitted. Ten dollars per month for each child actually sup- 
ported by the State was appropriated by the act, and ^2,000 for salaries of 
officers and teachers for two years. 

Hon. J. W. Cattell, of Polk County ; A. J. Russell, of Mills County, and 
W. S. Robertson, were appointed Trustees, who held their first meeting at 
Glen wood, April 26, 1876. Mr. Robertson was elected President; Mr. Russell, 
Treasurer, and Mr. Cattell, Secretary. The Trustees found the house and farm 
which had been turned over to them in a shamefully dilapidated condition. The 
fences were broken down and the lumber destroyed or carried away ; the win- 
dows broken, doors oif their hinges, floors broken and filthy in the extreme, 
cellars reeking with offensive odors from decayed vegetables, and every conceiv- 
able variety of filth and garbage ; drains obstructed, cisterns broken, pump 
demoralized, wind-mill broken, roof leaky, and the whole property in the worst 
possible condition. It was the first work of the Trustees to make the house 
tenable. This was done under the direction of Mr. Russell. At the request 
of the Trustees, Dr. Charles T. Wilbur, Superintendent of the Illinois Asylum, 
visited Glenwood, and made many valuable suggestions, and gave them much 
assistance. 

0. W. Archibald, M. D., of Glenwood, was appointed Superintendent, 
and soon after was appointed Secretary of the Board, vice Cattell, resigned. 
Mrs. S. A. Archibald was appointed Matron, and Miss Maud M. Archibald, 
Teacher. 

The Institution was opened September 1, 1876 ; the first pupil admitted 
September 4, and the school was organized September 10, with only five pupils, 
which number had, in November, 1877, increased to eighty-seven. December 
1, 1876, Miss Jennie Van Dorin, of Fairfield, was employed as a teacher and 
in the Spring of 1877, Miss Sabina J. Archibald was also employed. 

THE REFORM SCHOOL. 

Eldora, Hardin County. 

By "An act to establish and organize a State Reform School for Juvenile 
Off'enders," approved March 31, 1868, the General Assembly established a 
State Reform School at Salem, Lee (Henry) County ; provided for a Board of 
Trustees, to consist of one person from each Congressional District. For the 
purpose of immediately opening the school, the Trustees were directed to accept 
the proposition of the Trustees of White's Iowa Manual Labor Institute, at 
Salem, and lease, for not more than ten years, the lands, buildings, etc., of the 
Institute, and at once proceed to prepare for and open a reform school as a 
temporary establishment. 

The contract for fitting up the buildings was let to Clark & Haddock, Sep- 
tember 21, 1868, and on the 7th of October following, the first inmate was 
received from Jasper County. The law provided for the admission of children 
of both sexes under 18 years of age. In 1876, this was amended, so that they 
are now received at ages over 7 and under 16 years. 

April 19, 1872, the Trustees were directed to make a permanent location 
for the school, and $45,000 was appropriated for the erection of the necessary 
buildings. The Trustees were further directed, as soon as practicable, to 
organize a school for girls in the buildings where the boys were then kept. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 203 

The Trustees located the school at Eldora, Hardin County, and in the Code 
of 1873, it is permanently located there by law. 

The institution is managed by five Trustees, who are paid mileage, but no 
conipensation for their services. 

The object is the reformation of the children of both sexes, under the age 
of 16 years and over 7 years of age, and the law requires that the Trustees 
shall require the boys and girls under their charge to be instructed in piety and 
morality, and in such branches of useful knowledge as are adapted to their age 
and capacity, and in some regular course of labor, either mechanical, manufac- 
turing or agricultural, as is best suited to their age, strength, disposition and 
capacity, and as may seem best adapted to secure the reformation and future 
benefit of the boys and girls. 

A boy or girl committed to the State Reform School is there kept, disci- 
plined, instructed, employed and governed, under the direction of the Trustees, 
until he or she arrives at the age of majority, or is bound out, reformed or 
legally discharged. Tlie binding out or discharge of a boy or girl as reformed, 
or having arrived at the age of majority, is a complete release from all penalties 
incurred by conviction of the offense for which he or she was committed. 

This is one step in the right direction. In the future, however, still further 
advances wdl be made, and the right of every individual to the fruits of their 
labor, even while restrained for the public good, will be recognized. 

FISH HATCHING ESTABLISHMENT. 

Near Anamosa, Jones County. 

The Fifteenth General Assembly, in 1874, passed " An act to provide for 
the appointment of a Board of Fish Commissioners for the construction of 
Fishways for the protection and propagation of Fish," also "An act to provide 
for furnishing the rivers and lakes with fish and fish spawn." This act appro- 
priated ^3,000 for the purpose. In accordance with the provisions of the first 
act above mentioned, on the 9th of April, 1874, S. B. Evans of Ottumwa, 
Wapello County ; B. F. Shaw of Jones County, and Charles A. Haines, of 
Black Hawk County, were appointed to be Fish Commissioners by the Governor. 
These Commissioners met at Des Moines, May 10, 1874, and organized by the 
election of Mr. Evans, President ; Mr, Shaw, Secretary and Superintendent, 
and Mr. Haines, Treasurer. 

The State was partitioned into three districts or divisions to enable the 
Commissioners to better superintend the construction of fishways as required by 
law. That part of the State lying south of the Chicago, Rock Island k Pacific 
Railroad was placed under the especial supervision of Mr. Evans ; that part be- 
tween that railroad and tlie Iowa Division of the Illinois Central Railroad, Mr. 
Shaw, and all north of the Illinois Central Railroad, Mr. Haines. At this 
meeting, the Superintendent was authorized to build a State Hatching House ; 
to procure the spawn of valuable fish adapted to the waters of Iowa ; hatch and 
prepare the young fish for distribution, and assist in putting them into the waters 
of the State. 

In compliance with these instructions, Mr. Shaw at once commenced work, 
and in the Summer of 1874, erected a " State Hatching House" near Anamosa, 
20x40 feet, two stories ; the second story being designed for a tenement ; the 
first story being the "hatching room." The hatching troughs are supplied 
with water from a magnificent spring four feet deep and about ten feet in diam- 
eter, affording an abundant and unfailing supply of pure running water. During 



204 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

the first year, from May 10, 1874, to May 10, 1875, the Commissioners distributed 
within the State 100,000 Shad, 300,000 California Salmon, 10,000 Bass, 
80,000 Penobscot (Maine) Salmon, 5,000 land-locked Salmon, 20,000 of 
other species. 

By act approved March 10, 1876, the law was amended so that there should 
be but one instead of three Fish Commissioners, and B. F. Shaw was appointed, 
and the Commissioner was authorized to purchase twenty acres of land, on 
which the State Hatching House was located near Anamosa. 

In the Fall of 1876, Commissioner Shaw gathered from the sloughs of the 
Mississippi, where they would have been destroyed, over a million and a half of 
small fish, which were distributed in the various rivers of the State and turned 
into the Mississippi. 

In 1875-6, 533,000 California Salmon, and in 1877, 303,500 Lake Trout 
were distributed in various rivers and lakes in the State. The experiment of 
stocking the small streams with brook trout is being tried, and 81,000 of the 
speckled beauties were distributed in 1877. In 1876, 100,000 young eels were 
distrib ited. These came from New York and they are increasing rapidly. 

At the close of 1877, there were at least a dozen private fish farms in suc- 
cessful operation in various parts of the State. Commissioner Shaw is en- 
thusiastically devoted to the duties of his office and has performed an important 
service for the people of the State by his intelligent and successful operations. 

The Sixteenth General Assembly passed an act in 1878, prohibiting the 
catching of any kind of fish except Brook Trout from March until June of each 
year. Some varieties are fit for food only during this period. 



THE PUBLIC LANDS. 

The grants of public lands made in the State of Iowa, for various purposes, 
are as follows : 

1. The 500,000 Acre Grant. 

2. The 16th Section Grant. 

3. The Mortgage School Lands. 

4. The University Grant. 
6. The Saline Grant. 

6. The Des Moines Eiver Grant. 

7. The Des Moines River School Lands. 

8. The Swamp Land Grant. 

9. The Railroad Grant. 

10. The Agricultural College Grant. 

I. THE FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND ACRE GRANT. 

When the State was admitted into the Union, she became entitled to 
500,000 acres of land by virtue of an act of Congress, approved September 4, 
1841, which granted to each State therein specified 500,000 acres of public land 
for internal improvements ; to each State admitted subsequently to the passage 
of the act, an amount of land which, with the amount that might have been 
granted to her as a Territory, would amount to 500,000 acres. All these lands 
were required to be selected within the limits of the State to which they were 
granted. 

The Constitution cf Iowa declares that the proceeds of this grant, together 
with all lands then granted or to be granted by Congress for the benefit of 
schools, shall constitute a perpetual fund for the support of schools throughout 
the State. By an act approved January 15, 1849, the Legislature established 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 205 

a board of School Fund Commissioners, and to that board wag confided the 
selection, care and sale of tliese lands for the benefit of the School Fund. Until 
1855, these Commissioners were subordinate to the Superintemlent of Public 
Instruction, but on the 15th of January of that year, they were clothed with 
exclusive authority in the management and sale of school lands. The office of 
School Fund Commissioner was abolished Marcli 23, 1858, and that officer in 
each county was required to transfer all papers to and make full settlement with 
the County Judge. By this act, County Judges and Township Trustees were 
made the agents of the State to control and sell the sixteenth sections; but no 
further provision was made for the sale of the 500,000 acre grant until April 
3d, 1860, when the entire management of the school lands was committed to 
the Boards of Supervisors of the several counties. 

II. THE SIXTEENTH SECTIONS. 

By the provisions of the act of Congress admitting Iowa to tlie Union, there 
was granted to the new State the sixteenth section in every township, or where 
that section had been sold, other lands of like amount for the use of schools. 
The Constitution of the State provides that the proceeds arising from the sale 
of these sections shall constitute a part of the permanent School Fund. The 
control and sale of these lands were vested in the School Fund Commissioners 
of the several counties until March 23, 1858, when they were transferred to the 
County Judges and Township Trustees, and were finally placed under the 
supervision of the County Boards of Supervisors in January, 1861. 

III. THE MORTGAGE SCHOOL LANDS. 

These do not belong to any of the grants of land proper. They are lands 
that have been mortgaged to the school fund, and became school lands when bid 
oft' by the State by virtue of a law passed in 1862. Under the provisions of the 
law regulating the management and investment of the permanent school fund, 
persons desiring loans from that fund are required to secure the payment thereof 
with interest at ten per cent, per annum, by promissory notes endorsed by two 
good sureties and by mortgage on unincumbered real estate, which must be 
situated in the county where the loan is made, and which must be valued by 
three appraisers. Making these loans and taking the required securities was 
made the duty of the County Auditor, who was required to report to the Board 
of Supervisors at each meeting thereof, all notes, mortgages and abstracts of 
title connected with the school fund, for examination. 

When default was made of payment of money so secured by mortgage, and 
no arrangement made for extension of time as the law provides, the Board of 
Supervisors were authorized to bring suit and prosecute it with diligence to 
secure said fund; and in action in favor of the county for the use of the school 
fund, an injunction may issue without bonds, and in any such action, when 
service is made by publication, default and judgment may be entered and 
enforced without bonds. In case of sale of land on execution founded on any 
such mortgage, the attorney of the board, or other person duly authorized, shall, 
on behalf of the State or county for the use of said fund, bid sucli sum as the 
interests of said fund may require, and if struck off" to the State the land shall 
be held and disposed of as the other lands belonging to the fund. These lands 
are known as the Mortgage School Lands, and reports of tliem, including 
description and amount, are required to be made to the State Land Office. 



206 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



IV. UNIVERSITY LANDS. 



By act of Congress, July 20, 1840, a quantity of land not exceeding two 
f-ntire townships was reserved in the Territory of Iowa for the use and support 
jf a university within said Territory when it should become a State. This land 
was to be located in tracts of not less than an entire section, and could be used 
for no other purpose than that designated in the grant. In an act supplemental 
to that for the admission of Iowa, March 3, 1845, the grant was renewed, and it 
was provided that the lands should be used " solely for the purpose of such 
university, in such manner as the Legislature may prescribe." 

Under this grant there were set apart and approved by the Secretary of the 
Treasury, for the use of the State, the following lands : 

ACRES. 

In the Iowa City Land District, Feb. 26, 1849 20,150.49 

In the Fairiiekl Land District, Oct. 17, 1849 9,685.20 

In the Iowa City Land District, Jan. 28, 1850 2,571.81 

In the Fairfield Land District, Sept. 10, 1850 3,198.20 

In the Dubuque Land District, May 19, 1852 10,552.24 

Total 45,957.94 

These lands were certified to the State November 19, 1859. The University 
lands are placed by law under the control and management of the Board of 
Trustees of the Iowa State University. Prior to 1865, there had been selected 
and located under 282 patents, 22,892 acres in sixteen counties, and 23,036 
acres unpatented, making a total of 45,928 acres. 

V. — SALINE LANDS. 

By act of Congress, approved March 3, 1845, the State of Iowa was 
granted the use of the salt springs within her limits, not exceeding twelve. 
By a subsequent act, approved May 27, 1852, Congress granted the springs 
to the State in fee simple, together with six sections of land contiguous to each, 
to be disposed of as the Legislature might direct. In 1861, the proceeds of 
these lands then to be sold were constituted a fund for founding and support- 
ing a lunatic asylum, but no sales were made. In 1856, the proceeds of the 
saline lands were appropriated to the Insane Asylum, repealed in 1858. In 
1860, the saline lands and funds were made a part of the permanent fund of 
the State University. These lands were located in Appanoose, Davis, Decatur, 
Lucas, Monroe, Van Buren and Wayne Counties. 

VI. — THE DES MOINES RIVER GRANT. 

By act of Congress, approved August 8, 1846, a grant of land was made 
for the improvement of the navigation of Des Moines River, as folloAvs : 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in 
Congress assembled, That there be, and hereby is, granted to said Territory of Iowa, for the 
purpose of aiding said Territory to improve the navigation of the Des Moines River from its 
mouth to the Raccoon Fork (so called) in said Territory, one equal moiety, in alternate sections, 
of the public lands (remaining unsold and not otherwise disposed of, incumbered or appropri- 
ated), in a strip five miles in width on each side of said river, to be selected within said Terri- 
tory by an agent or agents to be appointed by the Governor thereof, subject to the approval of 
the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. 

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted. That the lands hereby granted shall not be conveyed 
or disposed of by said Territory, nor by any State to be formed out of the same, except as said 
improvement shall progress; that is, the said Territory or State may sell so much of said lands 
as shall produce the sum of thirty thousand dollars, and then the sales shall cease until the Gov- 
ernor of said Territory or State shall certify the fact to the President of the LTnited States that 
one-half of said sum has been expended upon said improvements, when the said Territory or 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 207 

State may sell and convey a quantity of the residue of said lands sufficient to replace the amount 
expended, and thus the sales shall progress as the proceeds thereof shall be expended, and the 
fact of such expenditure shall be certified as aforesaid. 

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted. That the said River Des Moines shall be and forever 
remain a public highway for the use of the Government of the United States, free from any toll 
or other charge whatever, for any property of the United States or persons in their service 
passing through or along the same : Provided always, That it shall not be competent for the said 
Territory or future State of Iowa to dispose of said lands, or any of them, at a price lower than, 
for the time being, shall be the minimum price of other public lands. 

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted. That whenever the Territory of Iowa shall be admitted 
into the Union as a State, the lands hereby granted for the above purpose shall be and become 
the property of said Slate for the purpose contemplated in this act, and for no other : Provided 
the Legislature of the State of Iowa shall accept the said grant for the said purpose." Approved 
Aug. S, 1846. 

By joint resolution of the General Assembly of Iowa, approved January 9, 
1847, the grant was accepted for the purpose specified. By another act, ap- 
proved February 24, 1847, entited "An act creating the Board of Public 
Works, and providing for the improvement of the Des Moines River," the 
Legislature provided for a Board consisting of a President, Secretary and 
Treasurer, to be elected by the people. This Board was elected August 2, 
1847, and was organized on the 22d of September following. The same act 
defined the nature of the improvement to be made, and provided that the work 
should be paid for from the funds to be derived from the sale of lands to be 
sold by the Board. 

Agents appointed by the Governor selected the sections designated by "odd 
numbers" throughout the whole extent of the grant, and this selection was ap- 
proved by the Secretary of the Treasury. But there was a conflict of opinion 
as to the extent of the grant. It was held by some that it extended from the 
mouth of the Des Moines only to the Raccoon Forks ; others held, as the 
agents to make selection evidently did, that it extended from the mouth to the 
head waters of the river. Richard M. Young, Commissioner of the General 
Land Office, on the 23d of February, 1848, construed the grant to mean that 
" the State is entitled to the alternate sections within five miles of the Des 
Moines River, throughout the whole extent of that river within the limits of 
Iowa." Under this construction, the alternate sections above the Raccoon 
Forks would, of course, belong to the State; but on the 19th of June, 1848, 
some of these lands were, by proclamation, thrown into market. On the 18th 
of September, the Board of Public Works filed a remonstrance with the Com- 
missioner of the General Land Office. The Board also sent in a protest to the 
State Land Office, at which the sale was ordered to take place. On the 8th of 
January, 1849, the Senators and Representatives in Congress from Iowa also 
protested against the sale, in a communication to Hon. Robert J. Walker, Sec- 
retary of the Treasury, to which the Secretary replied, concurring in the 
opinion that the grant extended the whole length of the Des Moines River in 
Iowa. 

On the 1st of June, 1849, the Commissioner of the General Land Office 
directed the Register and Receiver of the Land Office at Iowa City " to with- 
hold from sale all lands situated in the odd numbered sections within five miles 
on each side of the Des Moines River above the Raccoon Forks." March 13, 
1850, the Commissioner of the General Land Office submitted to the Secretary 
of the Interior a list "showing the tracts falling within the limits of the Des 
Moines River grant, above the Raccoon Forks, etc., under the decision of the 
Secretary of the Treasury, of March 2, 1849," and on the 6th of April 
following, Mr. Ewing, then Secretary of the Interior, reversed the decision of 
Secretary AValker, but ordered the lands to be withheld from sale until Con- 



208 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

gress could have an opportunity to pass an explanatory act. The Iowa author- 
ities appealed from this decision to the President (Taylor), who referred the 
matter to the Attorney General (Mr. Johnson). On the 19th of July, Mr. 
Johnson submitted as his opinion, that by the terms of the grant itself, it ex- 
tended to the very source of the Des Moines, but before his opinion was pub- 
lished President Taylor died. When Mr. Tyler's cabinet was formed, the 
question was submitted to the new Attorney General (Mr. Crittenden), who. on 
the 30th of June, 1851, reported that in his opinion the grant did not extend 
above the Raccoon Forks. Mr. Stewart, Secretary of the Interior, concurred 
with Mr. Crittenden at first, but subsequently consented to lay the whole sub- 
ject before the President and Cabinet, who decided in favor of the State. 

October 29, 1851, Mr. Stewart directed the Commissioner of the General 
Land OflSce to "submit for his approval such lists as had been prepared, and to 
proceed to report for like approval lists of the alternate sections claimed by the 
State of Iowa above the Raccoon Forks, as far as the surveys have progressed, 
or may hereafter be completed and returned." And on the following day, three 
lists of these lands were prepared in the General Land Office. 

The lands approved and certified to the State of Iowa under this grant, and 
all lying above the Raccoon Forks, are as follows : 

By Secretary Stewart, Oct. 30, 1851 81,707.93 acres. 

March 10, 1852 143,908.37 " 

By Secretary McLellan, Dec. 17, 1853 33.142.43 " 

Dec. 30, 1853 12,813.51 " 

Total 271,572.24 acres. 

The Commissioners and Register of the Des Moines River Improvement, in 
their report to the Governor, November 30, 1852, estimates the total amount of 
lands then available for the work, including those in possession of the State and 
those to be surveyed and approved, at nearly a million acres. The indebtedness 
then standing against the fund was about $108,000, and the Commissioners 
estimated the work to be done would cost about $1,200,000. 

January 19, 1853, the Legislature authorized the Commissioners to sell 
" any or all the lands which have or may hereafter be granted, for not less than 
$1,300,000." 

On the 24th of January, 1853, the General Assembly provided for the elec- 
tion of a Commissioner by the people, and appointed two Assistant Commission- 
ers, with authority to make a contract, selling the lands of the Improvement 
for $1,300,000. This new Board made a contract, June 9, 1855, with the Des 
Moines Navigation & Railroad Company, agreeing to sell all the lands donated 
to the State by Act of Congress of August 8, 1846, which the State had not 
sold prior to December 23, 1853, for $1,300,000, to be expended on the im- 
provement of the river, and in paying the indebtedness then due. This con- 
tract was duly reported to the Governor and General Assembly. 

By an act approved January 25, 1855, the Commissioner and Register of 
the Des Moines River Improvement were authorized to negotiate with the Des 
Moines Navigation & Railroad Company for the purchase of lands in Webster 
County which had been sold by the School Fund Commissioner as school lands, 
but which had been certified to the State as Des Moines River lands, and had, 
therefo.re, become the property of the Company, under the provisions of its 
contract with the State. 

March 21, 1856, the old question of the extent of the gr-^ it was again raised 
and the Commissioner of the General Land Office decided th it was limited to 



HISTORY OF. THE STATE OF IOWA. 209 

the Raccoon Fork. Appeal was made to the Secretary of the Interior, and by 
him the matter was referred to the Attorney General, who decided that the grant 
extended to the northern boundary of the State ; the State relinquished its 
claim to lands lying along the river in Minnesota, and the vexed question was 
supposed to be finally settled. 

The land which had been certified, as well as those extending to the north- 
ern boundary within the limits of the grant, were reserved from pre-emption 
and sale by the General Land Commissioner, to satisfy the grant of August 8, 
1846, and they were treated as having passed to the State, which from time to 
time sold portions of them prior to their final transfer to the Des Moines Navi- 
igation k Railroad Company, applying the proceeds thereof to the improve- 
ment of the river in compliance with the terms of the grant. Prior to the final 
sale to the Company, June 9, 1854, the State had sold about 327,000 acres, of 
which amount 58,830 acres were located above the Raccoon Fork. The last 
certificate of the General Land Office bears date December 30, 1853. 

After June 9th, 1854, the Des Moines Navigation & Railroad Company 
carried on the Avork under its contract with the State. As the improvement 
progressed, the State, from time to time, by its authorized officers, issued to the 
Company, in payment for said work, certificates for lands. But the General 
Land Office ceased to certify lands under the grant of 1846. The State 
had made no other provision for paying for the improvements, and disagree- 
ments and misunderstanding arose between the State authorities and the 
Company. 

March 22, 1858, a joint resolution was passed by the Legislature submitting 
a proposition for final settlement to the Company, which was accepted. The Com- 
pany paid to the State ^20,000 in cash, and released and conveyed the dredge boat 
and materials named in the resolution ; and the State, on the 3d of May, 1858, 
executed to the Des Moines Navigation & Railroad Company fourteen deeds 
or patents to the lands, amounting to 256,703.64 acres. These deeds were 
intended to convey all the lands of this grant certified to the State by the Gen- 
eral Government not previously sold ; but, as if for the purpose of covering any 
tract or parcel that might have been omitted, the State made another deed of 
conveyance on the 18th day of May, 1858. These fifteen deeds, it is claimed, 
by the Company, convey 266,108 acres, of which about 53,367 are below the 
Raccoon Fork, and the balance, 212,741 acres, are above that point. 

Besides the lands deeded to the Company, the State had deeded to individual 
purchasers 58,830 acres above the Raccoon Fork, making an aggregate of 271,- 
571 acres, deeded above the Fork, all of which had been certified to the State 
by the Federal Government. 

By act approved March 28, 1858, the Legislature donated the remainder of 
the grant to the Keokuk, Fort Des Moines & Minnesota Railroad Company, 
upon condition that said Company assumed all liabilities resulting from the Des 
Moines River improvement operations, reserving 50,000 acres of tlie land in 
security for the payment thereof, and for the completion of the locks and dams 
at Bentonsport, Croton, Keosau(|ua and Plymouth. For every three thousand 
dollars' worth of work done on the locks and dams, and for every three thousand 
dollars paid by the Company of die liabilities above mentioned, the Register of 
the State Land Office was instructed to certify to the Company 1,000 acres of 
the 50,000 acres reserved for these purposes. Up to 1865, there had been pre- 
sented by the Company, under the provisions of the act of 1858, and allowed, 
claims amounting to $109,579.37, about seventy-five per cent, of Avhich had 
been settled. 



210 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

After the passage of the Act above noticed, the question of the extent of the 
original grant -was again mooted, and at the December Term of the Supreme Court 
of the United States, in 1859-60, a decision was rendered declaring that the 
grant did not extend above Raccoon Fork, and that all certificates of land above 
the Fork had been issued without authority of law and Avere, therefore, void 
(see 23 How., QQ). 

The State of Iowa had disposed of a large amount of land without authority, 
according to this decision, and appeal was made to Congress for relief, which 
was granted on the 3d day of March, 1861, in a joint resolution relinquishing 
to the State all the title wdiich the United States then still retained in the tracts 
of land along the Des Moines River above Raccoon Fork, that had been im- 
properly certified to the State by the Department of the Interior, and which is 
now held by bona fide purchasers under the State of Iowa. 

In confirmation of this relinquishment, by act approved July 12, 1862, 
Congress enacted : 

That the grant of lands to the then Territory of Iowa for the improvement of the Des Moines 
River, made by the act of August 8, 1846, is hereby extended so as to include the alternate sec- 
tions (designated by odd numbers) lying within five miles of said river, between the Raccoon 
Fork and the northern boundary of said State ; such lands are to be held and applied in accord- 
ance with the provisions of the original grant, except that the consent of Congress is hereby given 
to the application of a portion thereof to aid in the construction of the Keokuk, Fort Des Moines 
& Minnesota Railroad, in accordance with the provisions of the act of the General Assembly of 
the State of Iowa, approved March 22, 1858. And if any of the said lands shall have been sold 
or otherwise disposed of by the United States before the passage of this act, except those released 
by the United States to the grantees of the State of Iowa, under joint resolution of March 3, 
1861, the Secretary of the Interior is hereby directed to set apart an equal amount of lands within 
said State to be certified in lieu thereof; Provider!, that if the State shall have sold and conveyed 
any portion of the lands lying within the limits of the grant the title of which has proved invalid, 
any lands which shall be certified to said State in lieu thereof by virtue of the provisions of this 
act, shall inure to and be held as a trust fund for the benefit of the person or persons, respect- 
ively, whose titles shall have failed as aforesaid. 

The grant of lands by the above act of Congress was accepted by a joint 
resolution of the General Assembly, September 11, 1862, in extra session. On 
the same day, the Governor was authorized to appoint one or more Commis- 
sioners to select the lands in accordance with the grant. These Commissioners 
were instructed to report their selections to the Registrar of the State Land 
Office. The lands so selected Avere to be held for the purposes of the grant, and 
were not to be disposed of until further legislation should be had. D. W. Kil- 
burne, of Lee County, Avas appointed Commissioner, and, on the 25th day of 
April, 1864, the General Land Officer authorized the selection of 300,000 acres 
from the vacant public lands as a part of the grant of July 12, 1862, and the 
selections Avere made in the Fort Dodge and Sioux City Land Districts. 

Many difficulties, controversies and conflicts, in relation to claims and titles, 
groAV out of this grant, and these difficulties were enhanced by the uncertainty 
of its limits until the act of Congress of July, 1862. But the General Assem- 
bly sought, by Avise and appropriate legislation, to protect the integrity of titles 
derived from the State. Especially Avas the determination to protect the actual 
settlers, Avho had paid their money and made improvements prior to the final 
settlement of the limits of the grant by Congress. 

VII. — THE DES MOINES RIVER SCHOOL LANDS. 

These lands constituted a part of the 500,000 acre grant made by Congress 
in 1841; including 28,378.46 acres in Webster County, selected by the Agent of 
the State under that grant, and approved by the Commissioner of the General 
Land Office February 20, 1851. They were ordered into the market June 6, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 211 

1853, by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, who authorized John Tol- 
man, School Fund Commissioner for Webster County, to sell them as school 
lands. Subsequently, when the act of 1846 was construed to extend the Des 
Moines River grant above Raccoon Fork, it was held that the odd numbered 
sections of these lands within five miles of the river were appropriated by that 
act, and on the 30th day of December, 1853, 12,813.51 acres were set apart 
and approved to the State by the Secretary of the Interior, as a part of the 
Des Moines River grant. January 6, 1854, the Commissioner of the General 
Land Office transmitted to the Superintendent of Public Instruction a certified 
copy of the lists of these lands, indorsed by the Secretary of the Interior. 
Prior to this action of the Department, however, Mr. Tolman had sold to indi- 
vidual purchasers 3,194.28 acres as school lands, and their titles were, of course, 
killed. For their relief, an act, approved April 2, 1860, provided that, upon 
application and proper showing, these purchasers should be entitled to draw 
from the State Treasury the amount they had paid, with 10 per cent, interest, 
on the contract to purchase made wuth Mr. Tolman. Under this act, five appli- 
cations were made prior to 1864, and the applicants received, in the aggregate, 
^949.53. 

By an act approved April 7, 1862, the Governor was forbidden to issue to 
the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad Company any certificate of the completion 
of any part of said road, or any conveyance of lands, until the company should 
execute and file, in the State Land Office, a release of its claim — first, to cer- 
tain swamp lands ; second, to the Des Moines River Lands sold by Tolman ; 
third, to certain other river lands. That act provided that " the said company 
shall transfer their interest in those tracts of land in Webster and Hamilton 
Counties heretofore sold by John Tolman, School Fund Commissioner, to the 
Register of the State Land Office in trust, to enable said Register to carry out 
and perform said contracts in all cases when he is called upon by the parties 
interested to do so, before the 1st day of January, A. D. 1864. 

The company filed its release to the Tolman lands, in the Land Office, Feb- 
ruary 27, 1864, at the same time entered its protest that it hud no claim upon 
them, never had pretended to have, and had never sought to claim them. The 
Register of the State Land Office, under the advice of the Attorney General, 
decided that patents would be issued to the Tolman purchasers in all cases 
where contracts had been made prior to December 23, 1853, and remaining 
uncanceled under the act of i860. But before any were issued, on the 27tli of 
August, 1864, the Des Moines Navigation & Railroad Company commenced a 
suit in chancery, in the District Court of Polk County, to enjoin the issue of 
such patents. On the 30th of August, an ex parte injunction was issued. In 
January, 1868, Mr. J. A. Harvey, Register of the Land Office, filed in the 
court an elaborate answer to plaintiffs' petition, denying that the company had 
any right to or title in the lands. Mr. Harvey's successor, Mr. C. C. Carpen- 
ter, filed a still more exhaustive answer February 10, 1868. August 3, 1868, 
the District Court dissolved the injunction. The company appealed to the 
Supreme Court, where the decision of the lower court was affirmed in December, 
1869. 

VIII. — SWAMP LAND GRANT. 

By an act of Congress, approved March 28, 1850, to enable Arkansas and 
other States to reclaim swampy lands within their limits, granted all the swamp 
and overflowed lands remaining unsold within their respective limits to the 
several States. Although the total amount claimed by Iowa under this act 



212 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

does not exceed 4,000,000 acres, it has, like the Des Moines River and some 
of the land grants, cost the State considerable trouble and expense, and required 
a deal of legislation. The State expended large sums of money in making the 
selections, securing proofs, etc., but the General Government appeared to be 
laboring under the impression that Iowa was not acting in good faith ; that she 
had selected a large amount of lands under the swamp land grant, transferred 
her interest to counties, and counties to private speculators, and the General 
Land Office permitted contests as to the character of the lands already selected 
by the Agents of the State as "swamp lands." Congress, by joint resolution 
Dec. 18, 1856, and by act March 3, 1857, saved the State from the fatal result 
of this ruinous policy. Many of these lands were selected in 1854 and 1855, 
immediately after several remarkably wet seasons, and it was but natural that 
some portions of the selections would not appear swampy after a few dry seasons. 
Some time after these first selections were made, persons desired to enter 
parcels of the so-called swamp lands and offering to prove them to be dry. In 
such cases the General Land Office ordered hearing before the local land officers, 
and if they decided the land to be dry, it was permitted to be entered and the 
claim of the State rejected. Speculators took advantage of this. Affidavits 
were bought of irresponsible and reckless men, who, for a few dollars, would 
confidently testify to the character of lands they never saw. These applica- 
tions multiplied until they covered 3,000,000 acres. It was necessary that 
Congress should confirm all these selections to the State, that this gigantic 
scheme of fraud and plunder might be stopped. The act of Congress of 
March 3, 1857, was designed to accomplish this purpose. But the Commis- 
sioner of the General Land Office held that it was only a qualified confirma- 
tion, and under this construction sought to sustain the action of the Department 
in rejecting the claim of the State, and certifying them under act of May 15, 
1856, under which the railroad companies claimed all swamp land in odd num- 
bered sections within the limits of their respective roads. This action led to 
serious complications. When the railroad grant was made, it was not intended 
nor was it understood that it included any of the swamp lands. These were 
already disposed of by previous grant. Nor did the companies expect to 
receive any of them, but under the decisions of the Department adverse to the 
State the Avay was opened, and they were not slow to enter their claims. March 
4, 1862, the Attorney General of the State submitted to the General Assembly 
an opinion that the railroad companies were not entitled even to contest the 
right of the State to these lands, under the swamp land grant. A letter from 
the Acting Commissioner of the General Land Office expressed the same 
opinion, and the General Assembly by joint resolution, approved April 7, 1862, 
expressly repudiated the acts of the railroad companies, and disclaimed any 
intention to claim these lands under any other than the act of Congress of 
Sept. 28, 1850. A great deal of legislation has been found necessary in rela- 
tion to these swamp lands. 

IX. — THE RAILROAD CJRANT. 

One of the most important grants of public lands to Iowa for purposes of 
internal improvement was that known as tlie "Railroad Grant," by act of 
Congress approved May 15, 1856. This act granted to the State of Iowa, for 
the purpose of aiding in the construction of railroads from Burlington, on the 
Mississippi River, to a point on the Missouri River, near the mouth of Platte 
River ; from the city of Davenport, via Iowa City and Fort Des Moines to 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 213 

Council Bluffs ; from Lyons City northwesterly to a point of intersection with 
the main line of the Iowa Central Air Line Railroad, near Maquoketa ; thence 
on said main line, running as near as practicable to the Forty-second Parallel ; 
across the said State of Iowa to the Missouri River ; from the city of Dubuque 
to a point on the Missouri River, near Sioux City, with a branch from the 
mouth of the Tete des Morts, to the nearest point on said road, to be com- 
pleted as soon as the main road is completed to that point, every alternate section 
of land, designated by odd numbers, for six sections in width on each side of 
said roads. It was also provided that if it should appear, when the lines of those 
roads were definitely fixed, that the United States had sold, or right of pre- 
emption had attached to any portion of said land, the State was authorized to 
select a quantity equal thereto, in alternate sections, or parts of sections, within 
fifteen miles of the lines so located. The lands remaining to the United States 
within six miles on each side of said roads were not to be sold for less than the 
double minimum price of the public lands when sold, nor Avere any of said lands 
to become subject to private entry until they had been first offered at public 
sale at the increased price. 

Section 4 of the act provided that the lands granted to said State shall be 
disposed of by said State only in the manner following, that is to say : that a 
quantity of land not exceeding one hundred and twenty sections for each of said 
roads, and included within a continuous length of twenty miles of each of said 
roads, may be sold ; and when the Governor of said State shall certify to the 
Secretary of the Interior that any twenty continuous miles of any of said roads 
is completed, then another quantity of land hereby granted, not to exceed one 
hundred and twenty sections for each of said roads having twenty continuous 
miles completed as aforesaid, and included within a continuous length of twenty 
miles of each of such roads, may be sold ; and so from time to time until said 
roads are completed, and if any of said roads are not completed within ten 
years, no further sale shall be made, and the lands unsold shall revert to the 
United States." 

At a special session of the General Assembly of Iowa, by act approved July 
14, 1856, the grant was accepted and the lands were granted by the State to 
the several railroad companies named, provided that the lines of their respective 
roads should be definitely fixed and located before April 1, 1857; and pro- 
vided further, that if either of said companies should fail to have seventy-five 
miles of road completed and equipped by the 1st day of December, ]859, and 
its entire road completed by December 1, 1865, it should be competent for the 
State of Iowa to resume all rights to lands remaining undisposed of by the 
company so failing. 

The railroad companies, with the single exception of the Iowa Central Air 
Line, accepted the several grants in accordance with the provisions of the above 
act, located their respective roads and selected their lands. The grant to the 
Iowa Central was again granted to the Cedar Rapids & JNIissouri River Railroad 
Company, which accepted them. 

By act, approved April 7, 1862, the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad Com- 
pany was required to execute a release to the State of certain swamp and school 
lands, included within the limits of its grant, in compensation for an extension 
of the time fixed for the completion of its road. 

A careful examination of the act of Congress does not reveal any special 
reference to railroad companies. The lands were granted to the State, and the 
act evidently contemplate the sale of them b?/ the State, and the appropriation 
of the proceeds to aid in the construction of certain lines of railroad Avithin its^ 



214 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

limits. Section 4 of the act clearly defines the authority of the State in dis- 
posing of the lands. 

Lists of all the lands embraced by the grant were made, and certified to the 
State by the proper authorities. Under an act of Congress approved August 3, 
1854, entitled '■'An act to vest in the several States and Territories the title in 
fee of the lands which have been or may be certified to them," these certified lists, 
the originals of which are filed in the General Land Office, conveyed to the State 
"the fee simple title to all the lands embraced in such lists that are of the char- 
acter contemplated " by the terms of the act making the grant, and "intended 
to be granted thereby ; but where lands embraced in such lists are not of the 
character embraced by such act of Congress, and were not intended to be granted 
thereby, said lists, so far as these lands are concerned, shall be perfectly null 
and void; and no right, title, claim or interest shall be conveyed thereby." 
Those certified lists made under the act of May 15, 1856, were forty-three in 
number, viz.: For the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, nine; for the 
Mississippi & Missouri Railroad, 11 ; for the Iowa Central Air Line, thirteen ; 
and for the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad, ten. The lands thus approved to 
the State were as follows : 

Burlington & Missouri River R. R 287,095.34 acres. 

Mississippi & Missouri River R. R 774,674.36 " 

Cedar Rapids & Missouri River R. R 775,454.19 " 

Dubuque & Sioux City R. R 1,226,558.32 " 

A portion of these had been selected as swamp lands by the State, under 
the act of September 28, 1850, and these, by the terms of the act of August 3, 
1854, could not be turned over to the railroads unless the claim of the State to 
them as swamp was first rejected. It was not possible to determine from the 
records of the State Land Office the extent of the conflicting claims arising under 
the two grants, as copies of the swamp land selections in some of the counties 
were not filed of record. The Commissioner of the General Land Office, however, 
prepared lists of the lands claimed by the State as swamp under act of September 
28, 1850, and also claimed by the railroad companies under act of May 15, 
1856, amounting to 553,293.33 acres, the claim to which as swamp had been 
rejected by the Department. These were consequently certified to the State as 
railroad lands. There was no mode other than the act of July, 1856, prescribed 
for transferring the title to these lands from the State to the companies. The 
courts had decided that, for the purposes of the grant, the lands belonged to the 
State, and to her the companies should look for their titles. It was generally 
accepted that the act of the Legislature of July, 1856, was all that was neces- 
sary to complete the transfer of title. It was assumed that all the rights and 
powers conferred upon the State by the act of Congress of May 14, 1856, were 
by the act of the General Assembly transferred to the companies ; in other 
words, that it was designed to put the companies in the place of the State as the 
grantees from Congress — and, therefore, that which perfected the title thereto 
to the State perfected the title to the companies by virtue of the act of July, 
1856. One of the companies, however, the Burlington & Missouri River Rail- 
road Company, was not entirely satisfied with this construction. Its managers 
thought that some further and specific action of the State authorities in addition 
to the act of the Legislature was necessary to complete their title. This induced 
Gov. Lowe to attach to the certified lists his official certificate, under the broad 
seal of the State. On the 9th of November, 1859, the Governor thus certified 
to them (commencing at the Missouri River) 187,207.44 acres, and December 
27th, 43,775.70 acres, an aggregate of 231,073.14 acres. These were the only 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 215 

lands under the grant that were certified by the State authorities with any 
design of perfecting the title already vested in the company by the act of July, 
1856. The lists which were afterward furnished to the company were simply 
certified by the Governor as being correct copies of the lists received by the 
State from the United States General Land Office. These subsecjuent lists 
embraced lands that had been claimed by the State under the Swamp Land 
Grant. 

It was urged against the claim of the Companies that the effect of the act 
of the Legislature was simply to substitute them for the State as parties to the 
grant. 1st. That the lands were granted to the State to be held in trust for the 
accomplishment of a specific purpose, and therefore the State could not part 
with the title until that purpose should have been accomplished. 2d. That it 
was not the intention of the act of July 14, 1856, to deprive the State of the con- 
trol of the lands, but on the contrary that she should retain supervision of them 
and the right to withdraw all rights and powers and resume the title condition- 
ally conferred by that act upon the companies in the event of their failure to 
complete their part of the contract. 3d. That the certified lists from the Gen- 
eral Land Office vested the title in the State only by virtue of the act of Con- 
gress approved August 3, 1854. The State Land Office held that the proper 
construction of the act of July 14, 1856, when accepted by the companies, Avas 
that it became a conditional contract that might ripen into a positive sale of the 
lands as from time to time the work should progress, and as the State thereby 
became authorized by the express terms of the grant to sell them. 

This appears to have been the correct construction of the act, but by a sub- 
sequent act of Congress, approved June 2, 1864, amending the act of 1856, the 
terms of the grant were changed, and numerous controversies arose between the 
companies and the State. 

The ostensible purpose of this additional act was to allow the Davenport & 
Council Bluffs Railroad "to modify or change the location of the uncompleted 
portion of its line," to run through the toAvn of Newton, Jasper County, or as 
nearly as practicable to that point. The original grant had been made to the 
State to aid in the construction of railroads within its limits and not to the com- 
panies, but Congress, in 1864, appears to have been utterly ignorant of what 
had been done under the act of 1856, or, if not, to have utterly disregarded it. 
The State had accepted the original grant. The Secretary of the Interior had 
already certified to the State all the lands intended to be included in the grant 
within fifteen miles of the lines of the several railroads. It will be remembered 
that Section 4, of the act of May 15, 1856, specifies the manner of sale of 
these lands from time to time as work on the railroads should progress, and also 
provided that " if any of said roads are not completed within ten years, no fur- 
ther sale shall be made, and the lands unsold shall revert to the United States." 
Having vested the title to these lands in trust, in the State of Iowa, it is plain 
that until the expiration of the ten years there could be no reversion, and the 
State, not the United States, must control them until the grant should expire 
by limitation. The L'^nited States autliorities could not rightfully re(|uire the 
Secretary of the Interior to certify directly to the companies any portion of 
the lands already certified to the State. And yet Congress, by its act of June 
2, 1864, provided that Avhenever the Davenport & Council Bluffs Railroad Com- 
pany should file in the General Land Office at "Wasliington a map definitely 
showing such new location, the Secretary of the Interior should cause to be cer- 
tified and conveyed to said Company, from time to time, as the road progressed, 
out of any of the lands belonging to the United States, not sold, reserved, or 



216 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

otherwise disposed of, or to which a pre-emption claim or right of homestead had 
not attached, and on which a bona fide settlement and improvement had not 
been made under color of title derived from the United States or from the State 
of Iowa, within six miles of such newly located line, an amount of land per 
mile equal to that originally authorized to be granted to aid in the construction 
of said road by the act to which this was an amendment. 

The term " out of any lands belonging to the United States, not sold, re- 
served or otherwise disposed of, etc.," would seem to indicate that Congress did 
intend to grant lands already granted, but when it declared that the Company 
should have an amount per mile equal to that originally authorized to be granted, 
it is plain that the framers of the bill were ignorant of the real terms of the 
original grant, or that they designed that the United States should resume the 
title it had already parted with two years before the lands could revert to the 
United States under the original act, which was not repealed. 

A similar change was made in relation to the Cedar Rapids & Missouri 
Kailroad, and dictated the conveyance of lands in a similar manner. 

Like provision was made for the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad, and the 
Company was permitted to change the location of its line between Fort Dodge 
and Sioux City, so as to secure the best route between those points ; but this 
change of location was not to impair the right to the land granted in the orig- 
inal act, nor did it chanire the location of those lands. 

By the same act, the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company was author- 
ized to transfer and assign all or any part of the grant to any other company or 
person, " if, in the opinion of said Company, the construction of said railroad 
across the State of Iowa would be thereby sooner and more satisfactorily com- 
pleted ; but such assignee should not in any case be released from the liabilities 
and conditions accompanying this grant, nor acquire perfect title in any other 
manner than the same would have been acquired by the original grantee." 

Still further, the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad was not forgotten, 
and was, by the same act, empowered to receive an amount of land per mile 
equal to that mentioned in the original act, and if that could not be found within 
the limits of six miles from the line of said road, then such selection might 
be made along such line within twenty miles thereof out of any public lands 
belonging to the United States, not sold, reserved or otherwise disposed of, or 
to which a pre-emption claim or right of homestead had not attached. 

Those acts of Congress, which evidently originated in the "lobby," occa- 
sioned much controversy and trouble. The Department of the Interior, how- 
ever, recognizing the fact that when the Secretary had certified the lands to the 
State, under the act of 1856, that act divested the United States of title, under 
the vesting act of August, 1854, refused to review its action, and also refused 
to order any and all investigations for establishing adverse claims (except in 
pre-emption cases), on the ground that the United States had parted with the 
title, and, therefore, could exercise no control over the land. 

May 12, 1864, before the passage of the amendatory act above described. 
Congress granted to the State of Iowa, to aid in the construction of a railroad 
from McGregor to Sioux City, and for the benefit of the McGregor Western 
Railroad Company, every alternate section of land, designated by odd numbers, 
for ten sections in width on each side of the proposed road, reserving the right 
to substitute other lands whenever it was found that the grant infringed upon 
pre-empted lands, or on lands that had been reserved or disposed of for any other 
purpose. In such cases, the Secretary of the Interior was instructed to select, in 
lieu, lands belonging to the United States lying nearest to the limits specified. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 217 

X. — AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AND FARM LANDS. 

An Agricultural College and Model Farm was established by act of the 
General Assembly, approved March 22, 1858. By the eleventh section of the 
act, the proceeds of the five-section grant made for the purpose of aiding in the 
erection of public buildings was appropriated, subject to the approval of Con- 
gress, together with all lands that Congress might thereafter grant to the State 
for the purpose, for the benefit of the institution. On the 23d of March, by 
joint resolution, the Legislature asked the consent of Congress to the proposed 
transfer. By act approved July 11, 1862, Congress removed the restrictions 
imposed in the "five-section grant," and authorized the General Assembly to 
make such disposition of the lands as should be deemed best for the interests of 
the State. By these several acts, the five sections of land in Jasper County 
certified to the State to aid in the erection of public buildings under the act of 
March 3, 1845, entitled " An act supplemental to the act for the admission of 
the States of Iowa and Florida into the Union," were fully appropriated for 
the benefit of the Iowa Agricultural College and Farm. The institution is 
located in Story County. Seven hundred and twenty-one acres in that and 
two hundred in Boone County were donated to it by individuals interested in 
the success of the enterprise. 

By act of Congress approved July 2, 1862, an appropriation was made to 
each State and Territory of 30,000 acres for each Senator and Representative 
in Congress, to which, by the apportionment under the census of 1860, they 
were respectively entitled. This grant was made for the purpose of endowing 
colleges of agriculture and mechanic arts. 

Iowa accepted this grant by an act passed at an extra session of its Legis- 
lature, approved September 11, 1862, entitled "An act to accept of the grant, 
and carry into execution the trust conferred upon the State of Iowa by an act 
of Congress entitled ' An act granting public lands to the several States and 
Territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the 
mechanic arts,' approved July 2, 1862." This act made it the duty of the 
Governor to appoint an agent to select and locate the lands, and provided 
that none should be selected that were claimed by any county as swamp 
lands. The agent was required to make report of his doings to the Governor, 
who was instructed to submit the list of selections to the Board of Trustees of 
the Agricultural College for their approval. One thousand dollars were appro- 
priated to carry the law into effect. The State, having tAvo Senators and six 
Representatives in Congress, was entitled to 240,000 acres of land under this 
grant, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an Agricultural College. 
Peter Melendy, Esq., of Black Hawk County, was appointed to make the selec- 
tions, and during August, September and December, 1863, located them in the 
Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Sioux City Land Districts. December 8, 1864, 
these selections were certified by the Commissioner of the General Land Office, 
and were approved to the State by the Secretary of the Interior December 13, 
1864. The title to these lands was vested in the State in fee simple, and con- 
flicted with no other claims under other grants. 

The agricultural lands were approved to the State as 240,000.96 acres; but 
as 35,691.66 acres were located within railroad limits, which were computed at 
the rate of tAvo acres for one, the actual amount of land approved to the State 
under this grant Avas only 204,309.30 acres, located as follows : 

In Des Moines Land District 6,804.96 acres. 

In Sioux City Land District 59, 025. .37 " 

In Fort Dodge Land District 138,478.97 " 



218 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

By act of the General Assembly, approved March 29, 1864, entitled, " An 
act authorizing the Trustees of the Iowa State Agricultural College and Farm 
to sell all lands acquired, granted, donated or appropriated for the benefit of 
said college, and to make an investment of the proceeds thereof," all these lands 
were granted to the Agricultural College and Farm, and the Trustees were au- 
thorized to take possession, and sell or lease them. They were then, under the 
control of the Trustees, lands as follows : 

Under the act of July 2, 1852 204,309.30 acres. 

Of the five-section grant 3,200.00 " 

Lands donated in Story County 721.00 " 

Lands donated in Boone County 200.00 " 

Total 208,4.30.30 acres. 

The Trustees opened an office at Fort Dodge, and appointed Hon. G. W' 
Bassett their agent for the sale of these lands. 



o" 



THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The germ of the free public school system of Iowa, which now ranks sec- 
ond to none in the United States, was planted by the first settlers. They had 
migrated to the " The Beautiful Land " from other and older States, where the 
common school system had been tested by many years' experience, bringing 
with them some knowledge of its advantages, which they determined should be 
enjoyed by the children of the land of their adoption. The system thus planted 
was expanded and improved in the broad fields of the West, until now it is 
justly considered one of the most complete, comprehensive and liberal in the 
country. 

Nor is this to be wondered at when it is remembered humble log school 
houses were built almost as soon as the log cabin of the earliest settlers were 
occupied by their brave builders. In the lead mining regions of the State, the 
first to be occupied by the white race, the hardy pioneers provided the means 
for the education of their children even before they had comfortable dwellings 
for their families. School teachers were among the first immigrants to Iowa. 
Wherever a little settlement was made, the school house was the first united 
public act of the settlers; and the rude, primitive structures of the early time 
only disappeared when the communities had increased in population and wealth, 
and were able to replace them with more commodious and comfortable buildings. 
Perhaps in no single instance has the magnificent progress of the State of Iowa 
been more marked and rapid than in her common school system and in her school 
houses, which, long since, superseded the log cabins of the first settlers. To- 
day, the school houses which everywhere dot the broad and fertile prairies of 
Iowa are unsurpassed by those of any other State in the great Union. More 
especially is this true in all her cities and villages, where liberal and lavish 
appropriations have been voted, by a generous people, for the erection of large, 
commodious and elegant buildings, furnished with all the modern improvements, 
and costing from $10,000 to $60,000 each. The people of the State have ex- 
pended more than $10,000,000 for the erection of public school buildings. 

The first house erected in Iowa was a log cabin at Dubuque, built by James 
L. Langworthy and a few other miners, in the Autumn of 1833. When it was 
completed, George Cabbage was employed as teacher during the Winter of 
1833-4, and thirty-five pupils attended his school. Barrett Whittemore taught 
the second term with twenty-five pupils in attendance. Mrs. Caroline Dexter 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. ■ 219 

commenced teaching in Dubuque in March, 1836. She avus the first female 
teacher there, and probably the first in Iowa. In 1839, Thomas H. Benton, 
Jr., afterward for ten years Superintendent of Public Instruction, opened an 
English and classical school in Dubu(|ue. The first tax for the support of 
schools at Dubuque was levied in 1840. 

Among the first buildings erected at Burlington was a commodious log school 
house in 1834, in which Mr. Johnson Pierson taught the first school in the 
Winter of 1834-5. 

The first school in Muscatine County was taught by George Bumgardner, 
in the Spring of 1837, and in 1839, a log school house was erected in Musca- 
tine, which served for a long time for school house, clmrch and ])ublic hall. 
The first school in Davenport was taught in 1838. In Fairfield, Miss Clarissa 
Sawyer, James F. Chambers and Mrs. Reed taught school in 1839. 

When the site of Iowa City was selected as the capital of the Territory of 
Iowa, in May, 1839, it was a perfect wilderness. The first sale of lots took 
place August 18, 1839, and before January 1, 1840, about twenty families had 
settled within the limits of the town ; and during the same year, Mr. Jesse 
Berry opened a school in a small frame building he had erected, on what is now 
College street. 

The first settlement in Monroe County was made in 1843, by Mr. John R. 
Gray, about two miles from the present site of Eddyville; and in the Summer 
of 1844, a log school house was built by Gray, William V. Beedle, C. Renfro, 
Joseph McMullen and Willoughby Randolph, and the first school was opened 
by Miss Urania Adams. The building was occupied for school purposes for 
nearly ten years. About a ^'•ear after the first cabin was built at Oskaloosa, a 
log school house was built, in which school was opened by Samuel W. Caldwell 
in 1844. 

At Fort Des Moines, now the capital of the State, the first school was 
taught by Lewis Whitten, Clerk of the District Court in the Winter of 1846-7, 
in one of the rooms on " Coon Row^," built for barracks. 

The first school in Pottawattomie County was opened by George Green, a 
Mormon, at Council Point, prior to 1849 ; and until about 1854, nearly, if not 
quite, all the teachers in that vicinity Avere Mormons. 

The first school in Decorah was taught in 1853, by T. W. Burdick, then a 
young man of seventeen. In Osceola, the first school was opened by Mr. D. 
W. Scoville. The first school at Fort Dodge was taught in 1855, by Cyrus C. 
Carpenter, since Governor of the State. In Crawford County, the first school 
house was built in Mason's Grove, in 1856, and Morris McHenry first occupied 
it as teacher. 

During the first twenty years of the history of Iowa, the log school house pi'e- 
vailed, and in 1861, there were 893 of these primitive structures in use for 
school purposes in the State. Since that time they have been gradually dis- 
appearing. In 1865, there were 796; in 1870, 336, and in 1875, 121. 

Iowa Territory was created July 3, 1838. January 1, 1839, the Territorial 
Legislature passed an act providing that " there shall be established a common 
school, or schools in each of the counties in this Territory, which shall be 
open and free for every class of white citizens between the ages of five and 
twenty-one years." The second section of the act provided that "the County 
Board shall, from time to time, form such districts in their respective counties 
whenever a petition may be presented for the purpose by a majority of the 
voters resident within such contemplated district." These districts were gov- 
erned by boards of trustees, usually of three persons ; eacii district was required 



220 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

to maintain school at least three months in every year ; and later, laws were 
enacted providing for county school taxes for the payment of teachers, and that 
whatever additional sum might be required should be assessed upon the parents 
sending, in proportion to the length of time sent. 

When Iowa Territory became a State, in 1846, with a population of 100,- 
000, and with 20,000 scholars within its limits, about four hundred school dis- 
tricts had been organized. In 1850, there were 1,200, and in 1857, the 
number had increased to 3,265. 

In March, 1858, upon the recommendation of Hon. M. L. Fisher, then Su- 
perintendent of Public Instruction, the Seventh General Assembly enacted that 
" each civil township is declared a school district," and provided that these should 
be divided into sub-districts. This law went into force March 20, 1858, and 
reduced the number of school districts from about 3,500 to less than 900. 

This change of school organization resulted in a very material reduction of 
the expenditures for the compensation of District Secretaries and Treasurers. 
An effort was made for several years, from 1867 to 1872, to abolish the sub- 
district system. Mr. Kiss?ll, Superintendent, recommended, in his report of 
January 1, 1872, and Governor Merrill forcibly endorsed his views in his annual 
message. But the Legislature of that year provided for the formation of inde- 
pendent districts from the sub-districts of district townships. 

The system of graded schools was inaugurated in 1849 ; and new schools, in 
T\rhich more than one teacher is employed, are universally graded. 

The first official mention of Teachers' Institutes in the educational records 
of Iowa occurs in the annual report of Hon. Thomas H. Benton, Jr., made 
December 2, 1850, who said, "An institution of this character was organized a 
few years ago, composed of the teachers of the mineral regions of Illinois, 
Wisconsin and Iowa. An association of teachers has, also, been formed in the 
county of Henry, and an effort was made in October last to organize a regular 
institute in the county of Jones." At that time — although the beneficial 
influence of these institutes was admitted, it was urged that the expenses of 
attending them was greater than teachers with limited compensation were able 
to bear. To obviate this objection, Mr. Benton recommended that '" the sum of 
$150 should be appropriated annually for three years, to be drawn in install- 
ments of $50 each by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and expended 
for these institutions." He proposed that three institutes should be held annu- 
ally at points to be designated by the Superintendent. 

No legislation in this direction, however, was had until March, 1858, when 
an act was passed authorizing tlie holding of teachers' institutes for periods not 
less than six working days, whenever not less than thirty teachers should desire. 
The Superintendent was authorized to expend not exceeding $100 for any one 
institute, to be paid out by the County Superintendent as the institute might 
direct for teachers and lecturers, and one thousand dollars was appropriated to 
defray the expenses of these institutes. 

December 6, 1858, Mr. Fisher reported to the Board of Education that 
institutes had been appointed in twenty counties within the preceding six months, 
and more would have been, but the appropriation had been exhausted. 

The Board of Education at its first session, commencing December 6, 1858, 
enacted a code of school laws which retained the existing provisions for teachers' 
institutes. 

In March, 1860, the General Assembly amended the act of the Board by 
appropriating " a sum not exceeding fifty dollars annually for one such institute, 
held as provided by law in each county." 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 221 

In 1865, Mr. Faville reported that " the provision made by the State for the 
benefit of teachers' institutes has never been so fully appreciated, both by the 
people and the teachers, as during the last two years." 

By act approved March 11>, 1871, Normal Institutes were established in 
each county, to be held annually by the County Superintendent. This Avas 
regarded as a very decided step in advance by ]Mr. Abernethy, and in 1876 the 
Sixteenth General Assembly established the first permanent State Normal 
School at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, appropriating the building and 
property of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that place for that purpose. This 
school is now " in the full tide of successful experiment." 

The public school system of Iowa is admirably organized, and if the various 
officers who are entrusted with the educational interests of the commonwealth 
are faithful and competent, should and will constantly improve. 

" The public schools are supported by funds arising from several sources. 
The sixteenth section of every Congressional Township was set apart by the 
General Government for school purposes, being one-thirty-sixth part of all the 
lands of the State. The minimum price of these lands was fixed at one dollar 
and twenty-five cents per acre. Congress also made an additional donation to 
the State of five hundred thousand acres, and an appropriation of five per cent, 
on all the sales of public lands to the school fund. The State gives to this 
fund the proceeds of the sales of all lands which escheat to it ; the proceeds of 
all fines for the violation of the liquor and criminal laws. The money derived 
from these sources constitutes the permanent school fund of the State, Avhich 
cannot be diverted to any other purpose. The penalties collected by the courts 
for fines and forfeitures go to the school fund in the counties where collected. 
The proceeds of the sale of lands and the five per cent, fund go into the State 
Treasury, and the State distributes these proceeds to the several counties accord- 
ing to their request, and the counties loan the money to individuals for long 
terms at eight per cent, interest, on security of land valued at three times the 
amount of the loan, exclusive of all buildings and improvements thereon. The 
interest on these loans is paid into the State Treasury, and becomes the avail- 
able school fund of the State. The counties are responsible to the State for all 
money so loaned, and the State is likewise responsible to the school fund for all 
moneys transferred to the counties. The interest on these loans is apportioned 
bv the State xVuditor serai-annuallv to the several counties of the State, in pro- 
portion to the number of persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years. 
The counties also levy an annual tax for school purposes, which is apportioned 
to the several district townships in the same way. A district tax is also 
levied for the same purpose. The money arising from these several sources 
constitutes the support of the public schools, and is sufficient to enable 
every sub-district in the State to afford from six to nine months' school 
each year." 

The taxes levied for the support of schools are self-imposed. Under the 
admirable school laws of the State, no taxes can be legally assessed or collected 
for the erection of school houses until they have been ordered by the election of 
the district at a school meeting legallv called. The school houses of Iowa are 
the pride of the State and an honor to the people. If they have been some- 
times l)uilt at a prodigal expense, the tax payers have no one to blame but 
themselves. The teachers' and contingent funds are determined by the Board of 
Directors under certain legal restrictions. These boards are elected annually, 
except in the independent districts, in which the board may be entirely changed 
every three years. The only exception to this mode of levying taxes for support 



222 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

of schools is the county school tax, which is determined by the County Board 
of Supervisors. The tax is from one to three mills on the dollar ; usually, 
however, but one. Mr. Abernethy, Avho was Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion from 1872 to 1877, said in one of his reports : 

There is but little opposition to the levy of taxes for the support of schools, and there 
would be still less if the funds were always properly guarded and judiciously expended. How- 
ever much our people disagree upon other subjects, they are practically united upon this. 
The opposition of wealth has long since ceased to exist, and our wealthy men are usually the 
most liberal in their views and the most active friends of popular education. They are often 
found upon our school boards, and usually make the best of school officers. It is not uncommon 
for Boards of Directors, especially in the larger towns and cities, to be composed wholly of men 
who represent the enterprise, wealth and business of their cities. 

At the close of 1877, there were 1,086 township districts, 3,138 indepen- 
dent districts and 7,015 sub-districts. There were 9,948 ungraded and 47G 
graded schools, with an average annual session of seven months and five days. 
There were 7,348 male teachers employed, whose average compensation was 
$34.88 per month, and 12,518 female teachers, with an average compensation 
of $28.69 per month. 

The number of persons between the ages 5 and 21 years, in 1877, was 
567,859; number enrolled in public schools, 421,163; total average attendance, 
251,372; average cost of tuition per month, fl.62. There are 9,279 frame, 
671 brick, 257 stone and 89 log school houses, making a grand total of 10,296, 
valued at $9,044,973. The public school libraries number 17,329 volumes. 
Ninety-nine teachers' institutes were held during 1877. Teachers' salaries 
amounted to $2,953,645. There was expended for school houses, grounds, 
libraries and apparatus, $1,106,788, and for fuel and other contingencies, 
$1,136,995, making the grand total of $5,197,428 expended by the generous 
people of Iowa for the support of their magnificent public schools in a single 
year. The amount of the permanent school fund, at the close of 1877, was 
$3,462,000. Annual interest, $276,960. 

In 1857, there were 3,265 independent districts, 2,708 ungraded schools, 
and 1,572 male and 1,424 female teachers. Teachers' salaries amounted to 
$198,142, and the total expenditures for schools was only $364,515. Six hun- 
dred and twenty-three volumes were the extent of the public school libraries 
twenty years ago, and there Avere only 1,686 school houses, valued at $571,064. 

In twenty years, teachers' salaries have increased from $198,142, in 1857, 
to $2,953,645 in 1877. Total school expenditures, from $364,515 to 
$5,197,428. 

The significance of such facts as these is unmistakable. Such lavish expen- 
ditures can only be accounted for by the liberality and public spirit of the 
people, all of whom manifest their love of popular education and their faith in 
the public schools by the annual dedication to their support of more than one 
per cent, of their entire taxable property ; this, too, uninterruptedly through a 
series of years, commencing in the midst of a war which taxed their energies and 
resources to the extreme, and continuing through years of general depression in 
business — years of moderate yield of produce, of discouragingly low prices, and 
even amid the scanty surroundings and privations of pioneer life. Few human 
enterprises have a grander significance or give evidence of a more noble purpose 
than the generous contributions from the scanty resources of the pioneer for the 
purposes of public education. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 223 

* 

POLITICAL RECORD. 

TERRITORIAL OFFICERS. 

G-overnors — Robert Lucas, 1838-41 ; John Chambers, 1841-45 ; James 
Clarke, 1845. 

/Secretaries — William B. Conway, 1838, died 1839 ; James Clarke, 1839 ; 
0. H. W. Stull, 1841 ; Samuel J. Burr, 1843 ; Jesse Williams, 1845. 

Auditors— Jesse Williams, 1840; Wm. L. Gilbert, 1843- Robert M. 
Secrest, 1845. 

Treasurers — Thornton Bayliss, 1839 ; Morgan Reno, 1840. 

Judges — Charles Mason, Chief Justice, 1838 ; Joseph Williams, 1838 ; 
Thomas S. Wilson, 1838. 

Presidents of Council — Jesse B. Browne, 1838-II ; Stephen Hempstead, 
1839-40 ; M. Bainridge, 1840-1 ; Jonathan W. Parker, 1841-2 ; John D. 
Elbert, 1842-3; Thomas Cox, 1843-4; S. Clinton Hastings, 1845; Stephen 
Hempstead, 1845-6. 

Speakers of the House — William H. Wallace, 1838-9 ; Edward Johnston, 
1839-40 ; Thomas Cox, 1840-1 ; W^arner Lewis, 1841-2 ; James M. Morgan, 
1842-3 ; James P. Carleton, 1843-4 ; James M. Morgan, 1845 ; George W. 
McCleary, 1845-6. 

First Constitutional Convention, ISIflf — Shepherd Leffler, President ; Geo. 
S. Hampton, Secretary. 

Second Constitutional Convention, 184-6 — Enos Lowe, President; William 
Thompson, Secretary. 

OFFICERS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT. 

Governors — Ansel Briggs, 1846 to 1850 ; Stephen Hempstead, 1850 to 
1854; .James W. Grimes, 1854 to 1858 ; Ralph P. Lowe, 1858 to 1860; Sam- 
uel J. Kirkwood, 1860 to 1864 ; William M. Stone, 1864 to 1868 ; Samuel 
Morrill, 1868 to 1872 ; Cyrus C. Carpenter, 1872 to 1876 ; Samuel J. Kirk- 
wood, 1876 to 1877; Joshua G. Newbold, Acting, 1877 to 1878; John H. 
Gear, 1878 to . 

Lieutenant Governor — Office created by the new Constitution September 3, 
1857— Oran Faville, 1858-9 ; Nicholas J. Rusch, 1860-1 ; John R. Needham, 
1862-3; Enoch W. Eastman, 1864-5; Benjamin F. Gue, 1866-7; John 
Scott, 1868-9; M. M. Walden, 1870-1; H. C. Bulls, 1872-3; Joseph Dy- 
sart, 1874-5 ; Joshua G. Newbold, 1876-7 ; Frank T. Campbell, 1878-9. 

Secretaries of State — Elisha Cutler, Jr., Dec. 5, 1846, to Dec. 4, 1848; 
Josiah H. Bonnev, Dec. 4, 1848, to Dec. 2, 1850; George W. McCleary, Dec. 
2, 1850, to Dec. 1, 1856 ; Elijah Sells, Dec. 1, 1856, to Jan. 5, 1863 ; James 
Wright, Jan. 5, 1863, to Jan. 7, 1867 ; Ed. Wright, Jan. 7, 1867, to Jan. 6, 
1873; Josiah T. Young, Jan. 6, 1873, to . 

Auditors of State— Joseph T. Fales, Dec. 5, 1846, to Dec. 2, 1850 ; Will- 
iam Pattee, Dec. 2, 1850, to Dec. 4, 1854 ; Andrew J. Stevens, Dec. 4, 1854, 
resigned in 1855 ; John Pattee, Sept. 22, 1855, to Jan. 3, 1859 ; Jonathan 
W. Cattell, 1859 to 1865; John A. Elliot, 1865 to 1871; John Russell, 1871 
to 1875 ; Buren R. Sherman, 1875 to . 

Treasurers of State — Morgan Reno, Dec. 18, 1846, to Dec. 2, 1850 ; 
Israel Kister, Dec. 2, 1850, to Dec. 4, 1852 ; Martin L. Morris, Dec. 4, 1852, 
to Jan. 2, 1859 ; John W. Jones, 1859 to 1863 ; William H. Holmes, 1863 to 



224 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

1867 ; Samuel E. Rankin, 1867 to 1873 ; William Christy, 1873 to 1877 ; 

George W. Bemis, 1877 to . 

Superintendents of Public Instruct ion— Office created in 1847~James Harlan, 
June 5, 1845 (Supreme Court decided election void) ; Thomas H. Benton, Jr., 
May 23, 1844, to June 7, 1854 ; James D. Eads, 1854-7 ; Joseph C. Stone, 
March to June, 1857 ; Maturin L. Fisher, 1857 to Dec, 1858, when the office 
was abolished and the duties of the office devolved upon the Secretary of the 
Board of Education. 

Secretaries of Board of Education — Thomas H. Benton, Jr., 1859-1863; 
Oran Faville, Jan. 1, 1864. Board abolished March 23, 1864. 

Superintendents of Public Instruction — Office re-created March 23, 1864 — 
Oran Faville, March 28, 1864, resigned March 1, 1867; D. Franklin Wells, 
March 4, 1867, to Jan., 1870 ; A. S. Kissell, 1870 to 1872 ; Alonzo Abernethy, 
1872 to 1877 ; Carl W. Von Coelln, 1877 to . 

State Binders — Office created February 21, 1855 — William M. Coles, May 
1, 1855, to May 1, 1859; Frank M. Mills, 1859 to 1867; James S. Carter, 
1867 to 1870; J. J. Smart, 1870 to 1874; H. A. Perkins, 1874 to 1875; 
James J. Smart, 1875 to 1876 ; H. A. Perkins, 1876 to . 

Registers of tlie'State Land Office — Anson Hart, May 5, 1855, to May 
13, 1857 ; Theodore S. Parvin, May 13, 1857, to Jan. 3, 1859 ; Amos B. 
Miller, Jan. 3, 1859, to October, 1862; Edwin Mitchell, Oct. 31, 1862, to 
Jan 5, 1863 ; Josiah A. Harvey, Jan. 5, 1863, to Jan. 7, 1867 ; Cyrus C. 
Carpenter, Jan. 7, 1867, to January, 1871 ; Aaron Brown, January, 1871, to 
to January, 1875; David Secor, January, 1875, to -. 

State Printers — Office created Jan. 3, 1840 — Garrett D. Palmer and 
George Paul, 1849; William H. Merritt, 1851 to 1853; William A. Hornish, 
1853 (resigned May 16, 1853); Mahoney & Dorr, 1853 to 1855; Peter 
Moriarty, 1855 to 1857 ; John Teesdale, 1857 to 1861 ; Francis W. Palmer, 
1861 to 1869; Frank M. Mills, 1869 to 1870; G. W. Edwards, 1870 to 
1872 ; R. P. Clarkson, 1872 to . 

Adjutants Greneral — Daniel S. Lee, 1851-5 ; Geo. W. McCleary, 1855-7 ; 
Elijah Sells, 1857 ; Jesse Bowen, 1857-61 ; Nathaniel Baker, 1861 to 1877 ; 
John H. Looby, 1877 to . 

Attorneys (reweraZ— David C. Cloud, 1853-56 ; Samuel A. Rice, 1856-60 ; 
Charles C. Nourse, 1861-4; Isaac L. Allen, 1865 (resigned January, 1866); 
Frederick E. Bissell, 1866 (died June 12, 1867); Henry O'Connor, 1867-72; 
Marsena E. Cutts, 1872-6 ; John F. McJunkin, 1877. 

Presidents of the Senate — Thomas Baker, 1846-7 ; Thomas Hughes, 
1848 ; John J. Selman, 1848-9 ; Enos Lowe, 1850-1 ; William E. Leffing- 
well, 1852-3; Maturin L. Fisher, 1854-5; William W. Hamilton, 1856-7. 
Under the new Constitution, the Lieutenant Governor is President of the 
Senate. 

Speakers of the House — Jesse B. Brown, 1847-8; Smiley H. Bonhan, 
1849-50 ; George Temple, 1851-2 ; James Grant, 1853-4 ; Reuben Noble, 
1855-6 ; Samuel McFarland, 1856-7 ; Stephen B. Sheledy, 1858-9 ; John 
EdAvards, 1860-1; Rush Clark, 1862-3; Jacob Butler, 1864-5; Ed. Wright, 
1866-7 ; John Russell, 1868-9 ; Avlett R. Cotton, 1870-1 ; James Wilson, 
1872-3; John H. Gear, 1874-7; John Y. Stone, 1878. 

Hew Constitutional Convention, 1859 — Francis Springer, President ; Thos. 
J. Saunders, Secretary. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 225 

STATE OFFICERS, 1878. 

John H. Gear, Governor ; Frank T. Campbell, Lieutenant Governor ; Josiah 
T. Young, Secretary of State; Buren R. Sherman, Auditor of State; George 
W. Bemis, Treasurer of State; David Secor, Register of State Land Office; 
John H. Looby, Adjutant General; John F. McJunken, Attorney General; 
Mrs. Ada North, State Librarian ; Edward J. Holmes, Clerk Supreme Court ; 
John S. Runnells, Reporter Supreme Court; Carl W. Von Coelln, Superintend- 
ent Public Instruction; Richard P. Clarkson, State Printer; Henry A. Perkins, 
State Binder; Prof. Nathan R. Leonard, Supei'intendent of Weights and 
Measures; William H. Fleming, Governor's Private Secretary; Fletcher W. 
Young, Deputy Secretary of State; John C. Parish, Deputy Auditor of State; 
Erastus G. Morgan, Deputy Treasurer of State; John M. Davis, Deputy Reg- 
ister Land Office; L-a C. Kling, Deputy Superintendent Public Instruction. 

THE JUDICIARY. 

SUPREME COUKT OF IOWA. 

■ Chief Justices. — Charles Mason, resigned in June, 1847; Joseph Williams, 
Jan., 1847, to Jan., 1848; S. Clinton Hastings, Jan., 1848, to Jan., 1849; Joseph 
Williams, Jan., 1849, to Jan. 11, 1855; Geo. G. Wright, Jan. 11, 1855, to Jan., 
1860 ; Ralph P. Lowe, Jan., 1860, to Jan. 1, 1862 ; Caleb Baldwin, Jan., 1862, to 
Jan., 1864; Geo. G. Wright, Jan., 1864, to Jan. ,1866; Ralph P. Lowe, Jan. ,1866, 
to Jan., 1868; John F. Dillon, Jan., 1868, to Jan., 1870; Chester C. Cole, Jan. 
1, 1870, to Jan. 1, 1871; James G. Day, Jan. 1, 1871, to Jan. 1, 1872; Joseph 
M. Beck, Jan. 1, 1872, to Jan. 1, 1874; W. E. Miller, Jan. 1, 1874, to Jan. 1, 
1876; Chester C. Cole, Jan. 1, 1876, to Jan. 1, 1877; James G. Day, Jan. 1, 
1877, to Jan. 1, 1878; James H. Rothrock, Jan. 1, 1878. 

Associate Judges. — Joseph Williams; Thomas S. Wilson, resigned Oct., 
1847; John F. Kinney, June 12, 1847, resigned Feb. 15, 1854; George 
Greene, Nov. 1, 1847, to Jan. 9, 1855; Jonathan C. Hall, Feb. 15, 1854, to 
succeed Kinney, resigned, to Jan., 1855; William G. Woodward, Jan. 9, 1855; 
Norman W. Isbell, Jan. 16, 1855, resigned 1856; Lacen D. Stockton, June 3, 
1856, to succeed Isbell, resigned, died June 9, 1860; Caleb Baldwin, Jan. 11, 
1860, to 1864; Ralph P. Lowe, Jan. 12, 1860; George G. Wright, June 26, 
1860, to succeed Stockton, deceased; elected U. S. Senator, 1870; John F. Dil- 
lon, Jan. 1, 1864, to succeed Baldwin, resigned, 1870; Chester C. Cole, March 
1, 1864, to 1877 ; Joseph M. Beck, Jan. 1, 1868 ; W. E. Miller, October 11, 
1864, to succeed Dillon, resigned; James G. Day, Jan. 1, ,1871, to succeed 
Wright. 

SUPREME COURT, 1878. 

James H. Rothrock, Cedar County, Chief Justice; Joseph M. Beck, Lee 
County, Associate Justice ; Austin Adams, Dubuque County, Associate Justice ; 
William H. Seevers, Oskaloosa County, Associate Justice; James G. Day, Fre- 
mont County, Associate Justice. 

CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATION. 

UNITED STATES SENATORS. 

(The first General Assembly failed to elect Senators.) 

George W. Jones, Dubu(jue, Dec. 7, 1848-1858 ; Augustus C. Dodge, Bur- 
lington, Dec. 7, 1848-1855; James Harlan, Mt. Pleasant, Jan. 6, 1855-1865; 
James AV. Grimes, Burlington, Jan. 26, 1858-died 1870 ; Samuel J. Kirkwood, 
Iowa City, elected Jan. 13, 1866, to fill vacancy caused by resignation of James 



226 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

Harlan ; James Harlan, Mt. Pleasant, March 4, 1866-1872 ; James B. Howell, 
Keokuk, elected Jan. 20, 1870, to fill vacancy caused by the death of J. W. 
Grimes — term expired March 3d ; George G. Wright, Des Moines, March 4, 
1871-1877; William B. Allison, Dubuque, March 4, 1872; Samuel J. Kirk- 
wood, March 4, 1877. 

MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

Twenty-ninth Congress — 184^6 to 1847. — S. Clinton Hastings ; Shepherd 
Leffler. 

Thirtieth Congress — 1847 to 1849. — First District, William Thompson : 
Second District, Shepherd Leffler. 

Thirty-first Congress — 1849 to 1851. — First District, First Session, Wm. 
Thompson; unseated by the House of Representatives on a contest, and election 
remanded to the people. First District, Second Session, Daniel F. Miller. 
Second District, Shepherd Leffler. 

Thirty-second Congress — 1851 to 1853. — First District, Bernhart Henn. 
Second District, Lincoln Clark. 

Thirty-third Congress — 1853 to 1855. — First District, Bernhart Henn. 
Second District, John P. Cook. 

Thirty-fourth Congress — 1855 to 1857. — First District, Augustus Hall. 
Second District, James Thorington. 

Thirty-fifth Congress — 1857 to 1859. — First District, Samuel R. Curtis. 
Second District, Timothy Davis. 

Thirty-sixth Congress — 1859 to 1861. — First District, Samuel R. Curtis. 
Second District, William Vandever. 

Thirty-seventh Congress — 1861 to 1863. — First District, First Session, 
Samuel R. Curtis.* First District, Second and Third Sessions, James F. Wil- 
son. Second District, William A^andever. 

Thirty-eighth Congress — 1863 to 1865. — First District, James F. Wilson. 
Second District, Hiram Price. Third District, William B. Allison. Fourth 
District, Josiah B. Grinnell. Fifth District, John A. Kasson. Sixth District, 
Asahel W, Hubbard. 

Thirty-ninth Congress — 1865 to 1867. — First District, James F. Wilson ; 
Second District, Hiram Price ; Third District, William B. Allison ; Fourth 
District, Josiah B, Grinnell ; Fifth District, John A. Kasson ; Sixth District, 
Asahel W. Hubbard. 

Fortieth Congress — 1867 to 1869. — First District, James F. Wilson ; Sec- 
ond District, Hiram Price ; Third District, William B. Allison, Fourth District, 
William Loughridge; Fifth District, Granville M. Dodge; Sixth District, 
Asahel W. Hubbard. 

Forty-first Congress — 1869 to 1871. — First District, George W. McCrary ; 
Second District, William Smyth; Third District, William B. Allison; Fourth 
District, William Loughridge ; Fifth District, Frank W. Palmer ; Sixth Dis- 
trict, Charles Pomeroy. 

Forty-second Congress — 1871 to 1873. — First District, George W. Mc- 
Crary ; Second District, Aylett R. Cotton ; Third District, W. G. Donnan ; 
Fourth District, Madison M. Waldon ; Fifth District, Frank W. Palmer ; Sixth 
District, Jackson Orr. 

Forty-third Congress — 1873 to 1875. — First District, George W. McCrary ; 
Second District, Aylett R. Cotton; Third District, William Y. Donnan ; Fourth 
District, Henry 0. Pratt ; Fifth District, James Wilson ; Sixth District, 

* Vacated seat by acceptance of commission as Brigadier General, and J. F. Wilaon chosen his successor. 





^r/TJ'TT? crr-^ ^^ 



BELLE PLAIN E 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 229 

"William Loughridge; Seventh District, John A, Kasson ; Eighth District, 
James W. McDill ; Ninth District, Jackson Orr. 

Forty-fourth Congress— 1875 to 1877.— First District, George W. Mc- 
Crary ; Second District, John Q. Tufts; Third District, L. L. Ainsworth; 
Fourth District, Henry 0. Pratt; Fifth District, James "Wilson ; Sixth District, 
Ezekiel S. Sampson ; Seventh District, John A. Kasson ; Eighth District, 
James "W. McDill ; Fifth District, Addison Oliver. 

Forty-fifth Congress — 1877 to 1879. — First District, J. C. Stone; Second 
District, iliram Price ; Third District, T. W. Burdick ; Fourth District, H. C. 
Deering ; Fifth District, Rush Clark ; Sixth District, E. S. Sampson ; 
Seventh District, H. J. B. Cummings ; Eighth District, W. F. Sapp ; Ninth 
District, Addison Oliver. 

WAR RECORD. 

The State of Iowa may well he proud of her record during the "War of the 
Rebellion, from 1861 to 1865. The follo-\ving brief but comprehensive sketch of 
the history she made during that trying period is largely from the pen of Col. A. 
P. Wood, of Dubuque, the author of " The History of Iowa and the War," one 
of the best works of the kind vet written. 

"Whether in the promptitude of her responses to the calls made on her by 
the General Government, in the courage and constancy of her soldiery in the 
field, or in the wisdom and efficiency Avith which her civil administration was 
conducted during the trying period covered by the War of the Rebellion, Iowa 
proved herself the peer of any loyal State. The proclamation of her Governor, 
responsive to that of the President, calling for volunteers to compose her First 
Re>riment, was issued on the fourth day after the fall of Sumter. At the end 
of only a single week, men enough were reported to be in quarters (mostly in 
the vicinity of their own homes) to fill the regiment. These, however, were 
hardly more than a tithe of the number who had been offered by company com- 
manders for acceptance under the President's call. So urgent Avere these ofiers 
that the Governor requested (on the 24th of April) permission to organize an 
additional regiment. While awaiting an answer to this request, he conditionally 
accepted a sufficient number of companies to compose two additional regiments. 
In a short time, he was notified that both of these would be accepted. Soon 
after the completion of the Second and Third Regiments (which was near the 
close of May), the Adjutant General of the State reported that upward of one 
hundred and seventy companies had been tendered to the Governor to serve 
against the enemies of the Union. 

" Much difficulty and considerable delay occured in fitting these regiments 
for the field. For the First Infantry a complete outfit (not uniform) of clothing 
was extemporized — principally by the volunteered labor of loyal women in the 
different towns — from material of various colors and qualities, obtained within 
the limits of the State. The same was done in part for the Second Infantry. 
Meantime, an extra session of the Genei'al Assembly had been called by the 
Governor, to convene on the 15th of May. With but little delay, that body 
authorized a loan of $800,000, to meet the extraordinary expenses incurred, and 
to be incurred, by the Executive Department, in consequence of the new emer- 
gency. A wealthy merchant of the State (Ex-Governor Merrill, then a resident 
of McGregor) immediately took from the Governor a contract to supply a com- 
plete outfit of clothing for the three regiments organized, agreeing to receive, 
should the Governor so elect, his pay therefor in State bonds at par. This con- 



230 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

tract he executed to the letter, and a portion of the clothing (which was manu- 
factured in Boston, to his order) was delivered at Keokuk, the place at which 
the troops had rendezvoused, in exactly one month from the day on which the 
contract had been entered into. The remainder arrived only a few days later. 
This clothing was delivered to the regiment, but was subsequently condemned 
by the Government, for the reason that its color was gray, and blue had been 
adopted as the color to be worn by the national troops." 

Other States also clothed their troops, sent forward under the first call of 
President Lincoln, with gray uniforms, but it was soon found that the con- 
federate forces were also clothed in gray, and that color was at once abandoned 
by the Union troops. If both armies were clothed alike, annoying if not fatal 
mistakes were liable to be made. 

But while engaged in these efibrts to discharge her whole duty in common with 
all the other Union-loving States in the great emergency, Iowa was compelled 
to make immediate and ample provision for the protection of her own borders, 
from threatened invasion on the south by the Secessionists of Missouri, and 
from danger of incursions from the west and northwest by bands of hostile 
Indians, who were freed from the usual restraint imposed upon them by the 
presence of regular troops stationed at the frontier posts. These troops were 
withdrawn to meet the greater and more pressing danger threatening the life of 
the nation at its very heart. 

To provide for the adequate defense of her borders from the ravages of both 
rebels in arms against the Government and of the more irresistible foes from 
the Western plains, the Governor of the State was authorized to raise and equip 
two regiments of infantry, a squadron of cavalry (not less than five companies) 
and a battalion of artillery (not less than three companies.) Only cavalry were 
enlisted for home defense, however, "but,"' says Col. Wood, "in times of special 
danger, or when calls were made by the Unionists of Northerri Missouri for 
assistance against their disloyal enemies, large numbers of militia on foot often 
turned out, and remained in the field until the necessity for their services had 
passed. 

" The first order for the Iowa volunteers to move to the field was received 
on the 13th of June. It was issued by Gen. Lyon, then commanding the 
United States forces in Missouri. The First and Second Infantry immediately 
embarked in steamboats, and moved to Hannibal. Some two weeks later, the 
Third Infantry was ordered to the same point. These three, together with 
many other of the earlier organized Iowa regiments, rendered their first field 
service in Missouri. The First Infantry formed a part of the little army with 
which Gen. Lyon moved on Springfield, and fought the bloody battle of Wilson's 
Creek. It received unqualified praise for its gallant bearing on the field. In 
the following month (September), the Third Iowa, with but very slight support, 
fought with honor the sanguinary engagement of Blue Mills Landing ; and in 
November, the Seventh Iowa, as a part of a force commanded by Gen. Grant, 
greatly distinguished itself in the battle of Belmont, where it poured out its 
blood like water — losing more than half of the men it took into action. 

" The initial operations in which the battles referred to took place were fol- 
lowed by the more important movements led by Gen. Grant, Gen. Curtis, of 
this State, and other commanders, which resulted in defeating the armies 
defending the chief strategic lines held by the Confederates in Kentucky, Tenn- 
nessee, Missouri and Arkansas, and compelling their withdrawal from much of 
the territory previously controlled by them in those States. In these and other 
movements, down to the grand culminating campaign by which Vicksburg was 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 231 

captured and the Confederacy permanently severed on the line of the Mississippi 
River, Iowa troops took part in steadily increasing numbers. In the investment 
and siege of Vicksburg, the State was represented by thirty regiments and two 
batteries, in addition to which, eight regiments and one battery Avere employed 
on the outposts of the besieging array. The brilliancy of their exploits on the 
many fields where they served won for them the highest meed of praise, both 
in military and civil circles. Multiplied were the terms in which expression 
was given to this sentiment, but these words of one of the journals of a neigh- 
boring State, ' The Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes,' embody the 
spirit of all. 

" In the veteran re-enlistments that distinguished the closing months of 1863 
nbove all other periods iji the history of re-enlistments for the national armies, 
the Iowa three years' men (who were relatively more numerous than those of any 
other State) were prompt to set the example of volunteering for another term of 
equal length, thereby adding many thousands to the great army of those who 
gave this renewed and practical assurance that the cause of the Union should 
not be left without defenders. 

" In all the important movements of 1864-65, by which the Confederacy 
was penetrated in every quarter, and its military power finally overthrown, the 
Iowa troops took part. Their drum-beat was heard on the banks of every great 
river of the South, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande, and everywhere they 
rendered the same faithful and devoted service, maintaining on all occasions their 
wonted reputation for valor in the field and endurance on the march. 

" Two Iowa three-year cavalry regiments were employed during their whole 
term of service in the operations that were in progress from 1863 to 1866 
against the hostile Indians of the western plains. A portion of these men were 
among the last of the volunteer troops to be mustered out of service. The State 
also supplied a considerable number of men to the navy, who took part in most 
of the naval operations prosecuted against the Confederate power on the Atlantic 
and Gulf coasts, and the rivers of the West. 

*' The people of Iowa were early and constant workers in the sanitary field, 
and by their liberal gifts and personal efforts for the benefit of the soldiery, ^ 
placed their State in the front rank of those who became distinguished for their 
exhibitions of patriotic benevolence during the period covered by the war. 
Agents appointed by the Governor were stationed at points convenient for ren- 
dering assistance to the sick and needy soldiers of the State, while others were 
employed in visiting, from time to time, hospitals, camps and armies in the field, 
and doing whatever the circumstances rendered possible for the health and 
comfort of such of the Iowa soldiery as might be found there. 

" Some of the benevolent people of the State early conceived the idea of 
establishing a Home for such of the children of deceased soldiers as might be 
left in destitute circumstances. This idea first took form in 1863, and in the 
following year a Home was opened at Farmington, Van Buren County, in a 
building leased for that purpose, and which soon became filled to its utmost 
capacity. The institution received liberal donations from the general public, 
and also from the soldiers in the field. In 1865, it became necessary to pro- 
vide increased accommodations for the large number of children who Avere 
seeking the benefits of its care. This was done by establishing a branch 
at Cedar Falls, in Black Hawk County, and by securing, during the same 
year, for the use of the parent Home, Camp Kinsman near the City of 
Davenport. This property was soon afterward donated to the institution, by 
act of Congress. 



232 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 

"in 1866, in pursuance of a law enacted for that purpose, the Soldiers' 
Orphans' Home (which then contained about four hundred and fifty inmates) 
became a State institution, and thereafter the sums necessary for its support were 
appropriated from the State treasury. A second branch Avas established at 
Glenwood, Mills County. Convenient tracts were secured, and valuable improve- 
ments made at all the different points. Schools were also established, and em- 
ployments provided for such of the children as were of suitable age. In all 
ways the provision made for these wards of the State has been such as to chal- 
lenge the approval of every benevolent mind. The number of children who 
have been inmates of the Home from its foundation to the present time is 
considerably more than two thousand. 

" At the beginning of the war, the population of Iowa included about one 
hundred and fifty thousand men presumably liable to render military service. 
The State raised, for general service, thirty-nine regiments of infantry, nine 
regiments of cavalry, and four companies of artillery, composed of three years' 
men ; one regiment of infantry, composed of three months' men; and four regi- 
ments and one battalion of infantry, composed of one hundred days' men. The 
original enlistments in these various organizations, including seventeen hundred 
and twenty-seven men raised by draft, numbered a little more than sixty-nine 
thousand. The re-enlistments, including upward of seven thousand veterans, 
numbered very nearly eight thousand. The enlistments in the regular army 
and navy, and organizations of other States, will, if added, raise the total to 
upward of eighty thousand. The number of men who, under special enlistments, 
and as militia, took part at different times in the operations on the exposed 
borders of the State, was probably as many as five thousand. 

"Iowa paid no bounty on account of the men she placed in the field. In 
some instances, toward the close of the war, bounty to a comparatively small 
amount was paid by cities and towns. On only one occasion — that of the call 
of July 18, 1864 — was a draft made in Iowa. This did not occur on account of 
her proper liability, as established by previous rulings of the War Department, 
to supply men under that call, but grew out of the great necessity that there 
existed for raising men: The Government insisted on temporarily setting aside, 
in part, the former rule of settlements, and enforcing a draft in all cases where 
subdistricts in any of the States should be found deficient in their supply of 
men. In no instance was Iowa, as a whole, found to be indebted to the General 
Government for men, on a settlement of her quota accounts." 

It is to be said to the honor and credit of Iowa that while many of the loyal 
States, older and larger in population and wealth, incurred heavy State debts 
for the purpose of fulfilling their obligations to the General Government, Iowa, 
while she was foremost in duty, while she promptly discharged all her obligations 
to her sister States and the Union, found herself at the close of the war without 
any material addition to her pecuniary liabilities incurred before the war com- 
menced. Upon final settlement after the restoration of peace, her claims upon 
the Federal Government were found to be fully equal to the amount of her bonds 
issued and sold during the war to provide the means for raising and equipping 
her troops sent into the field, and to meet the inevitable demands upon her 
treasury in consequence of the war. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



233 



NUMBER OF TROOPS FURNISHED BY THE STATE OF IOWA 

DURING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, 

TO JANUARY 1, 1865. 



No. Regiment. 



1st Iowa 

2d 

3d 

4th 

5th 

6th 

7lh 

8th 

9th 
10th 
11th 
12th 
13th 
14th 
15th 
16th 
17th 
18th 
19th 
20th 
21st 
22d 
23d 
24th 
25th 
26th 
27th 
28th 
29th 
30th 
31st 
32d 
33d 
34th 
35th 
36th 
37th 
38th 



Infantry . 



No. of 
men. 



959 

1,247 

1,074 

1,184 

1,087 

1,013 

1,138 

1,027 

1,090 

1,027 

1,022 

981 

989 

840 

1,196 

919 

956 

875 

985 

925 

980 

1,008 

961 

979 

995 

919 

940 

956 

1,005 

978 

977 

925 

985 

953 

984 

986 

914 

910 



No. Regiment. 



39th Iowa Infantry 

40th " 

41st Battalion Iowa Infantry... 
44th Infantry (1 00-day s men). 
45th " " " . 

46th " " " . 

47th " " " . 

48th Battalion '■■ " . 

1st Iowa Cavalry 

2d " " 



No. of 
men. 



3d " " 

4th " " 

5th " " 

6th " " 

7th " " 

8th " " 

9th " " 

Sioux City Cavalry* 

Co. A, 11th Penn. Cavalry. 

1st Battery Artillery 

2d " " 

3d " " 



4th " " 

1st Iowa African Infantry, 60th U. Sf.. 

Dodge's Brigade Band 

Band of 2d Iowa Infantry 1 

Enlistments as far as reported to Jan. 1, 

1864, for the older Iowa regiments 

Enlistments of Iowa men in regiments 
of other States, over 

Total 

Re-enlisted Veterans for different Regi- 
ments 

Additional enlistments 

Grand total as far as reported up to Jan. 
1, 1865 



933 

900 

294 

867 

912 

892 

884 

346 

1,478 

1,394 

1,360 

1,227 

1,245 

1,125 

562 

1,234 

1,178 

93 

87 

149 

123 

142 

152 

903 

14 

10 

2,765 

2,500 

61,653 

7,202 

6,664 



75,519 



This does not include those Iowa men who veteranized in the regiments of other States, nor 
the names of men who enlisted during 1864, in regiments of other Slates. 
* Afterward consolidated with Seventh Cavalry, 
f Only a portion of this regiment was credited to the State. 



234 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



237 





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238 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



POPULATION OF IOWA, 
By Counties. 



COUNTIES. 


AGGREGATE. 




1875. 


1870. 


I860. 


1850. 


1840. 


Voters. 


Adair 


7045 

7832 
19158 

2370 
17405 
28807 
22913 
17251 
13220 
17315 

3561 


3982 

4614 
17868 
16456 

1212 
22454 
21706 
14584 
12528 
17034 

1585 


984 

1533 

12237 

11931 

454 

8496 

8244 

4232 

4915 

7906 

57 






1616 


Adams 






1727 


Allamakee 


777 
3131 




3653 


Appanoose 

Audubon 




627 




3679 


Benton 


672 
135 
735 




4778 


Black Hawk 




4877 


Boone 




3515 


Bremer 




2656 


Buchanan 


517 




3890 


Buena Vista 




817 


Buncombe* 








Butler 


11734 

3185 

5760 

10552 

17879 

6685 

424c^ 

11400 

10118 

3559 

27184 

34295 

6039 

14386 

15757 

13249 

16893 

35415 

1748 

43845 

1436 

20515 

13100 

6558 

13719 

7028 

8134 

9638 

7701 

1482 

15029 

11818 

21594 

7875 

3455 

794 

17456 

23061 

24128 

17127 

24654 

19168 


9951 

1602 

2451 

6464 

19731 

4722 

1967 

10180 

8735 

1523 

27771 

35357 

2530 

12019 

15565 

12018 

17432 

27256 

1389 

38969 

1392 

16973 

10768 

4738 

11173 

4627 

6399 

7061 

6055 

999 

13684 

8931 

21463 

6282 

2596 

226 

16644 

22619 

22116 

17839 

24898 

19731 


3724 

147 

281 

1612 

12949 

940 

58 

4336 

5427 

52 

20728 

18938 

383 

5244 

13764 

8677 

11024 

19611 

180 

31164 

105 

12073 

3744 

1309 

5074 

1374 

793 

3058 

1699 

179 

5440 

3621 

18701 

3168 

332 

43 

8029 

18493 

9883 

15038 

17573 

13306 






2598 


'Calhoun 


' 




681 


Carroll 






1197 


'Cass 






2422 


Cedar 


3941 


1253 


3934 


■Cerro Gordo 


1526 








1001 


'Chickasaw 






2392 


Clarke 


79 




2213 


Clay 




868 


■Clavton 


3873 
2822 


1101 
821 


5272 


'Clinton 


5569 


Crawford 


1244 


Dallas 


854 
7264 

965 

1759 

12988 




3170 
3448 


Decatur 




2882 


Des Moines 


168 
5577 


3662 
6654 


Dickinson 


394 


Dubuque 


10841 


3059 


8759 
299 


Fayette 

Franklin 


825 




4637 




2884 






1374 




1244 




2998 


'Greene 




1622 


Grundv 






1525 


Guthrie 






2339 


Hamilton 






1455 


Hancock 






303 








3215 


Harrison 






2658 




8707 


3772 


4641 


Howard 


1712 








695 


Ida 






172 




822 
7210 
1280 
9904 
4472 
3007 




3576 


Jackson 


1411 


4901 


Jeflferson '. 

Johimon 


5239 


2773 
1491 


3721 


Jones 


471! 4180 



* In 1862, name changed to Lyon. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 



239 



POPULATION OF IOWA— Concluded. 



COUNTIES. 


AGGREGATE. 




1875. 


1870. 


1860. 


1850. 


1840. 


Toters. 


ICeokok 


20488 

3765 

33913 

31815 

12499 

11725 

1139 

16030 

23718 

24094 

19629 

10556 

11623 

2267 

12811 

10389 

21623 

2349 

1778 

14274 

2728 

6282 

2249 

31558 

21665 

16482 

7546 

2873 

39763 

5664 

3720 

13111 

18771 

10418 

8827 

17980 

18541 

19269 

23865 

13978 

13114 

24233 

2986 

8568 

4908 

3244 


19434 

3351 

38210 

28852 

12877 

10388 

221 

13884 

22508 

24436 

17576 

8718 

9582 

3654 

12724 

5934 

21688 

715 


13271 
416 
29232 
18947 
10370 
6766 


4822' 


4202 


Kossuth 


773 


Lee 




18861 

5444 

4939 

471 


6093 
1373 
1927 


6709 


Linn 


7274 




2899 


Lucas 


2464 


Lyon* 




287 


Madison 


7339 

14816 

16813 

6016 

4481 

3409 

832 

8612 

1256 

16444 

8 


1179 

5989 

6482 

338 




2632 


IVISibfiskd. *. 




5287 


Marion 




4988 


Marshall 




4445 


Mills 






2366 


Mitchell 






2338 


Monona 






1292 


Alonroe 


2884 




2743 






2485 


Aluscatine 


6731 


1942 


6688 




595 








498 




9975 

1336 

2199 

1446 

27857 

16893 

15581 

6691 

1411 

38599 

2540 

576 

11651 

16131 

6989 

6986 

17672 

22346 

17980 

18952 

11287 

10484 

1562 

23570 

6172 

2892 

2392 


4419 

132 

148 

103 

11625 

4968 

5668 

2923 

246 

25969 

818 

10 

4051 

5285 

3590 

2012 

17081 

14618 

10281 

14235 

6409 

2604 

168 

13942 

1119 

756 

663 


651 




3222 


Palo Alto 




656 








1136 


Pocahontas 






464 


Polk 


4513 


6842 


Pottawattomie 


7828 
616 




4392 






3634 


Rinsrarold 






1496 






657 


Scott 


5986 2140 


7109 




1084 


Sioux 


1 


637 






2574 


Tama 


8 
204 




3911 






2282 


Union 




1924 




12270 6146 


3893 


Wapello 


8471 
961 

4957 
340 




3923 






4168 


Washington 


1594 


5346 




2947 


Webster 




3747 







4117 


Winneshiek 


546 




406 


"Worth 




1776 




763 






694 










1353118 


1191792 


674913 


192214 43112 


284657 






* Fonnerly Buncombe. 





240 THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 



ILLINOIS. 

Length, 380 miles, mean width about 156 miles. Area, 55,410 squar9 
miles, or 35,462,400 acres. Illinois, as regards its surface, constitutes a 
table-land at a varying elevation ranging between 350 and 800 feet above 
the sea level ; composed of extensive and highly fertile prairies and plains. 
Much of the south division of the State, especially the river-bottoms, are 
thickly wooded. The prairies, too, have oasis-like clumps of trees 
scattered here and there at intervals. The chief rivers irrigating the 
State are the Mississippi — dividing it from Iowa and Missouri — the Ohio 
(forming its south barrier), the Illinois, Wabash, Kaskaskia, and San- 
gamon, with their numerous affluents. The total extent of navigable 
streams is calculated at 4,000 miles. Small lakes are scattered over vari- 
ous parts of the State. Illinois is extremely prolific in minerals, chiefly 
coal, iron, copper, and zinc ores, sulphur and limestone. The coal-field 
alone is estimated to absorb a full third of the entire coal-deposit of North 
America. Climate tolerably equable and healthy ; the mean temperature 
standing at about 51° Fahrenheit As an agricultural region, Illinois takes 
a competitive rank with neighboring States, the cereals, fruits, and root- 
crops yielding plentiful returns ; in fact, as a grain-growing State, Illinois 
may be deemed, in proportion to her size, to possess a greater area of 
lands suitable for its production than any other State in the Union. Stock- 
raising is also largely carried on, while her manufacturing interests in 
regard of woolen fabrics, etc., are on a very extensive and yearly expand- 
ing scale. The lines of railroad in the State are among the most exten- 
sive of the Union. Inland water-carriage is facilitated by a canal 
connecting the Illinois River with Lake Michigan, and thence with the 
St. Lawrence and Atlantic. Illinois is divided into 102 counties ; the 
chief towns being Chicago, Springfield (capital), Alton, Quincy, Peoria, 
Galena, Bloomington, Rock Island, Vandalia, etc. By the new Consti- 
tution, established in 1870, the State Legislature consists of 51 Senators, 
elected for four years, and 153 Representatives, for two years ; which 
numbers were to be decennially increased thereafter to the number of 
six per every additional half-million of inhabitants. Religious and 
educational institutions are largely diffused throughout, and are in a very 
flourishing condition. .Illinois has a State Lunatic and a Deaf and Dumb 
Asylum at Jacksonville ; a State Penitentiary at Joliet ; and a Home for 

(99) 



THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 



241 



Soldiers' Orphans at Normal. On November 30, 1870, the public debt of 
the State was returned at $4,870,937, with a balance of 81,808,833 
unprovided for. At the same period the value of assessed and equalized 
property presented the following totals : assessed, $840,031,703 ; equal- 
ized $480,664,058. The name of Illinois, through nearly the whole of 
the eighteenth century, embraced most of the known regions north and 
west of Ohio. French colonists established themselves in 1673, at 
Cahokia and Kaskaskia, and t^he territory of which these settlements 
formed the nucleus was, in 1763, ceded to Great Britain in conjunction 
with Canada, and ultimately resigned to the United States in 1787. 
Illinois entered the Union as a State, December 8, 1818; and now sends 
19 Representatives to Congress. Population, 2,539,891, in 1870. 







sliv^*" 



I 



242 THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 



INDIANA. 



Tlie profile of Indiana forms a nearly exact parallelogram, occupy- 
ing one of the most fertile portions of the great Mississippi Valley. The 
greater extent of the surface embraced within its limits consists of gentle 
undulations rising into hilly tracts toward the Ohio bottom. The chief 
rivers of the State are the Ohio and Wabash, with their numerous 
affluents. The soil is highly productive of the cereals and grasses — most 
particularly so in the valleys of the Ohio, Wabash, Whitew^ater, and 
White Rivers. The northeast and central portions are well timbered 
with virgin forests, and the west section is notably rich in coal, constitut- 
ing an offshoot of the great Illinois carboniferous field. Iron, copper, 
marble, slate, gypsum, and various clays are also abundant. From an 
agricultural point of view, the staple products are maize and wheat, with 
the other cereals in lesser yields ; and besides these, flax, hemp, sorghum.^ 
hops, etc., are extensively raised. Indiana is divided into 92 counties^ 
and counts among her principal cities and towns, those of Indianapolis 
(the capital). Fort Wayne, Evansville, Terre Haute, Madison, Jefferson- 
ville, Columbus, Vincennes, South Bend, etc. The public institutions of 
the State are many and various, and on a scale of magnitude and. 
efficiency commensurate with her important political and industrial status. 
Upward of two thousand miles of railroads permeate the State in all 
.directions, and* greatly conduce to the development of her expanding 
manufacturing interests. Statistics for the fiscal year terminating 
October 31, 1870, exhibited a total of receipts, $3,896,541 as against dis- 
bursements, $3,532,406, leaving a balance, $364,135 in favor of the State 
Treasury. The entire public debt, January 5, 1871, $3,971,000. This 
State was first settled by Canadian voyageurs in 1702, who erected a fort 
at Vincennes ; in 1763 it passed into the hands of the English, and was 
by the latter ceded to the United States in 1783. From 1788 till 1791, 
an Indian w^arefare prevailed. In 1800, all the region west and north of 
Ohio (then formed into a distinct territory) became merged in Indiana. 
In 1809, the present limits of the State were defined, Michigan and 
Illinois having previously been withdrawn. In 1811, Indiana was the 
theater of the Indian War of Tecumseh, ending with the decisive battle 
of Tippecanoe. In 1816 (December 11), Indiana became enrolled among 
the States of the American Union. In 1834, the State passed through a 
monetary crisis owing to its having become mixed up with railroad, 
canal, and other speculations on a gigantic scale, which ended, for the 
ume being, in a general collapse of public credit, and consequent bank- 
ruptcy. Since that time, however, the greater number of the public 



THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 243 

works which had brought about that imbroglio — especially the great 
Wabash and Erie Canal — have been completed, to the great benefit of 
the State, whose subsequent progress has year by year been marked by 
rapid strides in the paths of wealth, commerce, and general social and 
political prosperity. The constitution now in force was adopted in 1851. 
Population, 1,680,637. 



IOWA. 

In shape, Iowa presents an almost perfect parallelogram ; has a 
length, north to south, of about 300 miles, by a pretty even width of 208 
miles, and embraces an area of 55,045 square miles, or 35,228,800 acres. 
The surface of the State is generally undulating, rising toward the 
middle into an elevated plateau which forms the " divide " of the 
Missouri and Mississippi basins. Rolling prairies, especially in the south 
section, constitute a regnant feature, and the river bottoms, belted with 
woodlands, present a soil of the richest alluvion. Iowa is well watered ; 
the principal rivers being the Mississippi and Missouri, which form 
respectively its east and west limits, and the Cedar, Iowa, and Des 
Moines, affluents of the first named. Mineralogically, Iowa is important 
as occupying a section of the great Northwest coal field, to the extent of 
an area estimated at 25,000 square miles. Lead, copper, zinc, and iron, 
are also mined in considerable quantities. The soil is well adapted to 
the production of wheat, maize, and the other cereals ; fruits, vegetables, 
and esculent roots; maize, wheat, and oats forming the chief staples. 
Wine, tobacco, hops, and wax, are other noticeable items of the agricul- 
tural yield. Cattle-raising, too, is a branch ofi rural industry largely 
engaged in. The climate is healthy, although liable to extremes of heat 
and cold. The annual gross product of the various manufactures carried 
on in this State approximate, in round numbers, a sum of -$20,000,000. 
Iowa has an immense railroad system, besides over 500 miles of water- 
communication by means of its navigable rivers. The State is politically 
divided into 99 counties, with the following centers of population : Des 
Moines (capital), Iowa City (former capital), Dubuque, Davenport, Bur- 
lington, Council Bluffs, Keokuk, Muscatine, and Cedar Rapids. The 
State institutions of Iowa — religious, scholastic, and philanthropic — are 
on a par, as regards number and perfection of organization and operation, 
with those of her Northwest sister States, and education is especially 
well cared for, and largely diffused. Iowa formed a portion of the 
American territorial acquisitions from France, by the so-called Louisiana 
purchase in 1803, and was politically identified with Louisiana till 1812, 



244 THE NORTinVESTERN STATES. 

when it merged into the Missouri Territory; in 1834 it came under the 
Michigan organization, and, in 1836, under that of Wisconsin. Finally, 
after being constituted an independent Territory, it became a State of 
the Union, December 28, 1846. Population in 1860, 674,913 ; in 1870, 
1,191,792, and in 1875, 1,353,118. 



MICHIGAN. 

United area, 56,243 square miles, or 35,995,520 acres. Extent of the 
Upper and smaller Peninsula — length, 316 miles; breadth, fluctuating 
between 36 and 120 miles. The south division is 416 miles long, by from 
50 to 300 miles wide. Aggregate lake-shore line, 1,400 miles. The 
Upper, or North, Peninsula consists chiefly of an elevated plateau, 
expanding into the Porcupine mountain-system, attaining a maximum 
height of some 2,000 feet. Its shores along Lake Superior are eminently 
bold and picturesque, and its area is rich in minerals, its product of 
copper constituting an important source of industry. Both divisions are 
heavily wooded, and the South one, in addition, boasts of a deep, rich, 
loamy soil, throwing up excellent crops of cereals and other agricultural 
produce. The climate is generally mild and humid, though the Winter . 
colds are severe. The chief staples of farm husbandry include the cereals, 
grasses, maple sugar, sorghum, tobacco, fruits, and dairy-stuffs. In 1870, 
the acres of land in farms were : improved, 5,096,939 ; unimproved 
woodland, 4,080,146 ; other unimproved land, 842,057. The cash value 
of land was $398,240,578 ; of farming implements and machinery, 
$13,711,979. In 1869, there were shipped from the Lake Superior ports, 
874,582 tons of iron ore, and 45,762 of smelted pig, along with 14,188 
tons of copper (ore and ingot). Coal is another article largely mined. 
Inland communication is provided for by an admirably organized railroad 
system, and by the St. Mary's Ship Canal, connecting Lakes Huron and 
Superior. Michigan is politically divided into 78 counties ; its chief 
urban centers are Detroit, Lansing (capital), Ann Arbor, Marquette, 
Bay City, Niles, Ypsilanti, Grand Haven, etc. The Governor of the 
State is elected biennially. On November 80, 1870, the aggregate bonded 
debt of Michigan amounted to $2,385,028, and the assessed valuation of 
land to $266,929,278, representing an estimated cash value of $800,000,000. 
Education is largely diffused and most excellently conducted and pro- 
vided for. The State University at Ann Arbor, the colleges of Detroit 
and Kalamazoo, the Albion Female College, the State Normal School at 
Ypsilanti, and the State Agricultural College at Lansing, are chief among 
the academic institutions. Michigan (a term of Chippeway origin, and 



THE NORTHAVESTERN STATES. 245 

signifying " Great Lake), was discovered and first settled by French 
Canadians, who, in 1670, founded Detroit, the pioneer of a series of trad- 
ing-posts on the Indian frontier. During the " Conspiracy of Pontiac," 
following the French loss of Canada, Michigan Ijecame the scene of a 
sanguinary struggle between the whites and aborigines. In 1796, it 
became annexed to tlie United States, which incorporated this region 
with the Northwest Territory, and then with Indiana Territory, till 1803, 
when it became territorially independent. Michigan was the theater of 
warlike operations during the war of 1812 with Great Britain, and in 
1819 Avas authorized to be represented by one delegate in Congress ; iii 
1837 she was admitted into the Union as a State, and in 1869 ratified the 
loth Amendment to the Federal Constitution. Population, 1,184,059. 



WISCONSIN. 

It has a mean length of 260 miles, and a maximum breadth of 215. 
Land area, 53,924 square miles, or 34,511,360 acres. Wisconsin lies at a 
considerable altitude above sea-level, and consists for the most part of an 
upland plateau, the surface of which is undulating -and very generally 
diversified. Numerous local eminences called mounds are interspersed 
over the State, and the Lake Michigan coast-line is in many parts char- 
acterized by loft}^ escarped cliffs, even as on the west side the banks of 
the Mississippi form a series of high and picturesque bluffs. A group of 
islands known as The Apostles lie off the extreme north point of the 
State in Lake Superior, and the great estuary of Green Bay, running far 
inland, gives formation to a long, narrow peninsula between its waters 
and those of Lake Michigan. The river-system of Wisconsin has three 
outlets — those of Lake Superior, Green Bay, and the Mississippi, which 
latter stream forms the entire southwest frontier, widening at one point 
into the large watery expanse called Lake Pepin. Lake Superior receives 
the St. Louis, Burnt Wood, and Montreal Rivers ; Green Bay, the 
Menomonee, Peshtigo, Oconto, and Fox ; while into the Mississippi 
empty the St. Croix, Chippewa, Black, Wisconsin, and Rock Rivers. 
The chief interior lakes are those of Winnebago, Horicon, and Court 
Oreilles, and smaller sheets of water stud a great jiart of the surface. 
The climate is healthful, with cold Winters and brief but verv warm 
Summers. Mean annual rainfall 31 inches. The geological system 
represented b}' the State, embraces those rocks included between the 
primary and the Devonian series, the former containing extensive 
deposits of copper and iron ore. Besides these minerals, lead and zinc 
are found in great quantities, together with kaolin, plumbago, gypsum, 



246 THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 

and various clays. Mining, consequently, forms a prominent industry^ 
and one of yearly increasing dimensions. The soil of Wisconsin is of 
varying quality, but fertile on the whole, and in the north parts of the 
State heavily timbered. The agricultural yield comprises the cereals, 
together with flax, hemp, tobacco, pulse, sorgum, and all kinds of vege- 
tables, and of the hardier fruits. In 1870, the State had a total number 
of 102,904 farms, occupying 11,715,321 acres, of which 5,899,343 con- 
sisted of improved land, and 3,437,442 were timbered. Cash value of 
farms, 8300,414,064 ; of farm implements and machinery, 814,239,364. 
Total estimated value of all farm products, including betterments and 
additions to stock, $78,027,032 ; of orchard and dairy stuffs, -$1,045,933 ; 
of lumber, $1,327,618 ; of home manufactures, $338,423 ; of all live-stock, 
$45,310,882. Number of manufacturing establishments, 7,136, employ- 
ing 39,055 hands, and turning out productions valued at $85,624,906. 
The political divisions of the State form 61 counties, and the chief places 
of wealth, trade, and population, are Madison (the capital), Milwaukee, 
Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Pr.iirie du Chien, Janesville, Portage City, 
Racine, Kenosha, and La Crosse. In 1870, the total assessed valuation 
reached $333,209,838, as against a true valuation of both real and personal 
estate aggregating $602,207,329. Treasury receipts during 1870, $886,- 
696 ; disbursements, $906,329. Value of church property, $4,749,983. 
Education is amply provided for. Independently of the State University 
at Madison, and those of Galesville and of Lawrence at Appleton, and 
the colleges of Beloit, Racine, and Milton, there are Normal Schools at 
Platteville and Whitewater. The State is divided into 4,802 common 
school districts, maintained at a cost, in 1870, of $2,094,160. The chari- 
table institutions of Wisconsin include a Deaf and Dumb Asylum, an 
Institute for the Education of the Blind, and a Soldiers' Orphans' School. 
In January, 1870, the railroad system ramified throughout the State 
totalized 2,779 miles of track, including several lines far advanced toward 
completion. Immigration is successfully encouraged by the State author- 
ities, the larger number of yearly new-comers being of Scandinavian and 
German origin. The territory now occupied within the limits of the 
State of Wisconsin was explored by French missionaries and traders in 
1639, and it remained under French jurisdiction until 1703, when it 
became annexed to the British North American possessions. In 1796, it 
reverted to the United States, the government of which latter admitted 
it within the limits of the Northwest Territory, and in 1809, attached it 
to that of Illinois, and to Michigan in 1818. Wisconsin became independ- 
ently territorially organized in 1836, and became a State of the Union, 
March 3, 1847. Population in 1870, l,0f)4,985, of which 2,113 were of 
the colored race, and 11,521 Indians, 1,206 of the latter being out of 
tribal relations. 



THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 247 



MINNESOTA. 



Its length, north to south, embraces an extent of 380 miles ; its 
oreadth one of 250 miles at a maximum. Area, 84,000 square miles, or 
54,760,000 acres. The surface of Minnesota, generally speaking, con- 
sists of a succession of gently undulating plains and prairies, drained by 
an admirable water-system, and with here and there heavih- timbered 
bottoms and belts of virgin forest. The soil, corresponding with such a 
superfices, is exceptionally rich, consisting for the most part of a dark,' 
calcareous sandy drift intermixed with loam. A distinguishing- physical 
feature of this State is its riverine ramifications, expanding in nearly 
every part of it into almost innumerable lakes — the whole presenting an 
aggregate of water-power having hardly a rival in the Union. Besides 
the Mississippi — which here has its rise, and drains a basin of 800 miles 
of country — the principal streams are the Minnesota (334 miles long), 
the Red River of the North, the St. Croix, St. Louis, and many others of 
lesser importance ; the chief lakes are those called Red, Cass, Leech, 
Mille Lacs, Vermillion, and Winibigosh. Quite a concatenation of sheets 
of water fringe the frontier line where Minnesota joins British America, 
culminating in the Lake of the Woods. It has been estimated, that of 
an area of 1,200,000 acres of surface between the St. Croix and Mis- 
sissippi Rivers, not less than 73,000 acres are of lacustrine formation. In 
point of minerals, the resources of Minnesota have as yet been very 
imperfectly develojied ; iron, copper, coal, lead — all'these are known to 
exist in considerable deposits ; together with salt, limestone, and potter's 
clay. The agricultural outlook of the State is in a high degree satis- 
factory ; wheat constitutes the leading cereal in cultivation, with Indian 
corn and oats in next order. Fruits and vegetables are grown in great 
plenty and of excellent quality. The lumber resources of Minnesota are 
important ; the pine forests in the north region alone occupying an area 
of some 21,000 square miles, which in 1870 produced a return of scaled 
logs amounting to 313,116,416 feet. The natural industrial advantages 
possessed by Minnesota are largely improved upon by a railroad system. 
The political divisions of this State number 78 counties; of which the 
chief cities and towns are : St. Paul (the capital), Stillwater, Red Wing, 
St. Anthony, Fort Snelling, Minneapolis, and Mankato. Minnesota has 
already assumed an attitude of high importance as a manufacturing State ; 
this is mainly due to the wonderful command of water-power she pos- 
sesses, as before spoken of. Besides her timber-trade, the milling of 
flour, the distillation of whisky, and the tanning of leather, are prominent 
interests, which in 1869, gave returns to the amount of -$14,831,043. 



248 THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 

Education is notably provided for on a broad and catholic scale, the 
entire amount expended scholastically during the year 1870 being $857,- 
816 ; while on November 30 of the jDreceding year the permanent school 
fund stood at $2,476,222. Besides a University and Agricultural College, 
Normal and Reform Schools flourish, and with these may be mentioned 
such various philanthropic and religious institutions as befit the needs of 
an intelligent and prosperous community. The finances of the State for 
the fiscal year terminating December 1, 1870, exhibited a balance on the 
right side to the amount of $136,164, being a gain of $44,000 over the 
previous year's figures. The earliest exploration of Minnesota by the 
whites was made in 1680 by a French Franciscan, Father Hennepin, who 
gave the name of St. Antony to the Great Falls on the Upper Missisippi. 
In 1763, the Treaty of Versailles ceded this region to England. 
Twenty years later, Minnesota formed part of the Northwest Territory 
transferred to the United States, and became herself territorialized inde- 
pendently in 1849. Indian cessions in 1851 enlarged her boundaries, and, 
May 11, 1857, Minnesota became a unit of the great American federation 
of States. Population, 439,706. 



NEBRASKA. 

Maximum length, 412 miles ; extreme breadth, 208 miles. Area, 
75,905 square miles, or 48,636,800 acres. The surface of this State is 
almost entirely undulating prairie, and forms part of the west slope of 
the great central basin of the North American Continent. In its west 
division, near the base of the Rocky Mountains, is a sandy belt of 
country, irregularly defined. In this part, too, are the " dunes," resem- 
bling a wavy sea of sandy billows, as well as the Mauvaises Terres, a tract 
of singular formation, produced by eccentric disintegrations and denuda- 
tions of the land. The chief rivers are the Missouri, constituting its en- 
tire east line of demarcation ; the Nebraska or P-latte, the Niobrara, the 
Republican Fork of the Kansas, the Elkhorn, and the Loup Fork of the 
Platte. The soil is very various, but consisting chiefly of rich, bottomy 
loam, admirably adapted to the raising of heavy crops of cereals. All 
the vegetables and fruits of the temperate zone are produced in great 
size and plenty. For grazing purposes Nebraska is a State exceptionally 
well fitted, a region of not' less than 23,000,000 acres being adaptable to 
this branch of husbandry. It is believed that the, as yet, compai'atively 
infertile tracts of land found in various parts of the State are susceptible 
of productivity by means of a properly conducted system of irrigation. 
Few minerals of moment have so far l>eeu found within the limits of 



THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 



249 



Nebraska, if we may except important saline deposits at the head of Salt 
Creeic in its southeast section. The State is divided into 57 counties, 
independent of the Pawnee and Winnebago Indians, and of unorganized 
territory in the northwest part. The principal towns are Omaha, Lincoln 
(State capital), Nebraska City, Columbus, Grand Island, etc. In 1870, 
the total assessed value of property amounted to 153,000,000, l)eing an 
increase of 111,000,000 over the previous year's returns. The total 
amount received from the school-fund during the year 1869-70 was 
■177,990. Education is making great onward strides, the State University 
and an Agricultural College being far advanced toward completion. In 
the matter of railroad communication, Nebraska bids fair to soon place 
herself on a par with her neighbors to the east. Besides being inter- 
sected by the Union Pacific line, with its oif-shoot, the Fremont and Blair, 
other tracks are in course of rapid construction. Organized by Con- 
gressional Act into a Territory, May 30, 1854, Nebraska entered the 
Union as a full State, March 1, 1867. Population, 122,993. 




IITIXTIXG PK.UEIE WOLVES IX AX rAKLY DAY. 



250 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

We, the people of the United States^ in order to form a more perfect union, 
establish justice, in^^ure dotnestic tranquillity, jyfovide for the common 
defense, promote the general ivelfare, and secure the blessings of liberty 
to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution 
for the United States of America. 

Article I. 

Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in 
a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and 
House of Representatives. 

Sec. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of mem- 
bers chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the 
electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of 
the most numerous branch of the State Legislature. 

No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the 
age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United 
States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in 
which he shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the sev- 
eral states which may be included within this Union, according to their 
res23ective numbers, Avhich shall be determined by adding to the whole 
number of free jDersons, including those bound to service for a term of 
years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. 
The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first 
meeting- of the Congress of the United States, and within every subse- 
quent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The 
number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, 
but each state shall have at least one Representative ; and until such 
enumeration shall be made the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled 
to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylva- 
nia eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, 
and Georgia three. 

When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the 
Executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such 
vacancies. 

The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other 
officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

Sec. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two 
Senators from each state, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years ; 
and each Senator shall have one vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first 
election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. 
The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expira- 



AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 251 

tion of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth 
year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that 
one-third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by 
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the Legislature of any state, 
the Executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next 
meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacajcies. 

No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age 
of thirty years and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and 
who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he 
shall be chosen. 

Tlie Vice-President of the United States shall be President of th 
Senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided. 

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President jyro 
tempore^ in the absence of the Vice-President, or when he shall exercise 
the office of President of the United States. 

The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When 
sitting for that purpose they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the 
President of the United States is tried the Chief Justice shall preside. 
And no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds 
of the members present. 

Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than to 
removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of 
honor, trust, or profit under the United States; but the party convicted 
shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, 
and punishment according to law. 

Sec. 4. The times, places and manner of holding elections for Sen- 
ators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the Legis- 
lature thereof ; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter 
such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators. 

The -Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such 
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by 
law appoint a different day. 

Sec. 5. Each house shall be the judge of the election, returns, and 
qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute 
a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to 
day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members 
in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its 
members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, 
expel a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to 
time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judgment, 
require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house 
on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered 
on the journal. 

Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the 
consent of the other, adjourn for more tlian three days, nor to any other 
place than that in M'hich the two houses shall be sitting. 

Sec. 6. Tlie Senators and Representatives shall receive a compen- 
sation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the 
treasury of the United States. They shall in ail cases, except treason, 



252 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 

felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their 
attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and 
returning from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house 
they shall not be questioned in any other place. 

No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was 
elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United 
States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall 
have been increased during such time ; and no person holding any office 
under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his 
continuance in office. 

Sec. 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of 
Representatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments 
as on ( ther bills. 

Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and 
the Senate, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President 
- the United States ; if he approve he shall sign it ; but if not he shall 
return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have origi- 
nated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and 
proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration two-thirds of that 
house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objec- 
tions, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if 
approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all 
such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, 
and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered 
on the jouftial of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned 
by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted), after it shall have 
been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he 
had signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its 
return, in which case it shall not be a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the 
Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a 
question of adjournment), shall be presented to the President of the 
United States, and before the same shall take effect shall be approved by 
him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be re-passed by two-thirds of 
the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and lim- 
itations prescribed in the case of a bill. 

Sec. 8. The Congress shall have power — 

To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts, 
and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United 
States ; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout 
the United States ; 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States ; 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several 
Str.tes, and with the Indian tribes ; 

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on 
the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States ; 

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and 
fix the standard of weis^hts and measures ; 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and 
current coin of the United States ; 

To establish post offices and post roads ; 



AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 253 

To promote the j^rogress of sciences and useful arts, by securing, 
for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their 
respective writings and discoveries ; 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ; 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high 
seas, and oifenses against the law of nations ; 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules 
concerning captures on land and water ; 

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that 
use shall be for a longer term than two years ; 

To provide and maintain a navy ; 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and 
naval forces ; ' 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the 
Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions ; 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and 
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the 
United States, reserving to the states respectively the appointment of the 
officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the disci- 
pline prescribed by Congress ; 

To exercise legislation in all cases whatsoever over such district (not 
exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the 
acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United 
States, and to exercise like autliority over all places purchased by the 
consent of the Legislature of the state in which the same shall be. for 
the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful 
buildings ; and 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying 
into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this 
Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any depart- 
ment or officer thereof. 

Sec. 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the 
states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited 
by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight. 
but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten 
dollars for each person. 

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, 
unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may 
require it. 

No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 

No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion 
to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. 

No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or rev 
enue to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels 
bound to or from one state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in 
another. 

No money shall be drawn from the Treasviry, but in consequence of 
appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of 
the receipts and expeditures of all public money shall be published from 
time to time. 



254 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States : and no 
person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the 
consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title 
of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. 

Sec. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confeder- 
ation ; grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of 
credit ; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of 
debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the 
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. 

No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts 
or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary 
for executing its inspection laws, and the net produce of all duties and 
imposts laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the 
Treasury of the United States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the 
revision and control of the Congress. 

No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on 
tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any 
agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or 
engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as wil] 
not admit of delay. 

Article II. 

Section 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of 
the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term 
of four years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same 
term, be elected as follows:. 

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof 
may direct, a number of Electors, equal to the whole number of Senators 
and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in the Congress ; 
but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or 
profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. 

[*The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by 
ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of 
the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the 
persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list they 
shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government 
of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The Pres- 
ident of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. 
The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal 
number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately 
choose by ballot one of them for President ; and if no person have a ma- 
jority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like 
manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the vote 
shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one 
vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members 
from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be 
necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the President, 

* This clause between brackets has been superseded and annulled by the Twelfth amendm*»n* 



AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 255 

the person having the greatest number of votes of the Electors shall be 
the Vice-President. But if there should remain two or more who have 
equal votes, the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice-Presi- 
dent.] 

The Congress may determine the time of choosing the Electors, and 
the day on which the)'- shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same 
throughout the United States. 

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United 
States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible 
to the office of President ; neither shall any person be eligible to that 
office who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, and been 
fourteen years a resident within the United States. 

In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, 
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said 
office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-President, and the Congress 
may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inabil- 
ity, both of the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall 
then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the dis- 
ability be removed, or a President shall be elected. 

The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a com- 
pensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the 
period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive 
within that period any other emolument from the United States or any of 
them. 

Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the fol- 
lowing oath or affirmation : 

" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the 
office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, 
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." 

Sec. 2. The President shall be commander in chief of the army and 
navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when 
called into the actual service of the United States ; he may require the 
opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive 
departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective 
offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardon for offenses 
against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present con- 
cur; ar)d he shall nominate, and by and with the advice of the Senate, 
shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of 
the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States whose 
appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be 
established by law ; but the Congress may by law vest the appointment 
of such inferior officers as they think proper in the President alone, in 
the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. 

The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may 
happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which 
shall expire at the end of their next session. 

Sec. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information 
of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such mea- 
sures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may on extraordinary 



256 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 

occasions convene both houses, or either of them, and in case of disagree- 
ment between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may 
adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive 
ambassadors and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be 
faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United 
States. 

Sec. 4. The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the 
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and con 
viction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. 

Article III. 

Section I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested 
in one Supreme Court, and such inferior courts as the Congress may from 
time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme and 
inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall, at 
stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be 
diminished during their continuance in office. 

Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and 
equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and 
treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority ; to all cases 
affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls ; to all cases of 
admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United 
States shall be a party ; to controversies between two or more states ; 
between a state and citizens of another state ; between citizens of differ- 
ent states ; between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants 
of different states, and between a state or the citizens thereof, and foreign 
states, citizens, or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, 
and those in which a state shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have 
original jurisdiction. 

In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall 
have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions 
and under such regulations as the Congress shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be hy 
jury ; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall 
have been committed ; but when not committed within an}^ state, the 
trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have 
directed. 

Sec. 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levy- 
ing war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid 
and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the tes- 
timony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open 
court. 

The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason 
but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture 
except during the life of the person attainted. 

Article IV. 

Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the 
public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. A_ud 



AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 257 

the Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which such 
acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and tlie effect thereof. 

Sec. 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges 
and immunities of citizens in the several states. 

A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, 
who shall llee from justice and be found in another state, shall, on demand 
of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered 
up, to be removed to the state having jurisdicl'.on of the crime. 

No person held to service or labor in one state, under the laws thereof 
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation 
therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered 
up on the claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. 

Sec. 3. New states may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ; 
but no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any 
other state ; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, 
or parts of states, without the consent of the Legislatures of the states 
concerned, as well as of the Congress. 

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful 
rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging 
to the United States ; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed 
as to prejudice any claims of the United States or of any particular state. 

Sec. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this 
Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them 
against invasion, and on application of the Legislature, or of the Execu- 
tive (when the Legislature can not be convened), against domestic vio- 
lence. 

Article V. 

The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it 
necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the ap- 
plication of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall call 
a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be 
valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution, when rati- 
fied by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by con- 
ventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifi- 
cation may. be proposed by the Congress. Provided that no amendment 
which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and 
eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in tlie ninth 
section of the first article ; and that no state, without its consent, shall 
be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. 

Article VI. 

All debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adop- 
tion of this Constitution shall be as valid against the United States under 
this Constitution as under the Confederation. 

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be 
made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made, 
under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the 
land ; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in 
the Constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the mem- 



258 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 



"bers of the several state Legislatures, and all executive and judicial offi- 
cers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound 
by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution ; but no religious test 
shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under 
the United States. 

Article VII. 

The ratification of the Conventions of nine states shall be sufficient 
for the establishment of this Constitution between the states so ratifying 
the same. 

Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present, the 
seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the independence of the 
United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereof we have 
hereunto subscribed our names. 

GEO. WASHINGTON, 

President and Deputy from Virginia, 



New Hampshire. 
John Langdon, 
Nicholas Gilman. 

Massachusetts. 
Nathaniel Gorham, 
RuFus King. 

Connecticut. 
Wm. Sam'l Johnson, 
Roger Sherman. 



Delaware. 
Geo. Read, 
John Dickinson, 
Jaco. Broom, 
Gunning Bedford, Jr., 
Richard Bassett. 

Maryland. 
James jNF Henry, 
Danl. Carroll, 
Dan. of St. Thos. Jenifer. 



JSTew YorTc. 
Alexander Hamilton. 

Neiv Jersey. 
WiL. Livingston, 
Wm. Paterson, 
David Brearley, 
JoNA. Dayton. 



Virginia. 
John Blair, 
James jSIadison, Jr. 

North Carolina. 
Wm. Blount, 
Hu. Williamson, 
Rich'd Dobbs Spaight. 



Pennsylvania. 
B. Franklin, 
RoBT. Morris, 
Thos. Fitzsusions, 
James Wilson, 
Thos. Mifflin, 
Geo. Clymer, 
Jared Ingersoll, 
Gouv. Morris. 



South Carolina. 
J. Rutledge, 
Charles Pinckney, 
Chas. Cotesworth Pinckney, 
Pierce Butler. 

Georgia. 
William Few, 
Abr. Baldwin. 

WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary. 



AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 259 



Articles in Addition to and Amendatory of the Constitution 
OP the United States of America. 

Proposed hy Congress and ratified hy the Legislatures of the several states, 
pursuant to the fifth article of the original Constitution. 

Article I. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment cf religion, 
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of 
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, 
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 

Article II. 

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free 
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. 

Article III. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without 
the consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in a manner to be pre- 
scribed by law. 

Article IV. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, 
and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be vio- 
lated ; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by 
oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched 
and the persons or things to be seized. 

Article V. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous 
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in 
cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual 
service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject 
for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall 
be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be 
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor 
shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. 

Article VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a 
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district 
wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have 
been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and 
cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against him ; 
to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor ; and to 
have the assistance of counsel for his defense. 

Article VII. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed 
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact 



260 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 

tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United 
States than according to tlie rules of the common law. 

Article VIII. 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, 
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

Article IX. 

The enumeration, in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be 
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

Article X. 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, 
nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, 
or to the people. 

Article XI. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to 
extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one 
of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or sub- 
jects of any foreign state. 

Article XII. 

The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot 
for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an 
inhabitant of the same state with themselves ; they shall name in their 
ballots the person to be voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the 
person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of 
all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice- 
President, and of the number of votes for each, which list they shall sign 
and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United 
States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the 
Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, 
open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person 
having the greatest number of votes for President shall be the President, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the 
highest number not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as 
President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by 
ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be 
taken by States, the representation from each state having one vote; a 
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two- 
thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to 
a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a Presi- 
dent whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the 
fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as 
President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of 
the President. The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice- 
President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be the majority 
of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a major- 







^#,^ 



VINTON 



AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 263 

ity then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose 
the Vice-President ; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds 
of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number 
shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible 
to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the 
United States. 

Aeticle XIII. 

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a 
punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, 
shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their juris- 
diction. 

Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appro- 
priate legislation. 

Article XIV. 

Section 1. .All persons born or naturalized in the United States and 
subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and 
of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law 
which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United 
States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, 
without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction 
the equal protection of the laws. 

Sec. 2. Representatives shall be appointed among the several states 
according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of per- 
sons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed ; but when the right to 
vote at any election for the choice of Electors for President and Vice- 
President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the execu- 
tive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the Legislature 
thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being 
twenty-one years of age and citizens of the United States, or in any way 
abridged except for participation in rebellion or other crimes, the basis of 
representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the num- 
ber of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens 
twenty-one years of age in such state. 

Sec. 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, 
or Elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or 
military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previ- 
ously taken an oath as a Member of Congress, or as an officer of the 
United States, or as a member of any state Legislature, or as an execu- 
tive or judicial officer of any state to support the Constitution of the 
United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the 
same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may 
by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability. 

Sec. 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States author- 
ized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and boun- 
ties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be ques- 
tioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall pay any debt 
or obligation incurred in the aid of insurrection or rebellion against the 
United States, or any loss or emancipation of any slave, but such debts, 
obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void. 



264 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Article XV. 

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not 
be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of 
race, color, or previous condition of servitude. 

VOTE FOR GOVERXOR, 1877, AND PRESIDENT, 1876. 



COUXTIES. 




1877. 
Governor. 




1876. 
1 President. 


Counties. 


1877. 
Governor. 


1>76. 
President. 




Kep. 


Dem. 


Gr. 


Pro. 


Bep. 


Dem. 


Kep. 


Dem. 


Gr 


Pro. 


Kep. 


Dem. 




982 

876 
1547 
1165 

410 
1432 
1780 
1612 
1180 
1290 

747 
1453 

418 

633 
1592 
1315 

903 

562 
1279 
1054 

517 
1873 
2444 

898 
1541 

893 
1269 
1226 
2315 

197 
1587 

213 
1933 
1233 
1311 
1250 
1031 

909 
1160 

842 

340 
1492 
1348 
1770 

551 

382 

321 
1132 
1619 
1977 
1396 


161 
397 
1540 
1049 
352 
712 

nil 

981 
582 
769 
192 
758 
75 
744 
839 

1093 

348 

74 

1107 

267 

16 

1770 

2327 
651 
215 

1231 
961 

1143 

1384 
8 

3415 
28 

1067 
208 
336 

1331 
215 
504 
496 
265 
95 
661 
86* 
424 
647 
149 
54 

1120 

1966 

1154 
753 


581 
485 

69 
729 

26 
567 

95 
466 
196 
725 
161 

19 
171 
141 
116 
206 

72 
383 

37 
813 

20 

66 
286 

19 

1241 

803 

310 

32 
767 


15 
38 
36 
32 


1334 
1376 
1709 
1711 

427 
2901 
2979 
2018 
1737 
2227 

770 
1828 

622 

799 
1876 
2328 
1274 

864 
1574 
1405 

567 
2662 
3654 
1043 
21.36 
1586 
1647 
2233 
3325 

259 
2798 

246 
3029 
2032 
1178 
1658 
1310 
1099 
1434 
1187 

281 
2152 
1557 
2809 
1194 

523 

212 

, 1870 

2126 

3375 

; 2106 


593 

62ij 




1884 

1868 

1772 

463 

2157 

2524 

1:^28 

1:^03 

261 

1792 

1823 

1976 

1448 

1435 

1396 

580 

1034 

1122 

1753 

306 

295 

1106 

311 

779 

370 

3171 

2223 

1496 

964 

656 

3031 

888 

436 

1260 

1426 

1325 

899 

1490 

1710 

1726 

1687 

1316 

850 

544 

2074 

1109 

628 

391 


2345 

1218 

1526 

236 

2863 

2316 

817 

804 

17 

1077 

10S6 

1866 

837 

1102 

469 

119 

928 

441 

1775 

21 

40 

508 

357 

487 

93 

1885 

2059 

882 

71 

128 

1963 

639 

132 

344 

833 

293 

516 

1305 

1029 

944 

1221 

832 

127 

40 

1009 

867 

132 

166 


18 

14 

322 

13 

350 

75 

89 

103 

9 

616 

1011 

760 

389 

98 

35 

432 

247 

532 

171 

201 

13 

348 


2731 

68' 

105 

299 

585 

108 

12 

14 

50 

596 

95 

504 

28 

36 

9 

26 

47 

387 

14 

33 

293 

3 

39 

36 

94 

121 

346 

47 

13 

37 

16 


2345 
2591 
2364 

638 
3160 
4331 
1920 
1478 

262 
2246 
3221 
2736 
3056 
1452 
1663 

713 
1418 
1749 
2523 

463 

329 
2243 

343 

835 

374 
4321 
2505 
2509 
1246 

661 
3819 

897 

439 
1843 
2.337 
1727 
1238 
2113 
2582 
2439 
2467 
1692 
1299 

498 
27.59 
1034 

70? 

5T4 


3563 


Adams 


Jones 


1763 




1646 
1419 

352 
1356! 
15921 
1305 

757 1 
1416! 

200: 

780 ' 

196 

771 

979 

1445 

448; 

175, 

1090' 

816' 

94 

2621 

3398 

6381 

752, 

1631 

1280 

1466 

2917 

48' 

4977 

36! 

1709 

7511 

3791 

1682 

510 

417 

629, 

425! 

99; 

980; 

1386 

1485 

600 

183 

57 

1348 


Keokuk 


1862 


Appanoose 




227 


Lee • 


3682 




449 

244 

10 

1 

223 
20 
95 
74 
11 
30 

446 
40 
86 
94 
19 
67 

167 
66 

111 
80 
12 
19 

525 

6 

12 

53 


Linn 


2917 


Black Hawk 

Boon© 


Louisa 


1008 


Lucas 


1044 




Lyon 


46 






1538 


Buena Vista 

Butler 




1701 


Marion 


2304 






1189 


Harrf )1 1 


Mills 


1165 




Mifx^hell 


671 


Cedar 




304 


Cerro Gordo 




1246 


Montgomery 

Muscatine 


759 


Chickasaw 

Clark 


2075 


O'Brien 


116 


Clay 


Osceola 


59 


ClaTton 


Page 


861 


niintnn 


Palo Alto 


333 




Plymouth 


77 
44 

1353 
218 
420 
671 
177 
309 
3 
49 
644 
196 
868 
830 
301 

1265 
742 
303 
404 

1421 


502 


Dallas 


Pocahontas 

Polk 


141 




2-382 




Pottawattamie.... 
Poweshiek 


2414 




IO83 


Des Moines 




422 


Sac 


166 




406 


Scott 


2853 




Sh-'lby 


631 




889 
162 
16 
334 
551 


27 
30 
10 




220 


Floyd 


Story 


187 
133 


579 


ITranklin 


Tama 


1317 




Taylor 


676 




27 
8 

21 

57 

2 

154 

19 
140 
519 

64 




63 

130 

296 

101 

112 

3 

47 




795 




Van Buren 


1661 




304 

422 

29 

238 

523 

1(141 
201 
115 
K>4 
642 
224 

1018 
576 




2412 




Warren 


1315 


Hancock 


Washington 


1508 




1341 




Webster 


987 


Henry 


Winnebago 


39 


Howard 


Winneshiek 

Woodbury 


279 

226 

8 

117 


238 

9 

14 

98 


1617 


Hnmbnldl 


997 


Ida 


Worth 


149 




228 

15 

268 

ic.g 


Wright 


184 




2485 
1804 

1449 


Totals 






121546 
42193 


79353 


3422^ 


10639 


1713 i 
.59211 


112121 


Jefferson 


1 Majorities 





Total vote, 1877, 245,760 , 1870 (including2949 Greenback), 292,943. 



VOTE FOR CONGRESSMEN, 1876. 



District. 


Kep. 


Dem. 


R. Maj. 


Total. 


Maj. '74. 


District. 


Rep. Dem. 


R. Maj. 


Total. -Maj. 74. 


I 


17188 
10439 
17423 
20770 
19274 


14814 
14683 
16100 
9379 
11154 


2374 
1756 
1323 
11391 
8120 
4059 


32002 
31122 
335-23 
30149 
30428 


D. 1863 
R. 657 
D. 63 


VII 


19496* 11688 
193581 15236 
19503| 10583 


7808 
4122 
89S0 


311841 R. 2300 


II 


VIII 


34594. R. 2127 


III 


IX 


30146 R. 5849 








V 


r'. 5243 


168289 118356 

1 


49933 


*292111 


VI 


18778 


14719 


33497 


K. 2724 


1 





Total vote, 1874, 184,640 ; aggregate Republican majority, 24,524. *Including 5,466 Greenback votes. 



Practical Rules for Every Day Use. 



Hoio to find the gain or loss per cent, when the cost and selling price 
are given. 

Rule. — Find the difference between the cost and selhng price, which 
will be the gain or loss. 

Annex two ciphers to the gain or loss, and divide it by the cost 
price ; the result will be the gain or loss per cent. 

Hoiv to change gold into currency. 

Rule. — Multiply the given sum of gold by the price of gold. 

Hoiv to chayige currency into gold. 

Divide the amount in currency by the price of gold. 

Hoiv to find each partner'' s share of the gain or loss in a copartnership 
business. 

Rule. — Divide the whole gain or loss by the entire stock, the quo- 
tient will be the gain or loss per cent. 

Multiply each partner's stock by this per cent., the result will be 
each one's share of the gain or loss. 

IToiv to find gross and net tveight nnd price of hogs. 

A short and simple method for finding the net weight., or price of hogs., 
when the gross tveight or price is giveii, and vice versa. 

Note. — It is generally assumed that the gross weight of Hogs diminished by 1-5 or 20 per cent, 
of itself gives the net weight, and the net weight increased by H or 25 per cent, of itself equals the 
gross weight. 

To find the net tveight or gross price. 
Multiply the given number by .8 (tenths.) 
To find the gross weight or net price. 
Divide the given number by .8 (tenths.) 

ffoio to fiyid the capacity of a granary., bin., or tvagon-bed. 

Rule. — Multiply (by short method) the number of cubic feet by 
6308, and point off one decimal place — the result will be the correct 
nswer in bushels and tenths of a bushel. 

For only an approximate ansiver, multiply the cubic feet by 8, and 
point off one decimal place. 

ffoio to find the contents of a corn-crib. 

Rule. — Multiply the number of cubic feet by 54, short method, or 

(205) 



266 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 

by 4J ordinary method, and point off one decimal place — the result wiL 
be the answer in bushels. 

Note.— In estimating corn in the ear, tlie quality and tlie time it lias been cribbed must be taken 
into consideration, since corn will shrink considerably during the Winter and Spring. This rule generally holds 
good for corn measured at the time it is cribbed, provided it is sound and clean. 

Sow to find the contents of a cistern or tank. 

Rule. — Multiply the square of the mean diameter by the depth (all 
in feet) and this product by 5681 (short method), and point off ONE 
decimal place — the result will be the contents in barrels of 31^ gallons. 

Hoiv to find the contents of a barrel or cask. 

Rule. — Under the square of the mean diameter, write the length 
(all in inches) in REVEEe^^D order, so that its units will fall under the 
TENS ; multiply by short method, and this product again by 430 ; point 
off one decimal place, and the result will be the answer in wine gallons. 

Hoiv to measure hoards. 

Rule. — Multiply the length (in feet) by the width (in inches) and 
divide the product by 12 — the result will be the contents in square feet. 

Hoiv to measure scantlings^ joists, pla7iks^ sills, etc. 

Rule. — Multiply the width, the thickness, and the length together 
(the width and thickness in inches, and the length in feet), and divide 
the product by 12 — the result will be square feet. 

JIoiv to find the 7iumher of acres in a body of land. 

Rule. — Multiply the length by the width (in rods), and divide the 
product by 160 (carrying the division to 2 decimal jilaces if there is a 
remainder) ; the result will be the answer in acres and hundredths. 

When the opposite sides of a piece of land are of unequal length, 
add them together and take one-half for the mean length or width. 

How to find the number of square yards in a floor or ivall. 
Rule. — Multiply the length by the width or height (in feet), and 
divide the product by 9, the result will be square yards. 

How to find the number of bricks required in a building. 

Rule. — Multiply the number of cubic feet by 22^. 

The number of cubic feet is found by multiplying the length, height 
nd thickness (in feet) together. 

Bricks are usually made 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and two inches 
thick^; hence, it requires 27 bricks to make a cubic foot without mortar, 
but it is generally assumed that the mortar fills 1-6 of the space. 

Hoiv to find the number of shingles required in a roof. 

Rule. — Multiply the number of square feet in the roof by 8, if the 
shingles are ex^^osed 4 2 inches, or by 7 1-5 if exposed 5 inches. 

To find the number of square feet, multiply the length of the roof by 
twice the length of the rafters. 



MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 267 

To find the length of the rafters, at one-fourth pitch, multiply the 
width of the building by .56 (hundredths) ; at one-third pitch, by .6 
(tenths) ; at two-fifths pitch, l)y .64 (hundredths) ; at one-half 
pitch, by .71 (hundredths). This gives the length of the rafters from 
the apex to the end of the wall, and whatever they are to project must be 
taken into consideration. 

Note.— By K or M pitch is meant that the apex or comb of the roof is to be )i or }^ the width of the 
builcliiig higher than tlie walls or base of the rafters. 

Hoiv to reckon the cost of hay. 

Rule. — Multiply the number of pounds by half the price per ton, 
and remove the decimal point three places to the left. 

Hoiv to measure grain. 

Rule. — Level the grain ; ascertain the space it occupies in cubic 
feet ; multiply the number of cubic feet by 8, and point off one place to 
the left. 

Note. — Exactness requires the addition to every three hundred bushels of one extra bushel. 

The foregoing rule may be used for finding the number of gallons, by 
multiplying the number of bushels by 8. 

If the corn in the box is in the ear, divide the answer by 2, to find 
the number of bushels of shelled corn, because it requires 2 bushels of eai 
corn to make 1 of shelled corn. 

Rapid rules for measuring land without instruments. 

In measuring land, the first thing to ascertain is the contents of any 
given plot in square yards ; then, given the number of yards, find out the 
number of rods and acres. 

The most ancient and simplest measure of distance is a step. Now, 
an ordinary-sized man can train himself to cover one yard at a stride, on 
the average, with sufficient accuracy for ordinary purposes. 

To make use of this means of measuring distances, it is essential to 
walk in a straight line ; to do this, fix the eye on two objects in a line 
straight ahead, one comparatively near, the other remote ; and, in walk- 
ing, keep these objects constantly in line. 

Farmers and others hy adopting the following simple and ingenious con- 
trivance, may ahvays carry with them the scale to construct a correct yard 
measure. 

Take a foot rule, and commencing at the base of the little finger o\ 
the left hand, mark the quarters of the foot on the outer borders of the 
left arm, pricking in the marks with indelible ink. 

To find how many rods in length will make an acre, the tvidth being given. 
Rule. — Divide 100 by the width, and the quotient will be the answer. 



268 MISCELLANEOUS USTPORMATION. 

How to find the number of acres in any plot of land, the number of rods 
being given. 

Rule. — Divide the number of rods by 8, multiply the quotient by 5, 
and remove the decimal point two places to the left. 

The diameter being given, to find the circumference. 

Rule. — Multiply the diameter by 3 1-7. 

Hoiv to find the diameter, when the circumference is given. 

Rule. — Divide the circumference by 3 1-7. 

To find hoiv many solid feet a round stick of timber of the same thick- 
Tiess throughout will contain wheri squared. 

Rule. — Square half the diameter in inches, multiply by 2, multiply 
by the length in feet, and divide the product by 144. 

General rule for measuring timber, to find the solid contents in feet. 

Rule. — Multiply the depth in inches by the breadth in inches, and 
then multiply by the length in feet, and divide by 144. 

To find the number of feet of timber in trees with the bark on. 

Rule. — Multiply the square of one-fifth of the circumference in 
inches, by twice the length, in feet, and divide by 144. Deduct 1-10 to 
1-15 according to the thickness of the bark. 

Soivard s new rule for computing interest. 

Rule. — The reciprocal of the rate is the time for which the interest 
on any sum of money will be shown by simply removing the decimal 
point two places to the left ; for ten times that time, remove the point 
one place to the left ; for 1-10 of the same time, remove the point three 
places to the left. 

Increase or diminish the results to suit the time given. 

Note.— The reciprocal of the rate is found by inverting the rate ; thus 3 per cent, per month, In- 
verted, becomes )i of a month, or 10 days. 

When the rate is expressed by one figure, always write it thus : 3-1, 
three ones. 

Hulefor converting English into American currency. 

Multiply the pounds, with the shillings and pence stated in decimals, 
by 400 plus the premium in fourths, and divide the product by 90. 

U. S. GOVERNMENT LAND MEASURE. 

A township — 36 sections each a mile square. 
A section — 640 acres. 

A quarter section, half a mile square — 160 acres. 
An eighth section, half a mile long, north and south, and a quarter 
of a mile wide — 80 acres. 

A sixteenth section, a quarter of a mile square — 40 acres. 



MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 269 

The sections are all numbered 1 to 36, commencing at the north-east 
corner. 

The sections are divided into quarters, which are named by the 
cardinal points. The quarters are divided in the same way. The de- 
scription of a forty acre lot would read : The south half of the west half of 
the south-west quarter of section 1 in township 24, north of range 7 west, 
or as the case might be ; and sometimes will fall short and sometimes 
overrun the number of acres it is supposed to contain. 

The nautical mile is 795 4-5 feet longer than the common mile. 

SURVEYORS' MEASURE. 

7 92-100 inches make 1 link. 

25 links " 1 rod. 

4rods " 1 chain. 

80 chains " 1 mile. 

Note. — A chain is 100 links, equal to 4 rods or 66 feet. 

Shoemakers formerly used a subdivision of the inch called a barley- 
corn ; three of which made an inch. 

Horses are measured directly over the fore feet, and the standard of 
measure is four inches — called a hand. 

In Biblical and other old measurements, the term span is sometimes 
used, which is a length of nine inches. 

The sacred cubit of the Jews was 24.024 inches in length. 

The common cubit of the Jews was 21.704 inches in length. 

A pace is equal to a yard or 36 inches. 

A fathom is equal to 6 feet. 

A league is three miles, but its length is variable, for it is strictly 
speaking a nautical term, and should be three geographical miles, equal 
to 3.45 statute miles, but when used on land, three statute miles are said 
to be a league. 

In cloth measure an aune is equal to li yards, or 45 inches. 

An Amsterdam ell is equal to 26.796 inches. 

A Trieste ell is equal to 25.284 inches. 

A Brabant ell is equal to 27.116 inches. 

HOW TO KEEP ACCOUNTS. 

Every farmer and mechanic, whether he does much or little business, 
should keep a record of his transactions in a clear and systematic man- 
ner. For the benefit of those who have not had the opportunit}' of ac- 
quiring a primary knowledge of the principles of book-keeping, we here 
present a simple form of keeping accounts which is easily comprehended, 
and well adapted to record the business transactions of farmers, mechanics 
and laborers. 



270 



MISCELLA^SIEOUS INFORMATION. 



1875. 



A. H. JACKSON. 



Dr. 



Cr. 



Jan. 

u 

Feb. 

(( 

March 



April 
May 

a 

July 



10 

17 

4 

4 

8 

8 

13 

2? 

9 

9 

G 

24 

4 



To 7 bushels Wheat at -$1.25 

By shoeing span of Horses 

To 14 bushels Oats --- at S .45 

Too lbs. Butter at .25 

By new Harrow 

By sharpening 2 Plows 

By new Double-Tree 

To Cow and Calf - - 

To half ton of Hay - 

By Cash 

By repairing Corn-Planter. 

To one Sow with Pigs 

By Cash, to balance account 



-SS 


75 










$2 


50 


6 


30 






1 


25 










18 


00 
40 






2 


25 


48 


00 






6 


25 










25 


00 






4 


75 


17 


50 










35 


15 


$88 


05 


S88 


05 



1875. 



CASS A MASON. 



Dr 



Cr. 



May 

June 

(( 

July 

u 

Aug. 

(( 

Sept. 



March 21 
" 21 
" 23 
1 
1 
19 
26 
10 
29 
12 
12 
1 



By 3 days' labor - at $1.25 



3.00 
.45 



To 2 Shoats at 

To 18 bushels Corn at 

By 1 month's Labor 

To Cash - - - 

By 8 days' Mowing .at $1.50 

To 50 lbs. Flour 

To 27 lbs. Meat .at $ .10 

By 9 days' Harvesting. _.. ...at 2.00 

By 6 days' Labor - at 

To Cash 

To Cash to balance account 



1.50 



8G 
8 

10 

2 
2 



20 

18 



00 
10 

00 

75 
70 



00 
20 



(0 



S3 

25 

12 



18 
9 



$67 



75 

00 
00 



00 
00 



75 



A Simple Rule for accubatelt 



INTEREST TABLE. 

Computing Interest at 
Length op Time. 



AXY GrvE>- Pkr Cent, for Any 



MultiDlvthe orincipaJ (amount of money at interest) by the time reduced to days; then divide tliisjjrodttct 
by the giiotieiif obtained by dividing 360 (the number of days in the interest year) by the per cent, ot interest, 



andthe quotient thus obtained will be the required interest 

ILLUSTRATION. 

Require the interest of »462.50 for one month and eighteen days at 6 per cent. An 
interest month is 30 days; one month and eighteen days equal 48 days. $452.50 multi- 
plied by .48 gives $222.0000; 360 divided by 6 (the per cent of interest) gives 6(^, and 
«S>9'> nnno divided bv 60 will trive vou the exact interest, which is ».i. lU. ittue lato ot 
interest in th'^abovLxamplfwIr^^^^^ per cent., we would divide the $222.0000 by 30 6)360 . 

(because 360 divided bv 12 gives 30); if 4 per cent., we would divide by 90; if 8 per _ 

' *' «'^"*- i~ij J 



„„„„„ ._ „ ,,,, _ we would divide by90;if8per. 

cenu ijy 4.^rand in like manner'fo'fahy otber per cent. 



Solution. 

$462.. 50 
.48 

370000 
185000 



60, 



MISCELLANEOUS TABLE. 



12 units, or things, 1 Dozen. 
12 dozen, 1 Gross. 
20 things, 1 Score. 



196 pounds, 1 Barrel of Flour. 

200 pounds, 1 Barrel of Pork. 

56 pounds, 1 Firkin of Butter. 



24 sheets of paper, 1 Quire. 

20 quires paper 1 Ream. 

4 ft. wide, 4 f-. high, and 8 ft. 



$222.0000. $3.70 
180 

420 
420 

~00 



long, 1 Cord Wood. 



MISCELLANEOUS I>rFORMATION. 271 

NAMES OF THE STATES OF THE UNION, AND THEIR SIGNIFICATIONS. 

Virginia. — The oldest of the States, was so called in honor of Queen 
Elizabeth, the "Virgin Queen," in whose reign Sir Walter Raleigh made 
his first attempt to colonize that region. 

Florida. — Ponce de Leon landed on the coast of Florida on Easter 
Sunday, and called the country in commemoration of the day, which was 
the Pasqua Florida of the Spaniards, or " Feast of Flowers." 

Louisiana was called after Louis the Fourteenth, who at one time 
owned that section of the country. 

Alabama was so named by the Indians, and signifies " Here we Rest." 

Mississippi is likewise an Indian name, meaning " Long River." 

Arkansas., from Kansas, the Indian word for " smoky water." Its 
prefix was really are^ the French word for " bow." 

The Carolinas were originally one tract, and were called "Carolana," 
after Charles the Ninth of France. 

Georgia owes its name to George the Second of England, who first 
established a colony there in 1732. 

Tenyiessee is the Indian name for the " River of the Bend," i. e., the 
Mississippi which forms its western boundary. 

Kentucky is the Indian name for " at the head of the river." 

Ohio means " beautiful ; " Iowa., " drowsy ones ; " Minnesota., " cloudy 

water," and Wisconsin., "wild-rushing channel." 

Illinois is derived from the Indian word illini, men, and the French 

suffix ois, together signifying "tribe of men." 

Michigan was called by the name given the \sike, fish- weir, which was 
so styled from its fancied resemblance to a fish trap. 

Missouri is from the Indian word " muddy," which more properly 
applies to the river that flows through it. 

Oregon owes its Indian name also to its principal river. 

Cortes named California. 

Massachusetts is the Indian for " The country around the great hills." 

Connecticut, from the Indian Quon-ch-ta-Cut, signifying " Long 
River." 

Margkmd, after Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles the First, of 
England. 

Wew York was named by the Duke of York. 

Pennsglvania means " Penn's woods," and was so called after William 
Penu, its orignal owner. 



272 



MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 



Delaware after Lord De La Ware. 

New Jersey, so called in honor of Sir George Carteret, who was 
Governor of the Island of Jersey, in the British Channel. 

Maine was called after the province of Maine in France, in compli- 
ment of Queen Henrietta of England, who owned that province. 

Vermont, from the French word Vert Mont, signifying Green 
Mountain. 

Netv Hampshire, from Hampshire county in England. It was 
formerly called Laconia. 

The little State of Rhode Island owes its name to the Island of 
Rhodes in the Mediterranean, which domain it is said to greatly 
resemble. 

Texas is the American word for the Mexican name by which all that 
section of the country was called before it was ceded to the United States. 



POPULATION OF THE 
UNITED STATES. 



States and Territories. 



Alabama 

Arkansas 

California 

Connecticut 

Delaware — 

Plorida . 

Georgia 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts — 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Hampshire 

New Jersey 

New York 

North Carolina 

Ohio 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania 

Rhode Island 

South Carolina 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Vermont I. . 

Virginia 

West Virginia 

Wisconsin 



Total 
Population. 

996.992 

484,471 

560,247 

5.37,454 

125,015 

187,748 

1.184,109 

2,539,891 

1,680,637 

1,191,792 

364,399 

1,.321,011 

726,915 

626,916 

780,894 

1,457,351 

1,184,059 

439,706 

827,922 

1,721.295 

122,993 

42,491 

318,300 

906.096 

4,382.759 

1,071,361 

3,665.260 

90,923 

3,521,791 

217,353 

705,606 

1,258,520 

818,579 

330,551 

1,225,163 

442,014 

1,054,670 



Total States.. 



Arizona 

Colorada 

Dakota 

District of Columbia. 

Idaho 

Montana 

New Mexico 

truh 

Washington 

"Wyoming 



Total Territories 



Total United States 38, 555,983 



38.113,253 



9,658 
39,864 
14,181 
131.700 
14,999 
20,595 
91,874 
86,786 
23,955 
9,118 

442,730 



POPULATION OF FIFTY 
PRINCIPAL CITIES. 



Cities. 



New York, N. Y 

Philadelphia, Pa 

Brooklyn, N. Y 

St. Louis, Mo 

Chicago, 111 

Baltimore, Md 

Boston, Mass 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

New Orleans, La. .. 
San Francisco, Cal.. 

Buffalo, N. Y 

Washington, D. C... 

Newark, N. J 

Louisville, Ky 

Cleveland, Ohio 

Pittsburg, Pa 

Jersey City, N. J ... 

Detroit, Mich 

Milwaukee, Wis 

Albany. N. Y 

Providence, R. I 

Rochester, N. Y 

Allegheny, Pa 

Richmond, Va 

New Haven, Conn.. 

Charleston, S. C 

Indianapolis, Ind... 

Troy, N. Y 

Syracuse, N. Y 

Worcester, Mass.... 

Lowell, Mass 

Memphis, Tenn 

Cambridge, Mass... 

Hartford, Conn 

Scran ton. Pa 

Reading, Pa 

Paterson, N.J 

Kansas City, Mo... 

Mobile, Ala 

Toledo, Ohio 

Portland, Me 

Columbus, Ohio 

Wilmington, Del... 

Dayton, Ohio 

Lawrence, Mass 

Utica, N. Y 

Charlestown, Mass 

.Savannah, Ga 

Lvnn. Mass 

Fall River, Mass... 



Aggregate 
Population. 



942 

674, 

396, 

310. 

298 

267 

250, 

216, 

191, 

149 

117 

109 

105 

100, 

93, 

86 

82, 

79, 

71, 

69, 

68, 

62, 

53, 

51. 

50, 

48, 

48, 

46, 

43, 

41, 

40, 

40. 

39, 

37 

35 

33 

33 

32 

32 

31 

31 

31 

30. 

30. 

28, 

28, 

28, 

28. 

28, 

26 



292 
022 
099 
864 
977 
354 
526 
239 
418 
473 
714 
199 
059 
753 
829 
076 
546 
577 
440 
422 
904 
386 
180 
038 
840 
956 
244 
465 
051 
105 
928 
226 
634 
180 
093 
930 
579 
260 
034 
584 
,413 
274 
841 
473 
921 
804 
323 
235 
233 
766 



i 



MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 



273 



POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



States and 
Territories. 



Stidcs. 

AlabaiiKi 

Arkansas 

Caiiforiiia 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Georgia 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

KentU(?ky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts... 

Michigan* 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Hampshire. 

New Jersey 

New York 

North Carolina. . 

Ohio 

Oregon 



.\rea in 
square 
Miles. 



50, 
52, 

188 

4, 

2, 

59, 

58, 

55, 

33, 

55, 

81 

37 

41, 

31 

11, 

7, 

56, 

83, 

47 

65 

75, 

112, 

9, 

8, 

47, 

50, 

39, 

95 



732 

198 
981 
674 
120 
268 
000 
410 
809 
045 
318 
600 
346 
.76 
184 
800 
451 
531 
156 
350 
9P5 
090 
280 
320 
000 
04 
964 
244 



Population. 



1870. 



996, 

484. 

560, 

537, 

125, 

187, 

1,184, 

2,539, 

1,680, 

1,191. 

364, 

1,321, 

726, 

626, 

780, 

1,457. 

1,184, 

439. 

827, 

1,721, 

123, 

42, 

318. 

906, 

4,382. 

1,071, 

2,665, 

90, 



992 
471 
247 
454 
015 
748 
109 
891 
637 
792 
399 
Oil 
915 
915 
894 
351 
059 
06 
922 
295 
993 
491 
300 
096 
759 
361 
260 
923 



1875. 



1,3.50,544 
528,349 



857,039 



1,651,912 

1,334,031 

598,429 



246,280 
52,540 



1,026,502 
4,705.208 



Miles 
R. R. 

1872. 



1,671 

25 

1,013 

820 

227 

466 

2,108 

5,904 

3.529 

3.160 

1,760 

1,123 

539 

871 

820 

1,606 

2,235 

1,612 

990 

2,580 

828 

593 

790 

1.265 

4,470 

1,190 

3,740 

lo9 



* Last Census of Michigan taken in 1874. 



States and 
Territories. 



States. 
Pennsylvania... 
Rhode Island... 
South Carolina. 

Tennessee 

Te,\as 

Vermont 

Virginia 

West Virginia... 
Wisconsin 



Total States. 



Territories. 

Arizona 

Colorado 

Dakota 

Dist. of Columbia. 

Idaho 

Montana 

New Mexico 

Utah 

Washington 

Wyoming 

Total Territories. 



Area in 
square 
Miles. 



46,000 
1,306 
29,385 
45,600 
237,504 
10.212 
40,904 
23,000 
53,924 



1,950,171 



113,916 

104,.500 

147,490 

60 

90,932 

143.776 

121.201 

80,056 

69,944 

93,10" 



965,032 



POPrLATlQX. 



1870. 



3,521 
217 
705, 

1,258, 
818, 
330, 

1,225, 
442, 

1,0.54, 



791 
353 
606 
520 
579 
551 
163 
014 
670 



38,113,253 



9,658 
39,864 
14,181 
131,700 
14,999 
20.595 
91.874 
86,786 
23,955 

9,118 



442,7.30 



1875. 



258,239 
925,145 



1,236, 72C 



Miles 
R. R. 

1872. 



5,113 
136 

1.201 

1.520 
865 
675 

1,490 
485 

1.725 



59,587 



392 



375 
■498 



1.265 



Aggregate of U. S.. 2,915,203 38,555,983 60,852 

* Included In the Railroad Mileage of Maryland. 



PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD; 

l^OPULATION AND ArEA. 



Countries. 



Population. 



China , 

British Empire 

Russia 

United States with Alaska 

France 

Austria and Hungary 

Japan , 

Great Britain and Ireland 

German Empire 

Italy 

Spain 

Brazil '. 

Turkey 

Mexico . 

Sweden and Norway 

Persia 

Belgium 

Bavaria 

Portugal 

Holland 

N ew Grenada 

Chili 

Switzerland 

Peru 

Bolivia 

Argentine Republic 

Wurteniburg 

Denmark 

Venezuela 

Baden 

Greece 

Guatemala 

Ecuador '. . . . 

Paraguay 

Hesse 

Liberia 

San Salvador 

Hayti 

Nicaragua 

Uruguay 

Hondu ras 

San Donii ngo 

Costa Rica 

Hawaii 



446,500. 

226,817, 

81.925. 

38,925, 

36,469, 

35,904, 

34,785, 

31,817, 

29,906, 

27,439, 

16.642, 

10,000 

16,463, 

9,173. 

5,921. 

5,000, 

5,021, 

4,861, 

3,995, 

3,688, 

3,000. 

2,000, 

2,669, 

2,500, 

2,000 

1,811 

1,818, 

1,784, 

1,500 

1,461 

1,457 

1,180 

1,300 

1,000 

823 

718 

600, 

572, 

350, 

300 

350, 

136 

165 

62 



000 
108 
400 
600 
800 
400 
300 
100 
092 
921 
000 
000 
000 
000 
500 
000 
300 
400 
200 
300 
000 
000 
100 
000 
000 
,000 
,500 
700 
000 
,400 
900 
,000 
000 
000 
,1.38 
,000 
,000 
000 
,000 
000 
000 
,000 
.000 
9.50 



Date of 
Census. 



1871 
1871 
1871 
1870 
1866 
1869 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1867 



1869 
1870 
1870 
1869 
1871 
1868 
1870 
1870 
1869 
1870 
1871 

■1869 
1871 
1870 

'isii 

1870 
1871 

'isii 
'isii 

1871 

"isVi 

1871 
1871 

'i'sio 



Area in 
Square 

Miles. 



3,741,846 

4,677,432 

8,003,778 

2,603,884 

204,091 

240,348 

149,399 

121,315 

160,207 

118,847 

195,775 

3,253,029 

672,621 

761,526 

292,871 

635,964 

11,373 

29,292 

34,494 

12.680 

357,157 

132.616 

15,992 

471,838 

497,.321 

871,848 

7, .533 

14,753 

368,238 

5,912 

19,353 

40,879 

218,928 

63,787 

2,969 

9,576 

7.335 

10,205 

58,171 

66,722 

47,092 

17,827 

21,505 

7.633 



Inhabitants 

to Square 

Mile. 



119.3 

48.6 

10.2 

7.78 

178.7 

149.4 

232.8 

262.3 

187. 

230.9 

85. 

3.07 
24.4 



20. 
7.8 
441.5 
165.9 
115.8 
290.9 
8.4 
15.1 
166.9 
5.3 
4. 
2.1 
241.4 
120.9 
4.2 
247. 
75.3 
28.9 
5.9 
15.6 
277. 
74.9 
81.8 
56. 
6. 
6.5 
7.4 
7.6 
7.7 
80. 



C.VPtTALS. 



Pekin 

London 

St. Petersburg. 

Washington 

Paris 

Vienna , 

Yeddo 

London , 

Berlin 

Rome 

Madrid 

Rio Janeiro 

Constantinople 

Mexico 

Stockholm 

Teheran 

Brussels 

Munich 

Lisbon 

Hague 

Bogota 

Santiago 

Berne 

Lima 

Chuquisaca 

Buenos Ayres.. 

Stuttgart 

Copenliagen 

Caraccas 

Carlsrulie 

Athens 

Guatemala 

Quito 

Asuncion 

Darmstadt 

Monrovia 

Sal Salvador ... 
Port au Prince 

Managua 

Monte Video... 

Comayagua 

San Domingo... 

San Jose 

Honolulu 



Population. 



1,648.800 

3,251,800 

667,000 

109,199 

1,825.300 

833,900 

1,5.54,900 

3,251,800 

825,400 

244,484 

332,000 

420,000 

1,075,000 

210.300 

136,900 

120,000 

314,100 

169,500 

224,063 

90,100 

45,000 

115.400 

36.000 

160,100 

25.000 

177.800 

91,600 

162,042 

47,000 

36,600 

43,400 

40.000 

70,000 

48,000 

30,000 

3,000 

15,000 

20.000 

10.000 

44,500 

12,000 

20.000 

2.000 

7.633 



STATISTICS OF AGRICULTURE OF IOWA (CENSUS OF 1875.) 



COUNTIES. 



Xo. of 
Acres 
of Im- 
proved 
Laud. 



Appanoose 

Alainakee 

Audubon 

Adams 

Adair 

Buena Vista . . 

Benton 

Boone 

Butler 

Bremer 

Black Hawk... 

Buclianan 

Clay 

Cherokee 

CasB., 

Crawford 

Cedar 

Cerro Gordo. . . 

Clayton 

Clinton 

Chickasaw 

Carroll 

Clarke 

Calhoun 

Davis 

Decatur 

Duhuque 

Des Moines 

Delaware 

Dickinson 

Dallas 

Emmet 

Floyd 

Fayette 

Franklin 

Fremont 

Grundy 

Green 

Guthrie 

Hardin 

Humboldt 

Howard 

Harrison 

Hancock 

Hamilton 

Henry 

Ida 

Iowa 

Jackson 

Johnson 

Jasper 

Jones 

Jefferson 

Keokuk 

Kossuth 

Lee 

Lucas 

Lyon 

Linn 

Louisa 

Mitchell 

Mahaska 

Marion 

Mills 

Madison 

Monroe 

Marshall 

Monona 

Muscatine 

Montgomery.. 

O'Brien 

Osceola 

Polk 

Pochahontas.. . 

Pottawattomie 

Powesheik 

Page 

Plymouth 

Palo Alto 

Ringgold 

Scott 

Story 

Shelby 

Sioux 

Sac 

Taylor 

Tama 

Union 

Van Buren 

Wayne 

Warren 

Winnesheik ... 

Woodbury 

Worth 

Washington .. 

Webster 

Winnebago 

Wright 

Wapello 

Totals 



No. of 
Acres 
Unim- 
proved 
Land. 



No. of 
Acres 
under 
Culti- 
vation 
in 1874. 



Spring Wheat. Winter Wheat. 



161059 
134T67 
21146 
65459 
83182 
33118 
297518 
15698 
149498 
14596- 
213025 
19056 
37059 
54638 
110864 
58058 
248869 
529S0 
212291 
299855 
96504 
58065 
98694 
26996 
150938 
115751 
187831 
143665 
472029 
15770 
132435 
9989 
147098 
179504 
69859 
115907 
146039 
59940 
87259 
128S31 
29114 
115823 
94848 
10462 
63966 
182080 
7292 
191041 
193290 
241021 
278881 
208907 
167389 
208125 
31550 
183832 
108952 
15872 
281118 
151007 
126384 
232398 
199669 
141512 
161998 
102215 
223735 
52242 
178945 
104633 
33626 
18490 
207689 
21928 
124630 
208989 
156782 
58233 
1851 : 
18400 
235515 
148649 
53180 
39824 
31336 
102861 
255182 
57005 
153674 
147766 
194265 
246140 
44179 
48927 
225176 
97238 
17589 
35516 
150209 



161083 

156821 
23819 
43735 
55680 
37034 
53911 
71810 
58908 
47001 

150881 
71418 
39919 
28974 
45304 

283414 
41417 

309895 

151908 
5733 
94772 

309744 
50487 



125188 

109388 

15986 

54352 

66265 

27010 

239408 

108642 

124877 

104810 

181256 

157240 

33375 

45412 

92785 

15262 

166485 

48648 

173622 



116003 
87172 
98561 
58165 
62305 
29850 
57765 
25586 
32130 
98156 
43U46 
198832 
47926 
49838 
47220 
39930 
36906 
171048 
337451 
341615 
39935 
50249 
9494 
89357 
142401 
71257 
179752 
63298 
66979 
98999 
48793 
78692 
59757 
318841 
62649 
52922 
70176 
122490 
82779 
53604 
188709 
78206 
47552 
56: 
48S32 
5060 
32070 
31406 
56841 
35572 
419489 
48697 
175471 
51912 
322'25 
58S29 
19123 
43874 
39326 
367394 
47201 
235515 
90222 
33216 
99528 
66795 
1671 
131670 
57097 
4595 
55652 
61744 
30625 
32387 
63491 



No. of 



No. of 
Bushels' 



No. of 



No. of 

Bushels 



Indian Corn. 



Oats. 



Acres. Harv'fd ^'^''^^- HarVfd 



74104 
39159 
78803 
26618 
13159. 
95275 
146244 
97618 
161357 
11961 
114625 
8387 
110708 
133758 
65590 
103039 
135108 
52323 
76892 
97765 
27013 
61871 
72287 
9005 
52050 
110831 
6514 
158488 
142401 
193019 
216949 
140684 
125590 
149672 
28835 
133580 
88857 
12766 
175655 
100066 
94133 
150368 
153214 
99837 
137979 
91730 
117303 
39844 
129699 
86026 
26434 
14651 
140450 
19219 
90679 
171.588 
11.5484 
44379 
16679 
50873 
185742 
99387 
47230 
33515 
24179 
79442 
214941 
45826 
113263 
117689 
15S737 
259469 
3309 
3215 
157884 
70910 
12421 
28957 
135173 



12627850 8410435 9354905 3690711 42669731 



9606 
61880 
6876 
17947 
27550 
15514 
99406 
32305 
57907 
48878 
89361 
64291 
17481 
31693 
40123 
21000 
4046 
28199 
86883 
6S683 
40162 
26756 
17968 
11040 
5378 
8211 
49240 
10615 
60401 
5701 
29256 
3911 
6206' 
60779 
31096 
13229, 
67384 
19391 
27489 
38464 
12046 
36115 
23948! 
48891 
20676; 
15026 
3108 
48410 
435151 
45306 
79926 
86090 
16237 
83278 
10798 
10851 
13954 
8132 
52178 
19764 
65534 
34362 
45136 
24385 
37553 
11638 
69895 
15334 
32375 
1381 
14904 
8769 
376S6 
7434 
33369 
57312 
22689 
33628 
8606 
10926 
47698 
26658 
22029 
22996 
11056 
15446 
97013 
10386 
7455 
103 
4217.T 
112175 
15243 
23092 
41646 
30354 
8939 
13629 
17368 



77789 
937639 
89235 
281376 
435014 
16273 
1343666 
429237 
779167 
644795 
1108024 
812342 
153159 
40150 
676209 
324894 
640544 
415463 
1305125 
1010345 
643519 
340161 
217090 
109631 
30993 
77169 
634135 
113396 
71728 
25822 
445848 
1510 
941439 
863670 
455909 
2069U1 
9766U7 
257760 
393374 
497251 
2090-2 
58-2803 
143701 
70006 
294682 
180220 
48815 
67024' 
550000 
6667 
1107170 
462478 
164904 
368528 
131.39 
72624 
153587 
76742 
656597 
189939 
1083811 
395532 
529663 
34-2961 
628314 
101413 
11253S-', 
183811 
416471 
551539 
157526 
7475' 
563389 
30774 
588971 
762826 
355792 
442736 
23-208 
78851 
762315 
330897 
317944 
251286 
110094 
206813 
143780' 
141188 
58808 
76346 
654679 
1813465 
21887: 
41048' 
469879 
391051 
162281 
196166 
157535 



No. of I Bu°-heis ^'o- °^ 
Acres. | ^^'.^^els j^^^^^_ 



1049 

181 

10 

7 

70 



7 
11 
20 



26 



1347 

12 

3 

3 

7 

10 

5379 

817 

84 

8688 

5 



46 



2 
22 



84 



9041 



36 
491 
100 

""'31' 

6192 

148 

140 

15400 

31 

""n 

1388 



205 

189 

32 

25 

263 

21 



21 
'63' 



1220 

10 

325 

125 

40 



244 



53 

10928 

143 

61 



1439 

5 

11 



10838 

1964 

97 

174 

3500 



280 

84 

700 



295 



21030 

4-28 

63 

20 

55 

150 

56405 

1-2239 

17-20 

117310 

50 



186 



968 
'i66-25 



44 
360 



1200 



113203 



1080 
7942 
1274 

■"469 

66739 

1363 



200407 

329 

54 

160 

16267 



2697 

2212 

543 

484 

5584 

200 



629 
166 



394 
■475 



20235 
160 



1762 

618 

20 



1617 



69188 



10 

8068 



960 

121854 

1236 

910 



14193 



lvalue of 

i Products 

No. of «^ Farm 

Bushels r,,,?,° 
Harv't d, ^Jollars. 



270 



16159 



75927 



64871 
24325 
92-25 
25474 
30860 
7888 
83-244 
46151 
38685 
28754 
56592 
48831 
8797 
9459 
40582 
17957 
78224 
9512 
37948 
89-297 
16821 
16014 
39066 
10656 
62127 
50484 
67118 
1029-24 
56150 
3183 
57652 
2197 
26462 
37091 
24066 
73845 
40175 
783037 
38902 
41304 
9998 
9916 
447-20 
2067 
20441 
62672 
2301 
«2518 
53962 
77142 
100217 
65423 
55061 
75697 
9781 
59863 
470-22 
2645 
91773 
49642 
11274 
83775 
846.'30 
59543 
69494 
45575 
67699 
21577 
54760 
39251 
6379 
2510 
77497 
8981 
47258 
86748 
71386 
10097 
6641 
35613 
59071 
51273 
17674 
6780 
8662 
48260 
73-251 
24063 
50211 
65625 
80280 
27185 
14647 
3530 
73265 
28713 
1374 
10089 
57035 



2385213 
905920 
394655 
969777 
14024-28 
228231 
3328921 
1595752 
1270878 
1&26641 
1939590 
1811-250 
180120 
315215 
1901062 
648658 
2845921 
265443 
1471263 
3061338 
514-279 
550041 
1580260 
3511-20 
2115569 
1763140 
1702391 
2307938 
1690333 
44455 
2484898 
14273 
642448 
1296480 
758983 
1703985 
1482582 
78302 
1669134 
1379961 
297381 
307912 
16-20192 
57899 
670731 
2415670 
108465 
2713830 
1665518 
3158178 
45'258'-9 
1909534 
1695510 
83-27282 
119777 
2190306 
190-2530 
10396 
34399-23 
2184658 
411961 
3768209 
3835063 
1533976 
2953630 
1738916 
2808256 
818388 
1715973 
1441467 
106052 
17279 
327-2040 
2-29263 
1750038 
S571105 
2239043 
175 
142957 
1145937 
2-226346 
1783477 
689556 
32038 
279716 
1419680 
2842859 
1130930 
1823622 
2405187 
3561365 
977316 
490371 
122-291 
28.3-2241 
917911 
52425 
281821 
2143791 



4700176 136-284542 98-2994 



13756 
12776 
788 
3951 
4455 
2791 
15490 
10101 
13827 
14259 
16804 
17431 
4436 
3545 
9079 
2902 
20-243 
7199 
20C24 
23704 
11744 
3238 
12337 
2993 
13643 
10555 
25115 
9242 
20577 
2403 
9937 
1549 
15461 
20770 
9532 
5419 
11786 
4-227 
4145 
10982 
3974 
10-210 
3462 
1.353 
5108 
13393 
455 
11756 
23652 
17760 
15-267 
18260 
14005 
15582 
5143 
11817 
12665 
8477 
22670 
6792 
140T8 
16646 
10937 
65-28 
8743 
11512 
13611 
2304 
13287 
5322 
8107 
1390 
12188 
2541 
5278 
11416 
9758 
4161 
2979 
9118 
15915 
11273 
2254 
4591 
3035 
8718 
13574 
61-27 
12596 
13-242 
8391 
24307 
3072 
4445 
15701 
7491 
1327 
4134 
11570 



387346 

4428-29 

33233 

141-293 

1597,39 

67069 

445070 

404620 

4-21719 

518571 

538196 

556209 

98766 

115595 

176-281 

99158 

675837 

228097 

669895 

702059 

446300 

1075' 

367643 

73182 

845707 

344551 

6433-22 

287392 

632113 

37282 

335124 

3241 

487729 

704407 

3-28679 

179645 

401948 

120948 

153305 

356915 

90944 

840268 

69140 

48816 

168262 

358-221 

140(X1 

319071 

5-21156 

52-.>19 

53-2239 

464824 

4461-28 

447603 

27857 

279069 

342164 

13789 

585648 

175755 

542662 

496248 

a35746 

232639 

285103 

241081 

465245 

664 

405562 

201635 

53931 

26829 

431841 

40494 

168081 

533565 

346507 

120437 

46859 

255007 

528868 

343265 

71676 

45096 

6.599 

269657 

384469 

187748 

353698 

367396 

281510 

8216508 

91647 

161557 

453320 

207493 

45109 

135176 

293590 



$1611937 

1415769 

184153 

695318 

828171 

2078-28 

2664995 

1018453 

1-209785 

1144620 

1898424 

2615949 

123343 

35(H'9 

1284899 

48.3357 

■2606149 

.591617 

2081793 

3049019 

894656 

451365 

7054987 

2'21613 

160G090 

10-24541 

1636132 

177-2992 

1693314 

45334 
1502047 

15-244 

1367377 

1503127 

777106 

1046066 

1593977 

620905 

792461 

1066627 

200001 

734409 

786677 

89403 

52762 
1765670 
7482-211 
2005049 
1750091 
2447875 
2916838 
1896416 
1,330140 
1919728 

105306 
1631518 
1030554 

32651 
2590052 
1665739 
1591878 
2195785 
2181346 
1003509 
1709030 

938362 
2368278 

447665 
1747906 
1072127 

191542 

69581 

2140023 

112666 
1252629 
2393022 
1293463 

434123 

96616 

1115782 

3041873 

1033743 

573026 

166980 

238880 

908476 
2316405 

6-24260 
1439586 
1361376 
2-208392 
2-265252 

298209 

396506 
2035264 

733342 

140219 

288685 
1455319 



29144352 $131536747 



ABSTRACT OF IO¥A STATE LAWS. 



BILLS OF EXCHANGE AND PROMISSORY NOTES. 

Upon negotiable bills, and notes payable in this State, grace shall be allowed 
according to the law merchant. All the above mentioned paper falling due on 
Sunday, New Year's Day, the Fourth of July, Christmas, or any day appointed 
or recommended bv the President of the United States or the Governor of the 
State, as a day of fast or thanksgiving, shall be deemed as due on the day pre- 
vious. No defense can be made against a negotiable instrument (assigned before 
due) in the hands of the assignee without notice, except fraud was used in 
obtaining the same. To hold an indorser, due diligence must be used by suit 
against the maker or his representative. Notes payable to person named or to 
order, in order to absolutely transfer title, must be indorsed by the payee. 
Notes payable to bearer may be transferred by delivery, and when so payable, 
every indorser thereon is held as a guarantor of payment, unless otherwise 
expressed. 

In computing interest or discount on negotiable instruments, a month shall 
be considered a calendar month or twelfth of a year, and for less than a month, 
a day shall be figured a thirtieth part of a month. Notes only bear interest 
when so expressed; but after due, they draw the legal interest, even if not 
stated. 

INTEREST. 

The legal rate of interest is six per cent. Parties may agree, in writing, 
on a rate not exceeding ten per cent. If a rate of interest greater than ten 
per cent, is contracted for, it works a forfeiture of ten per cent, to the school 
fund, and only the principal sum can be recovered. 

DESCENT. 

The personal property of the deceased (except (1) that necessary for pay- 
ment of debts and expenses of administration ; (2) property set apart to Avidow, 
as exempt from execution ; (3) allowance by court, if necessary, of twelve 
months' support to widow, and to children under fifteen years of age), including 
life insurance, descends as does real estate. 

One-third in value (absolutely) of all estates in real property, possessed by 
husband at any time during marriage, which have not been sold on execution 
or other judicial sale, and to which the wife has made no relin([uishment of her 
right, shall be set apart as her property, in fee simple, if she survive him. 



276 ^ ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

The same share shall be set apart to the surviving husband of a deceased 

wife. 

The widow's share cannot be affected by any will of her husband's, unless 
she consents, in writing thereto, within six months after notice to her of pro- 
visions of the will. 

The provisions of the statutes of descent apply alike to surviving husband 
or surviving wife. 

Subject to the above, the remaining estate of which the decedent died 
siezed, shall in absence of other arrangements by will, descend 

First. To his or her children and their descendants in equal parts ; the 
descendants of the deceased child or grandchild taking the share of their 
deceased parents in equal shares among them. 

Second. Where there is no child, nor descendant of such child, and no 
widow or surviving husband, then to the parents of the deceased in equal parts ; 
the surviving parent, if either be dead, taking the whole ; and if there is no 
parent living, then to the brothers and sisters of the intestate and their descend- 
ants. 

Third. When there is a widow or surviving husband, and no child or chil- 
dren, or descendants of the same, then one-half of the estate shall descend to 
such widow or surviving husband, absolutely ; and the other half of the estate 
shall descend as in other cases where there is no widow or surviving husband, 
or child or children, or descendants of the same. 

Fourth. If there is no child, parent, brother or sister, or descendants of 
either of them, then to wife of intestate, or to her heirs, if dead, according to 
like rules. 

Fifth. If any intestate leaves no child, parent, brother or sister, or de- 
scendants of either of them, and no widow or surviving husband, and no child, 
parent, brother or sister (or descendant of either of them) of such widow or 
surviving husband, it shall escheat to the State. 



WILLS AND ESTATES OF DECEASED PERSONS. 

No exact form of words are necessary in order to make a will good at law. 
Every male person of the age of twenty-one years, and every female of the age 
of eighteen years, of sound mind and memory, can make a valid will ; it must 
be in writing, signed by the testator, or by some one in his or her presence, and 
by his or her express direction, and attested by two or more competent wit- 
nesses. Care should be taken that the witnesses are not interested in the will. 
Inventory to be made by executor or administrator within fifteen days from 
date of letters testamentary or of administration. Executors' and administra- 
tors' compensation on amount of personal estate distributed, and for proceeds of 
sale of real estate, five per cent, for first one thousand dollars, two and one-half 
per cent, on overplus up to five thousand dollars, and one per cent, on overplus 
above five thousand dollars, with such additional allowance as shall be reasona- 
ble for extra services. 

Within ten days after the receipt of letters of administration, the executor 
or administrator shall give such notice of appointment as the court or clerk shall 
direct. 

Claims (other than preferred) must be filed within one year thereafter, are 
forever barred, unless the claim is pending in the District or Supreme Court, or 
unless 'peculiar circumstances entitle the claimant to equitable relief 



i 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 277 

Claims are classed and payable in the following order : 

1. Expenses of administration, 

2. Expenses of last sickness and funeral. 

3. Allowance to widow and children, if made hy the court. 

4. Debts preferred under laws of the United States. 

5. Public rates and taxes. 

6. Claims filed within six months after the first publication of the notice 
given by the executors of their appointment. 

7. All other debts. 

8. Legacies. 

The awards or property which must be set apart to the widow, in her own 
right, by the executor, includes all personal property which, in the hands of th«» 
deceased, as head of a family, would have been exempt from execution. 



TAXES. 

The owners of personal property, on the first day of January of each year, 
and the owners of real property on the first day of November of each year, are 
liable for the taxes thereon. 

The following property is exempt from taxation, viz. ; 

1. The property of the United States and of this State, including univer- 
sity, agricultural, college and school lands and all property leased to the State ; 
property of a county, township, city, incorporated town or school district when 
devoted entirely to the public use and not held for pecuniary profit ; public 
grounds, including all places for the burial of the dead ; fire engines and all 
implements for extinguishing fires, with the grounds used exclusively for their 
buildings and for the meetings of the fire companies ; all public libraries, 
grounds and buildings of literary, scientific, benevolent, agricultural and reli- 
gious institutions, and societies devoted solely to the appropriate objects of these 
institutions, not exceeding 640 acres in extent, and not leased or otherwise used 
with a view of pecuniary profit ; and all property leased to agricultural, charit- 
able institutions and benevolent societies, and so devoted during the term of such 
lease ; provided, that all deeds, by which such property is held, shall be duly 
filed for record before the property therein described shall be omitted from the 
assessment. 

2. The books, papers and apparatus belonging to the above institutions ; 
used solely for the purposes above contemplated, and the like property of stu- 
dents in any such institution, used for their education. 

3. Money and credits belonging exclusively to such institutions and devoted 
solely to sustaining them, but not exceeding in amount or income the sum pre- 
scribed by their charter. 

4. Animals not hereafter specified, the wool shorn from sheep, belonging to 
the person giving the list, his fiirm produce harvested within one year previous 
to the listing ; private libraries not exceeding three hundred dollars in value ; 
family pictures, kitchen furniture, beds and bedding requisite for each family, 
all wearing apparel in actual use, and all food provided for the fomily ; but no 
person from whom a compensation for board or lodging is received or expected, 
is to be considered a member of the family within the intent of this clause. 

5. The polls or estates or both of persons who, by reason of age or infirm- 
ity, may, in the opinion of the Assessor, be unable to contribute to the public 



278 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

revenue ; such opinion and the fact upon which it is based being in all cases 
reported to the Board of Equalization by the Assessor or any other person, and 
subject to reversal by them. 

6. The farming utensils of any person who makes his livelihood by farming, 
and the tools of any mechanic, not in either case to exceed three hundred dollars 
in value. 

7. Government lands entered or located or lands purchased from this State, 
should not be taxed for the year in which the entry, location or purchase is 
made. 

There is also a suitable exemption, in amount, for planting fruit trees or 
forest trees or hedges. 

Where buildings are destroyed by fire, tornado or other unavoidable casu- 
alty, after being assessed for the year, the Board of Supervisors may rebate 
taxes for that year on the property destroyed, if same has not been sold for 
taxes, and if said taxes have 7iot been delinquent for thirty days at the time of 
destruction of the property, and the rebate shall be allowed for such loss only 
as is not covered by insurance. 

All other property is subject to taxation. Every inhabitant of full age and 
sound mind shall assist the Assessor in listing all taxable property of which 
he is the owner, or which he controls or manages, either as agent, guardian, 
father, husband, trustee, executor, accounting officer, partner, mortgagor or 
lessor, mortgagee or lessee. 

Road beds of railway corporations shall not be assessed to owners of adja- 
cent property, but shall be considered the property of the companies for pur- 
poses of taxation ; nor shall real estate used as a public highway be assessed 
and taxed as part of adjacent lands whence the same was taken for such public 
purpose. 

The property of railway, telegraph and express companies shall be listed 
and assessed for taxation as the property of an individual would be listed and 
assessed for taxation. Collection of taxes made as in the case of an individual. 

The Township Board of Equalization shall meet first Monday in April of 
each year. Appeal lies to the Circuit Court. 

The County Board of Eqalization (the Board of Supervisors) meet at their 
regular session in June of each year. Appeal lies to the Circuit Court. 

Taxes become delinquent February 1st of each year, payable, without 
interest or penalty, at any time before March 1st of each year. 

Tax sale is held on first Monday in October of each year. 

Redemption may be made at any time within three years after date of sale, 
by paying to the County Auditor the amount of sale, and twenty per centum of 
such amount immediately added as 'penalty, with ten per cent, interest fer 
annum on the whole amount thus made from the day of sale, and also all sub- 
sequent taxes, interest and costs paid by purchaser after March 1st of each 
year, and a similar penalty of twenty per centum added as before, with ten per 
cent, interest as before. 

If notice has been given, by purchaser, of the date at which the redemption 
is limited, the cost of same is added to the redemption money. Ninety days' 
notice is required, by the statute, to be published by the purchaser or holder of 
certificate, to terminate the right of redemption. 




V. R. VoRis 

VINTON. 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS 281 

JURISDICTION OF COURTS 

DISTRICT COURTS 

have jurisdiction, general and original, both civil and criminal, except in such 
cases where Circuit Courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Disti'ict Courts have 
exclusive supervision over courts of Justices of the Peace and Magistrates, in 
criminal matters, on appeal and Avrits of error. 

CIRCUIT COURTS 

have jurisdiction, general and original, with the District Courts, in all civil 
actions and special proceedings, and exclusive jurisdiction in all appeals and 
writs of error from inferior courts, in civil matters. And exclusive jurisdiction 
in matters of estates and general probate business. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE 

have jurisdiction in civil matters where $100 or less is involved. By consent 
of parties, the jurisdiction may be extended to an amount not exceeding $300. 
They have jurisdiction to try and determine all public offense less than felony, 
committed within their respective counties, in which the fine, by law, does not 
exceed -^76^6^ or the imprisonment thirty days. 

LIMITATION OF ACTIONS. 

Action for injuries to the person or reputation; for a stutute penalty; and 
to enforce a mechanics' lien, must be brought in two (2) years. 

Those against a public officer within three (3) years. 

Those founded on unwritten contracts; for injuries to property ; for relief 
on the ground of fraud ; and all other actions not otherwise provided for, within 
five (5) years. 

Those founded on written contracts; on judgments of any court (except 
those provided for in next section), and for the recovery of real property, within 
ten (10) years. 

Those founded on judgment of any court of record in the United States, 
within twenty (20) years. 

All above limits, except those for penalties and forfeitures, are extended in 
favor of minors and insane persons, until one year after the disability is removed 
— time during which defendant is a non-resident of the State shall not be 
included in computing any of the above periods. 

Actions for the recovery of real property, sold for non-payment of taxes, 
must be brought within five years after the Treasurer's Deed is executed 
and recorded, except where a minor or convict or insane person is the owner, 
and they shall be allowed five years after disability is removed, in which to 



bring action 



JURORS. 



All qualified electors of the State, of good moral character, sound judgment, 
and in full possession of the senses of hearing and seeing, are competent jurors 
in their respective counties. 

United States officers, practicing attorneys, physicians and clergymen, 
acting professors or teachers in institutions of learning, and persons disabled by 



282 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

bodily infirmity or over sixty-five years of age, are exempt from liability to act 
as jurors. 

Any person may be excused from serving on a jury when his own interests 
or the public's will be materially injured by his attendance, or when the state of 
his health or the death, or sickness of his family requires his absence. 

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 

was restored by the Seventeenth General Assembly, making it optional with 
the jury to inflict it or not. 

A MARRIED WOMAN 

may convey or incumber real estate, or interest therein, belonging to her ; may 
control the same or contract with reference thereto, as other persons may con- 
vey, encumber, control or contract. 

She may own, acquire, hold, convey and devise property, as her husband 
may. 

Her husband is not liable for civil injuries committed by her. 

She may convey property to her husband, and he may convey to her. 

She may constitute her husband her attorney in fact. 

EXEMPTIONS FROM EXECUTION. 

A resident of the State and head of a family may hold the following prop- 
erty exempt from execution : All wearing apparel of himself and family kept for 
actual use and suitable to the condition, and the trunks or other receptacles nec- 
essary to contain the same ; one musket or rifle and shot-gun ; all private 
libraries, family Bibles, portraits, pictures, musical instruments, and paintings 
not kept for the purpose of sale ; a seat or pew occupied by the debtor or his 
family in any house of public worship ; an interest in a public or private burying 
ground not exceeding one acre ; two cows and a calf; one horse, unless a horse 
is exempt as hereinafter provided ; fifty sheep and the wool therefrom, and the 
materials manufactured from said wool ; six stands of bees ; five hogs and all 
pigs under six months ; the necessary food for exempted animals for six months ; 
all flax raised from one acre of ground, and manufactures therefrom ; one bed- 
stead and necessary bedding for every two in the family : all cloth manufactured 
by the defendant not exceeding one hundred yards ; household and kitchen fur- 
niture not exceeding two hundred dollars in value ; all spinning wheels and 
looms ; one sewing machine and other instruments of domestic laber kept for 
actual use ; the necessary provisions and fuel for the use of the family for six 
months ; the proper tools, instruments, or books of the debtor, if a farmer, 
mechanic, surveyor, clergyman, lawyer, physician, teacher or professor ; the 
horse or the team, consisting of not more than two horses or mules, or two yokes 
of cattle, and the wagon or other vehicle, with the proper harness or tackle, by 
the use of which the debtor, if a physician, public officer, farmer, teamster or 
other laborer, habitually earns his living ; and to the debtor, if a printer, taere 
shall also be exempt a printing press and the types, furniture and material nec- 
essary for the use of such printing press, and a newspaper office to the value of 
twelve hundred dollars ; the earnings of such debtor, or those of his family, at 
any time within ninety days next preceding the levy. 

Persons unmarried and not the head of a family, and non-residents, have 
exempt their own ordinary wearing apparel and trunks to contain the same. 






ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 283 

There is also exempt, to a head of a family, a homestead, not exceeding forty 
acres ; or, if inside city limits, one-half acre with improvements, value not 
limited. The homestead is liable for all debts contracted prior to its acquisition as 
such, and is subject to mechanics' liens for work or material furnished for the same. 

An article, otherwise exempt, is liable, on execution, for the purchase 
money thereof. 

Where a debtor, if a head of a family, has started to leave the State, he shall 
have exempt only the ordinary wearing apparel of himself and family, and 
other property in addition, as he may select, in all not exceeding seventy-five 
dollars in value. 

A policy of life insurance shall inure to the separate use of the husband or 
wife and children, entirely independent of his or her creditors. 

ESTRAYS. 

An unbroken animal shall not be taken up as an estray between May 1st 
and November 1st, of each year, unless the same be found within the lawful 
enclosure of a householder, who alone can take up such animal, unless some 
other person gives him notice of the fact of such animal copiing on his place ; 
and if he fails, within five days thereafter, to take up such estray, any other 
householder of the township may take up such estray and proceed with it as if 
taken on his own premises, provided he shall prove to the Justice of the Peace 
such notice, and shall make affidavit where such estray was taken up. 

Any swine, sheep, goat, horse, neat cattle or other animal distrained (for 
damage done to one's enclosure), when the owner is not known, shall be treated 
as an estray. 

Within five days after taking up an estray, notice, containing a full descrip- 
tion thereof, shall be posted up in three of the most public places in the town- 
ship ; and in ten days, the person taking up such estray shall go before a Justice 
of the Peace in the township and make oath as to Avhere such estray was taken 
up, and that the marks or brands have not been altered, to his knowledge. The 
estray shall then be appraised, by order of the Justice, and the appraisement, 
description of the size, age, color, sex, marks and brands of the estray shall be 
entered by the Justice in a book kept for that purpose, and he shall, a\ ithin ten 
days thereafter, send a certified copy thereof to the County Auditor. 

When the appraised value of an estray does not exceed five dollars, the 
Justice need not proceed further than to enter the description of the estray on 
his book, and if no owner appears within six months, the property shall vest in 
the finder, if he has complied with the law and paid all costs. 

Where appraised value of estray exceeds five and is less than ten dollars, if 
no owner appears in nine months, the finder has the property, if he has com- 
plied with the law and paid costs. 

An estray, legally taken up, may be used or worked with care and 
moderation. 

If any person unlawfully take up an estray, or take up an estray and fail to 
comply with the law regarding estrays. or use or work it contrary to above, or 
work it before having it appraised, or keep such estray out of the county more 
than five days at one time, before acquiring ownership, such offender shall forfeit 
to the county twenty dollars, and the owner may recover double damages with 
costs. 

If the owner of any estray fail to claim and prove his title for one year after 
the taking up, and the finder shall have complied with the law, a comolete title 
vests in the finder. 



284 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

But if the owner appear within eighteen months from the taking up, prove 
his ownership and pay all costs and expenses, the finder shall pay him the 
appraised value of such estray, or may, at his option, deliver up the estray. 

WOLF SCALPS. 
A bounty of one dollar is paid for wolf scalps. 

MARKS AND BRANDS. 

Any person may. adopt his own mark or brand for his domestic animals, and 
have a description thereof recorded by the Township Clerk. 

No person shall adopt the recorded mark or brand of any other person 
residing in his township. 

DAMAGES FROM TRESPASS. 

When any person's lands are enclosed by a lawful fence, the owner of any 
domestic animal injuring said lands is liable for the damages, and the damages 
may be recovered by suit against the owner, or may be made by distraining the 
animals doing the damage ; and if the party injured elects to recover by action 
against the owner, no appraisement need be made by the Trustees, as in £ase of 
distraint. 

When trespassing animals are distrained within twenty-four hours, Sunday 
not included, the party injured shall notify the owner of said animals, if known ; . 
and if the owner fails to satisfy the party within twenty-four hours thereafter, 
the party shall have the township Trustees assess the damage, and notice shall 
be posted up in three conspicuous places in the township, that the stock, or part 
thereof, shall, on the tenth day after posting the notice, between the hours of 1 
and 3 P. M., be sold to the highest bidder, to satisfy said damages, with costs. 

Appeal lies, Avithin twenty days, from the action of the Trustees to the Cir- 
cuit Court. 

Where stock is restrained, by police regulation or by law, from running at 
large, any person injured in his improved or cultivated lands by any domestic 
animal, may, by action against the owner of such animal, or by distraining such 
animal, recover his damages, whether the lands whereon the injury was done 
were inclosed by a lawful fence or not. 

FENCES. 

A lawful fence is fifty-four inches high, made of rails, wire or boards, with 
posts not more than ten feet apart where rails are used, and eight feet where 
boards are used, substantially built and kept in good repair ; or any other fence 
which, in the opinion of the Fence Viewers, shall be declared a laAvful fence — 
provided the lower rail, wire or board be not more that twenty nor less than six- 
teen inches from the ground. 

The respective owners of lands enclosed with fences shall maintain partition 
fences between their own and next adjoining enclosure so long as they improve 
them in equal shares, unless otherwise agreed between them. 

If any party neglect to maintain such partition fence as he should maintain, 
the Fence Viewers (the township Trustees), upon complaint of aggrieved party, 
may, upon due notice to both parties, examine the fence, and, if found insuf- 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 285 

ficient, notify the delinquent party, in ivriting, to repair or re-build the same 
within such time as they judge reasonable. 

If the fence be not repaired or rebuilt accordingly, the complainant may do 
so, and the same being adjudged sufficient by the Fence Viewers, and the 
value thereof, with their fees, being ascertained and certified under their hands, 
the complainant may demand of the delinquent the sum so ascertained, and if 
the same be not paid in one month after demand, may recover it with one per 
cent a month interest, by action. 

In case of disputes, the Fence Viewers may decide as to who shall erect or 
maintain partition fences, and in what time the same shall be done ; and in case 
any party neglect to maintain or erect such part as may be assigned to him, 
the aggrieved party may erect and maintain the same, and recover double 
damages. 

No person, not wishing his land inclosed, and not using it otherwise than in 
common, shall be compelled to maintain any partition fence ; but when he uses 
or incloses his land otherwise than in common, he shall contribute to the parti- 
tion fences. 

Where parties have had their lands inclosed in common, and one of the 
owners desires to occupy his separate and apart from the other, and the other 
refuses to divide the line or build a sufficient fence on the line when divided, 
the Fence Viewers may divide and assign, and upon neglect of the other to 
build as ordered by the Viewers, the one may build the other's part and 
recover as above. 

And when one incloses land which has lain uninclosed, he must pay for 
one-half of each partition fence between himself and his neighbors. 

Where one desires to lay not less than twenty feet of his lands, adjoining 
his neighbor, out to the public to be used in common, he must give his neighbor 
SIX months' notice thereof. 

Where a fence has been built on the land of another through mistake, the 
owner may enter upon such premises and remove his fence and material withn 
six months after the division line has been ascertained. Where the material to 
build such a fence has been taken from the land on which it was built, then, 
before it can be removed, the person claiming must first pay for such material 
to the owner of the land from which it was taken, nor shall such a fence be 
removed at a time when the removal will throw open or expose the crops of the 
other party; a reasonable time must be given beyond the six months to remove 
crops. 

MECHANICS' LIENS. 

Every mechanic, or other person who shall do any labor upon, or furnish 
any materials, machinery or fixtures for any building, erection or other improve- 
ment upon land, including those engaged in the construction or repair of any 
work of internal improvement, by virtue of any contract with the owner, his 
agent, trustee, contractor, or sub-contractor, shall have a lien, on complying 
with the forms of law, upon the building or other improvement for his labor 
done or materials furnished. 

It would take too large a space to detail the manner in which a sub- 
contractor secures his lien. He should file, within thirty days after the last of 
the labor Avas performed, or the last of the material shall have been furnished, 
with the Clerk of the District Court a true account of the amount due hini. after 
allowinii all credits, setting forth the time when such material was furnished or 
labor performed, and when completed, and containing a correct description of 



286 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

the property sought to be charged with the lien, and the whole verified by 
affidavit. 

A principal contractor must file such an affidavit within ninety days, as 
above. 

Ordinarily, there are so many points to be examined in order to secure a 
mechanics' lien, that it is much better, unless one is accustomed to managing 
such liens, to consult at once with an attorney. 

Remember that the proper time to file the claim is ninety days for a princi- 
pal contractor, thirty days fi^r a sub-contractor, as above ; and that actions to 
enforce these liens must be commenced within two years, and the rest can much 
better be done with an attorney. 

ROADS AND BRIDGES. 

Persons meeting each other on the public highways, shall give one half of 
the same by turning to the right. All persons failing to observe this rule shall 
be liable to pay all damages resulting therefrom, together with a fine, not exceed- 
ing five dollars. 

The prosecution must be instituted on the complaint of the person wronged. 

Any person guilty of racing horses, or driving upon the public highway, in 
a manner likely to endanger the persons or the lives of others, shall, on convic- 
tion, be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars or imprisoned not exceeding 
thirty days. 

It is a misdemeanor, without authority from the proper Road Supervisor, to 
break upon, plow or dig within the boundary lines of any public highway. 

The money tax levied upon the property in each road district in each town- 
ship (except the general Township Fund, set apart for purchasing tools, machin- 
ery and guide boards), whether collected by the Road Supervisor or County 
Treasurer, shall be expended for highway purposes in that district, and no part 
thereof shall be paid out or expended for the benefit of another district. 

The Road Supervisor of each district, is bound to keep the roads and bridges 
therein, in as good condition as the funds at his disposal will permit ; to put 
guide boards at cross roads and forks of highways in his district; and when noti- 
fied in Avriting that any portion of the public highway, or any bridge is unsafe, 
must in a reasonable time repair the same, and for this purpose may call out 
any or all the able bodied men in the district, but not more than two days at 
one time, without their consent. 

Also, when notified in writing, of the growth of any Canada thistles upon 
vacant or non-resident lands or lots, within his district, the owner, lessee or 
agent thereof being unknown, shall cause the same to be destroyed. 

Bridges when erected or maintained by the public, are parts of the highway, 
and must not be less than sixteen feet wide. 

A penalty is imposed upon any one who rides or drives faster than a walk 
across any such bridge. 

The manner of establishing, vacating or altering roads, etc., is so well known 
to all township officers, that it is sufficient here to say that the first step is by 
petition, filed in the Auditor's office, addressed in substance as follows : 

The Board of Supervisors of County : The undersigned asks that 

a highway, commencing at and running thence and terminating 

at , be established, vacated or altered (as the case may be.) 

When the petition is filed, all necessary and succeeding steps will be shown 
and explained to the petitioners by the Auditor. 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 287 



ADOPTION OF CHILDREN. 



Any person competent to make a will can adopt as his own the minor child 
of another. The consent of both parents, if living and not divorced or separ- 
ated, and if divorced or separated, or if unmarried, the consent of the parent 
lawfully having the custody of the child ; or if either parent is dead, then the 
consent of the survivor, or if both parents be dead, or the child have been and 
remain abandoned by them, then the consent of the Mayor of the city where 
the child is living, or if not in the city, then of the Clerk of the Circuit Court 
of the county shall be given to such adoption by an instrument in writing, 
signed by party or parties consenting, and stating the names of the parties, if 
known, the name of the child, if known, the name of the person adopting such 
child, and the residence of all, if known, and declaring the name by which the 
child is thereafter to be called and known, and stating, also, that such child is 
given to the person adopting, for the purpose of adoption as his own child. 

The person adopting shall also sign said instrument, and all the parties shall 
acknowledge the same in the manner that deeds conveying lands shall be 
acknowledged. 

The instrument shall be recorded in the office of the County Recorder. 

SURVEYORS AND SURVEYS. 

There is in every county elected a Surveyor known as County Surveyor, 
who has power to appoint deputies, for whose official acts he is responsible. It 
is the duty of the County Surveyor, either by himself or his Duputy, to make 
all surveys that he may be called upon to make within his county as soon as 
may be after application ia made. The necessary chainmen and other assist- 
ance must be employed by the person requiring the same to be done, and to be 
by him paid, unless otherwise agreed ; but the chainmen must be disinterested 
persons and approved by the Surveyor and sworn by him to measure justly and 
impartially. Previous to any survey, he shall furnish himself with a copy of 
the field notes of the original survey of the same land, if there be any in the 
office of the County Auditor, and his survey shall be made in accordance there- 
with. 

Their fees are three dollars per day. For certified copies of field notes, 
twenty-five cents. 

SUPPORT OF POOR. 

Tlie father, mother and children of any poor person who has applied for aid, 
and who is unable to maintain himself by work, shall, jointly or severally, 
maintain such poor person in such manner as may be approved by the Town- 
ship Trustees. 

In the absence or inability of nearer relatives, the same liability shall extend 
to the grandparents, if of ability without personal labor, and to the male grand- 
children who are of ability, by personal labor or otherwise. 

The Township Trustees may, upon the failure of such relatives to maintain 
a poor person, who has made application for relief, apply to the Circuit Court 
for an order to compel the same. 

Upon ten days' notice, in writing, to the parties sought to be charged, a 
hearing may be had, and an order made for entire or partial support of the poor 
person. 



288 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

Appeal may be taken from such judgment as from other judgments of the 
Circuit Court. 

When any person, having any estate, abandons either children, wife or hus- 
band, leaving them chargeable, or likely to become chargeable, upon the public for 
support, upon proof of above fact, an order may be had from the Clerk of the 
Circuit Court, or Judge, authorizing tlie Trustees or the Sheriff to take into 
possession such estate. 

The Court may direct such personal estate to be sold, to be applied, as well 
as the rents and profits of the real estate, if any, to the support of children, 
wife or husband. 

If the party against whom the order is issued return and support the per- 
son abandoned, or give security for the same, the order shall be discharged, and 
the property taken returned. 

The mode of relief for the poor, through the action of the Township 
Trustees, or the action of the Board of Supervisors, is so well known to every 
township officer, and the circumstances attending applications for relief are so 
varied, that it need now only be said that it is the duty of each county to pro- 
vide for its poor, no matter at what place they may be. 



LANDLORD AND TENANT. 

A tenant giving notice to quit demised premises at a time named, and after- 
ward holding over, and a tenant or his assignee willfully holding over the prem- 
ises after the term, and after notice to quit, shall pay double rent. 

Any person in possession of real property, with the assent of the owner, is 
presumed to be a tenant at will until the contrary is shown. 

Thirty days' notice, in writing, is necessary to be given by either party 
before he can terminate a tenancy at will ; but when, in any case, a rent is 
reserved payable at intervals of less than thirty days, the length of notice need 
not be greater than such interval between the days of payment. In case of 
tenants occupying and cultivating farms, the notice must fix the termination of 
the tenancy to take place on the 1st day of March, except in cases of field 
tenants or croppers, whose leases shall be held to expire when the crop is har- 
vested ; provided, that in case of a crop of corn, it shall not be later than the 
1st day of December, unless otherwise agreed upon. But when an express 
agreement is made, whether the same has been reduced to writing or not, 
the tenancy shall cease at the time agreed upon, without notice. 

But where an express agreement is made, whether reduced to writing or 
not, the tenancy shall cease at the time agreed upon, without notice. 

If such tenant cannot be found in the county, the notices above required 
may be given to any sub-tenant or other person in possession of the premises ; 
or, if the premises be vacant, by affixing the notice to the principal door of the 
building or in some conspicuous position on the land, if there be no building. 

The landlord shall have a lien for his rent upon all the crops grown on the 
premises, and upon any other personal property of the tenant used on the 
premises during the term, and not exempt from execution, for the period of one 
year after a year's rent or the rent of a shorter period claimed falls due ; but 
such lien shall not continue more than six months after the expiration of the 
term. 

The lien may be effected by the commencement of an action, within the 
period above prescribed, for the rent alone ; and the landlord is entitled to a writ 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 



28» 



of attachment, upon filing an affidavit that the action is commenced to rcover 
rent accrued within one year previous thereto upon the premises described in the 
affidavit. 



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

Whenever any of the following articles shall be contracted for, or sold or 
delivered, and no special contract or agreement shall be made to the contrary, 
the weight per bushel shall be as follows, to-wit: 



Apples, Peaches or Quinces, 48 

Cherries, Grapes, Currants or Crooseberries, 40 
Strawberries, Raspberries or Blackberries, 32 

Osage Orange Seed 32 

Millet Seed 45 

Stone Coal 80 

Lime 80 

Corn in the ear 70 

Wheat 60 

Potatoes 60 

Beans 60 

Clover Seed 60 

Onions 57 

Shelled Corn 56 

Rye 56 

Flax Seed 56 

Sweet Potatoes i 46 



Sand 130 

Sorghum Seed 30 

Broom Corn Seed 30 

Buckwheat 52 

Salt 50 

Barley 48 

Corn Meal 48 

Castor Beans 46 

Timothy Seed 45 

Hemp Seed 44 

Dried Peaches 33 

Oats 33 

Dried Apples 24 

Bran 20 

Blue Grass Seed 14 

Hungarian Grass Seed 45 



Penalty for giving less than the above standard is treble damages and costs 
and five dollars addition thereto as a fine. 



DEFINITION OF COMMERCIAL TERMS. 

$ means dollars, being a contraction of U. S., which was formerly placed 

before any denomination of money, and meant, as it means now, United States 
Currency. 

£ means pounds, English money. 

@ stands for at or to ; ft) for pounds, and bbl. for barrels ; ^ for per or 5y 
the. Thus, Butter sells at 20(« 30c ^ ft), and Flour at $8(«$12 f bbl. 
fo for /)er cent., and ^ for number. ' 

May 1. Wheat sells at $1.20@$1. 25, " seller June." Seller June means 
that the person who sells the wheat has the privilege of delivering it at any 
time during the month of June. 

Selling short, is contracting to deliver a certain amount of grain or stock, 
at a fixed price, within a certain length of time, when the seller has not the 
stock on hand. It is for the interest of the person selling "short" to depress 
the market as much as possible, in order that he may buy and fill his contract 
at a profit. Hence the "shorts" are termed "bears." 

Buying long, is to contract to purchase a certain amount of grain or shares 
of stock at a fixed price, deliverable within a stipulated time, expecting to make 
a profit by the rise in prices. The "longs" are termed "bulls," as it is for 
their interest to "operate" so as to "toss" the prices upward as much as 
possible. 



290 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

NOTES. 

Form of note is legal, worded in the simplest way, so that the amount and 
•«e.jne of payment are mentioned : 

|100. Chicago, 111., Sept. 15, 1876. 

Sixty days from date I promise to pay to E. F. Brown or order, one hun- 
dred dollars, for value received. L. D. LowRY. 

A note to be payable in anything else than money needs only the facts sub- 
stituted for money in the above form. 

ORDERS. 

Orders should be worded simply, thus : 
Mr. F. H. Coats : Chicago, Sept. 15, 1876. 

Please pay to H. Birdsall twenty-five dollars, and charge to 

F. D. SiLVA. 

RECEIPTS. 

Receipts should always state when received and what for, thus : 

Chicago, Sept. 15, 1876. 



Received of J. W. Davis, one hundred dollars, for services 
rendered in grading his lot in Fort Madison, on account. 

Thomas Brady. 
If receipt is in full, it should be so stated. 

BILLS OF PURCHASE. 

W. K Mason, Salem, Illinois, Sept. 18, 1876. 

Bought of A, A. Graham. 

4 Bushels of Seed Wheat, at $1.50 $6 00 

2 Seamless Sacks " 30 60 



Received payment, $6 60 

A. A. Graham. 



CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT. 



-, Iowa, , 18 — . 



after date — promises to pay to the order of , dollars, 

at , for value received, with interest at ten per cent, per annum after 

until paid. Interest payable , and on interest not paid when due, 

interest at same rate and conditions. 

A failure to pay said interest, or any part thereof, within 20 days after due, shall cause the 
whole note to become due and collectable at once. 

If this note is sued, or judgment is confessed hereon, $ shall be allowed as attorney fees. 

No. — . P. 0. , . 

CONFESSION OF .JUDGMENT. 

— VS. — . In Court of County, Iowa, , of 

County, Iowa, do hereby confess that justly indebted to , in the 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 291 

sum of dollars, and the further sum of ^ as attorney fees, with 

interest thereon at ten per cent, from , and — hereby confess judgment 

against as defendant in favor of said , for said sum of $ , 

and $ as attorney fees, hereby authorizing the Clerk of the Court of 

said county to enter up judgment for said sum against with costs, and 

interest at 10 per cent, from , the interest to be paid . 

Said debt and judgment being for . 

It is especially agreed, however, That if this judgment is paid Avithin twenty 

days after due, no attorney fees need be paid. And hereby sell, convey 

and release all right of homestead we now occupy in favor of said so 

far as this judgment is concerned, and agree that it shall be liable on execution 
for this judgment. 

Dated , 18 — . " . 



The State of Iowa, \ 

County. j 

being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that the forego- 
ing statement and Confession of Judgment was read over to , and that — 

understood the contents thereof, and that the statements contained therein are 

true, and that the sums therein mentioned ai-e justly to become due said 

as aforesaid. 



Sworn to and subscribed before me and in my presence by the said 



this day of , 18 — . , Notary Public. 



ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT. 

An agreement is where one party promises to another to do a certain thing 
in a certain time for a stipulated sum. Good business men always reduce an 
agreement to Avriting, which nearly always saves misunderstandings and trouble. 
No particular form is necessary, but the facts must be clearly and explicitly 
stated, and there must, to make it valid, be a reasonable consideration. 

GENERAL FORM OF AGREEMENT. 

This Agreement, made the Second day of June, 1878, between John 
Jones, of Keokuk, County of Lee, State of Iowa, of the first part, and Thomas 
Whiteside, of the same place, of the second part — 

WITNESSETH, that the said John Jones, in consideration of the agreement 
of the party of the second part, hereinafter contained, contracts and agrees to 
and with the said Thomas Whiteside, that he will deliver in good and market- 
able condition, at the Village of Melrose, Iowa, during the month of November, 
of this year. One Hundred Tons of Prairie Hay, in the following lots, and at 
the following specified times ; namely, twenty-five tons by the seventh of Nov- 
ember, twenty-five tons additional by the fourteenth of the month, twenty-five 
tons more by the twenty-first, and the entire one hundred tons to be all delivered 
by the thirtieth of November. 

And the said Thomas Whiteside, in consideration of the prompt fulfillment 
of this contract, on the part of the party of the first part, contracts to and agrees 
with the said John Jones, to pay for said hay five dollars per ton, for each ton 
as soon as delivered. 



292 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

In case of failure of agreement by either of the parties hereto, it is hereby 
stipulated and agreed that the party so failing shall pay to the other, One Hun- 
dred dollars, as fixed and settled damages. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands the day and year first 
above written. John Jones, 

Thomas Whiteside. 

agreement with clerk for services. 

This Agreement, made the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred 
and seventy-eight, between Reuben Stone, of Dubuque, County of Dubuque, 
State of Iowa, party of the first part, and George Barclay, of McGregor, 
County of Clayton, State of Iowa, party of the second part — 

WITNESSETH, that Said George Barclay agrees faithfully and diligently to 
work as clerk and salesman for the said Reuben Stone, for and during the space 
of one year from the date hereof, should both live such length of time, without 
absenting himself from his occupation ; during which time he, the said Barclay, in 
the store of said Stone, of Dubuque, will carefully and honestly attend, doing 
and performing all duties as clerk and salesman aforesaid, in accordance and in 
all respects as directed and desired by the said Stone. 

In consideration of which services, so to be rendered by the said Barclay, the 
said Stone agrees to pay to said Barclay the annual sum of one thousand dol- 
lars, payable in twelve equal monthly payments, each upon the last day of each 
month ; provided that all duos for days of absence from business by said Barclay, 
shall be deducted from the sum otherwise by the agreement due and payable by 
the said Stone to the said Barclay, • 

Witness our hands. Reuben Stone. 

George Barclay. 

BILLS OF SALE. 

A bill of sale is a written agreement to another party, for a consideration to 
convey his right and interest in the personal property. The purchaser must 
take actual possession of the projjertt/, or the bill of sale must be acknowledged 
and recorded. 

COMMON FORM OF BILL OF SALE. 

Know all Men by this instrument, that I, Louis Clay, of Burlington, 
Iowa, of the first part, for and in consideration of Five Hundred and Ten 
Dollars, to me paid by John Floyd, of the same place, of the second part, the 
receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have sold, and by this instrument do 
convey unto the said Floyd, party of the second part, his execucors, administra- 
tors and assigns, my undivided half of ten acres of corn, now growing on the 
arm of Thomas Tyrell, in the town above mentioned ; one pair of horses, 
sixteen sheep, and five cows, belonging to me and in my possession at the farm 
aforesaid ; to have and to hold the same unto the party of the second pai-t, his 
executors and assigns forever. And I do, for myself and legal representatives, 
agree with the said party of the second part, and his legal representatives, to 
warrant and defend the sale of the afore-mentioned property and chattels unto 
the said party of the second part, and his legal representatives, against all and 
every person whatsoever. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my hand, this tenth day of 
October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six. 

Louis Clay. 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 293 

NOTICE TO QUIT. 
To John Wontpay : 

You are hereby notified to quit the possession of the premises you now 
occupy to wit : 

\_Insert Description.'] 
on or before thirty days from the date of this notice. 

Dated January 1, 1878. Landlord. 

\_Reverse for Notice to Landlord.'] 



GENERAL FORM OF WILL FOR REAL AND PERSONAL 

PROPERTY. 

I, Charles Mansfield, of the Town of Bellevue, County of Jackson, State 
of Iowa, being aware of the uncertainty of life, and in failing health, but of 
sound mind and memory, do make and declare this to be my last will and tes- 
tament, in manner following, to-wit : 

First. I give, devise and bequeath unto my eldest son, Sidney H. Mans- 
field, the sum of Two Thousand Dollars, of bank stock, now in the Third 
National Bank, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the farm owned by myself, in the 
Township of Iowa, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, with all the 
houses, tenements and improvements thereunto belonging; to have and to hold 
unto my said son, his heirs and assigns, forever. 

Second. I give, devise and bequeath to each of my two daughters, Anna 
Louise Mansfield and Ida Clara Mansfield, each Two Thousand Dollars in bank 
stock in the Third National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio ; and also, each one 
quarter section of land, owned by myself, situated in theTownship of Fairfield, 
and recorded in my name in the Recorder's office, in the county where such land 
is located. The north one hundred and sixty acres of said half section is 
devised to my eldest daughter, Anna Louise. 

Third. I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Frank Alfred Mansfield, five 
shares of railroad stock in the Baltimore k Ohio Railroad, and my one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, and saw-mill thereon, situated in Manistee, Michigan, 
with all the improvements and appurtenances thereunto belonging, which laid 
real estate is recorded in my name, in the county where situated. 

Fourth. I give to my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, all my household 
furniture, goods, chattels and personal property, about my home, not hitherto 
disposed of, including Eight Thousand Dollars of bank stock in the Third 
National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio, fifteen shares in the Baltimore & Ohio 
Railroad, and the free and unrestricted use, possession and benefit of the home 
farm so long as she may live, in lieu of dower, to which she is entitled by law 
— said farm being my present place of residence. 

Fifth. I bequeath to my invalid father, Elijah H. Mansfield, the income 
from rents of my store building at 145 Jackson street, Chicago, Illinois, during 
the term of his natural life. Said building and land therewith to revert to 
my said sons and daughters in equal proportion, upon the demise of my said 
father. 

Sixth. It is also my will and desire that, at the death of my wife, Victoria 
Elizabeth Mansfield, or at any time when she may arrange to relinquish her 



f 



294 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

life interest in the above mentioned homestead, the same may revert to my 
above named children, or to the lawful heirs of each. 

And lastly. I nominate and appoint as the executors of this, my last will 
and testament, my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, and my eldest son, Sidney 
H. Mansfield. 

I further direct that my debts and necessary funeral expenses shall be paid 
from moneys now on deposit in the Savings Bank of Bellevue, the residue of 
such moneys to revert to my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, for her use for- 
ever. 

In witness whereof, I, Charles Mansfield, to this my last will and testament, 
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fourth day of April, eighteen hundred 
and seventy-two. 

Charles Mansfield. 
Signed, and declared by Charles Mansfield, as and for his last will and tes- 
ment, in the presence of us, who, at his request, and in his presence, and in 
the presence of each other, have subscribed our names hereunto as witnesses 
thereof. Peter A. Schenck, Dubuque, Iowa, 

Frank E. Dent, Bellevue, Iowa. 

CODICIL. 

Whereas I, Charles Mansfield, did, on the fourth day of April, one thousand 
eight hundred and seventy-two, make my last will and testament, I do now, by 
this writing, add this codicil to my said will, to be taken as a part thereof. 

Whereas, by the dispensation of Providence, my daughter, Anna Louise, 
has deceased, November fifth, eighteen hundred and seventy-three ; and whereas, 
a son has been born to me, which son is now christened Richard Albert Mans- 
field, I give and bequeath unto him my gold watch, and all right, interest and 
title in lands and bank stock and chattels bequeathed to my deceased daughter, 
Anna Louise, in the body of this will. 

In witness whereof, I hereunto place my hand and seal, this tenth day of 
March, eighteen hundred and seventy-five. Charles Mansfield. 

Signed, sealed, published and declared to us by the testator, Charles jNIans- 
field, as and for a codicil to be annexed to his last will and testament. And 
we, at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have 
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto, at the date hereof. 

Frank E. Dent, Bellevue, Iowa, 
John C. Shay, Bellevue, Iowa. 



[Form No. 1.) 

SATISFACTION OF MORTGAGE. 

State of Iowa, ]^ 

County ,_ / 

I, , of the County of , State of Iowa, do hereby acknowledge 

that a certain Indenture of , bearing date the — ^ — day of , A. D. 

18 — , made and executed by and , his wife, to said on 

the following described Real Estate, in the County of , and State of 

Iowa, to-wit : (here insert description) and filed for record in the office of the 
Recorder of the County of , and State of Iowa, on the day of , 



ABSTRACT UF IOWA STATE LAWS. 295 

A. D. 18 — , at o'clock . M. ; and recorded in Book of Mortgage 

Records, on page , is redeemed, paid ofif, satisfied and discharged in full. 

. [seal.] 

State of Iowa, ] ^^ 

ss< 



:'} 



County 

Be it Remembered, That on this day of , A. D. 18 — , before 

me the undersigned, a in and for said county, personally appeared , 

to me personally known to be the identical person Avho executed the above 

(satisfaction of mortgage) as grantor, and acknowledged signature 

thereto to be voluntary act and deed. 

Witness my hand and seal, the day and year last above 

written. . 



ONE FORM OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE. 

Know all Men by these Presents : That , of County, and 

State of , in consideration of dollars, in hand paid by of 

County, and State of , do hereby sell and convey unto the said 

the following described premises, situated in the County , and State of 

, to wit : (here insert description,) and do hereby covenant with the 

said that lawfully seized of said premises, that they are free from 

incumbrance, that have good right and lawful authority to sell and convey 

the same ; and do hereby covenant to warrant and defend the same against 

the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever. To be void upon condition that 

the said shall pay the full amount of principal and interest at the time 

therein specified, of certain promissory note for the sum of dollars. 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent. 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent. 

One note for ^ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent. 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent. 

And the said Mortgagor agrees to pay all taxes that may be levied upon the 
above described premises. It is also agreed by the Mortgagor that if it becomes 
necessary to foreclose this moi'tgage, a reasonable amount shall be allowed as an 

attorney's fee for foreclosing. And the said hereby relinquishes all her 

right of dower and homestead in and to the above described premises. 
Signed to day of , A. D. 18 — . 



[Acknowledge as in Form No. 1.] 



SECOND FORM OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE. 

This Indenture, made and executed by and between of the 

county of and State of , part of the first part, and of the 

county of and State of p^i'ty of the second part, Witnesseth, that the 

said part of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of dollars, 

paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby 
acknowledged, ha.e granted and sold, and do by these presents, grant, bargain, 
sell, convey and confirm, unto the said party of the second part, heirs and 



296 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

assigns forever, the certain tract or parcel of real estate situated in the county 
of and State of , described as follows, to-wit : 

[Here insert description.^ 

The said part of the first part represent to and covenant with the part of 
the second part, that he have good right to sell and convey said premises, 
that they are free from encumbrance and that he will warrant and defend 
them against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever, and do expressly 
hereby release all rights of dower in and to said premises, and relinquish and 
convey all rights of homestead therein. 

This Instrument is made, executed and delivered upon the following con- 
ditions, to-wit : 

First. Said first part agree to pay said or order 

Second. Said first part further agree as is stipulated in said note, that if 
he shall fail to pay any of said interest when due, it shall bear interest at the 
rate often per cent, per annum, from the time the same becomes due, and this 
mortgage shall stand as security for the same. 

Third. Said first part further agree that he will pay all taxes and 
assessments levied upon said real estate before the same become delinquent, and 
if not paid the holder of this mortgage may declare the whole sum of money 
herein secured due and collectable at once, or he may elect to pay such taxes or 
assessments, and be entitled to interest on the same at the rate of ten per cent, 
per annum, and this mortgage shall stand as security for the amount so paid. 
Fourth. Said first part further agree that if he fail to pay any of said 

money, either principal or interest, within days after the same becomes 

due ; or fail to conform or comply with any of the foregoing conditions or agree- 
ments, the whole sum herein secured shall become due and payable at once, and 
this mortgage may thereupon be foreclosed immediately for the whole of said 
money, interest and costs. 

Fifth. Said pai't further agree that in the event of the non-payment of either 
principal, interest or taxes when due, and upon the filing of a bill of foreclosure 
of this mortgage, an attorney's fee of dollars shall become due and pay- 
able, and shall be by the court taxed, and this mortgage shall stand as security 
therefor, and the same shall be included in the decree of foreclosure and shall 
be made by the Sheriff on general or special execution with the other money, 
interest and costs, and the contract embodied in this mortgage and the note 
described herein, shall in all respects be governed, constructed and adjudged 

by the laws of , where the same is made. The foregoing conditions 

being performed, this conveyance to be void, otherwise of full force and virtue. 



[Acknowledge as in form No. 1.] 



FORM OF LEASE. 



This Article of Agreement, Made and entered into on this day of 

A. D. 187-, by and between , of the county of , and 



State of Iowa, of the first part, and , of the county of • 

and State of Iowa, of the second part, witnesseth that the said party of the first 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 297 

part has this day leased unto the party of the second part the following described 

premises, to wit : 

\^Here insert description, "j 

for the term of from and after the — day of , A. D. 187-, a% 

the rent of dollars, to be paid as follows, to wit : 

[Here insert Terms. '\ 

And it is further agreed that if any rent shall be due and unpaid, or if 
default be made in any of the covenants herein contained, it shall then be law- 
ful for the said party of the first part to re-enter the said premises, or to destrain 
for such rent; or he may recover possession thereof, by action of forcible entry 
and detainer, notwithstanding the provision of Section 3,612 of the Code of 
1873 ; or he may use any or all of said remedies. 

And the said party of the second part agrees to pay to the party of the first 
part the rent as above stated, except when said premises are untenantable by 
reason of fire, or from any other cause than the carelessness of the party of thQ 

second part, or persons family, or in employ, or by superior force 

and inevitable necessity. And the said party of the second part covenants 

that will use the said premises as a , and for no other purposes 

whatever ; and that especially will not use said premises, or permit the 

same to be used, for any unlawful business or purpose whatever ; that will 

not sell, assign, underlet or relinquish said premises without the written consent 

of the lessor, under penalty of a forfeiture of all rights under this lease, at 

the election of the party of the first part ; and that will use all due care 

and diligence in guarding said property, with the buildings, gates, fences, trees, 
vines, shrubbery, etc., from damage by fire, and the depredations of animals ; 

that will keep buildings, gates, fences, etc., in as good repair as they now 

are, or may at any time be placed by the lessor, damages by superior force, 
inevitable necessity, or fire from any other cause than from the carelessness of 

the lessee, or persons of family, or in employ, excepted ; and that 

at the expiration of this lease, or upon a breach by said lessee of any of the said 

covenants herein contained, will, without further notice of any kind, quit 

and surrender the possession and occupancy of said premises in as good condi- 
tion as reasonable use, natural wear and decay thereof will permit, damages by 
fire as aforesaid, superior force, or inevitable necessity, only excepted. 

In witness whereof, the said parties have subscribed their names on the date 
first above written. 

In presence of 



FORM OF NOTE. 

$ , 18—. 

On or before the — day of , 18 — , for value received, I promise to 

pay or order, dollars, with interest from date until paid, 

at ten per cent, per annum, payable annually, at . Unpaid interest 

shall bear interest at ten per cent, per annum. On failure to pay interest 

within days after due, the whole sum, principal and interest, shall become 

due at once. 



298 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 



CHATTEL MORTGAGE. 

Know all Men by these Presents : That of County, and 

State of in consideration of dollars, m hand paid by , of 

County and State of do hereby sell and convey unto the said the 

following described personal property, now in the possession of in the 

county and State of , to wit : 

\_Here insert Description.^ 

And do hereby warrant the title of said property, and that it is free from 

any incumbrance or lien. The only right or interest retained by grantor in 
and to said property being the right of redemption as herein provided. This 
conveyance to be void upon condition that the said grantor shall pay to said 
grantee, or his assigns, the full amount of principal and interest at the time 

therein specified, of certain promissory notes of even date hercAvith, for 

the sum of dollars, 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent. 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent. 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent. 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent. 

The grantor to pay all taxes on said property, and if at any time any part 
or portion of said notes should be due and unpaid, said grantee may proceed by 
sale or foreclosure to collect and pay himself the unpaid balance of said notes, 
whether due or not, the grantor to pay all necessary expense of such foreclosure, 

including $ Attorney's fees, and whatever remains after paying off said 

notes and expenses, to be paid over to said grantor. 

Signed the day of , 18 — . . 

[Acknowledged as in form No. 1.] . 



WARRANTY DEED. 

Know all Men by these Presents : That of County and 

State of , in consideration of the sum of Dollars, in hand paid by 

of , County and State of , do hereby sell and convey unto 

the said and to heirs and assigns, the following described premises, 

situated in the County of , State of Iowa, to-wit : 

[Here insert description. '\ 

And I do hereby covenant wdth the said that — lawfully seized in fee 

simple, of said premises, that they are free from incumbrance ; that — ha good 
right and lawful authority to sell the same, and — do hereby covenant to war- 
rant and defend the said premises and appurtenances thereto belonging, against 
the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever ; and the said hereby re- 
linquishes all her right of dower and of homestead in and to the above described 
premises. 

Signed the day of , A. D. 18 — . 

IN presence of 



[Acknowledged as in Form No. 1.] 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 299 



QUIT-CLAIM DEED. 

Know all Men by these Presents : That , of County, 

State of , in consideration of the sum of dollars, to — in hand 

paid by , of County, State of , the receipt whereof — do 

hereby acknowledge,have bargained, sold and ([uit-claimed, and by these presents 

do bargain, sell and quit-claim unto the said and to — heirs and assigns 

forever, all — right, title, interest, estate, claim and demand, both at law and 
in equity, and as well in possession as in expectancy, of, in and to the following 
described premises, to wit : [here insert description] with all and singular the 
hereditaments and appurtenances thereto belonging. 

Signed this day of , A. D. 18 — . 

Signed in Presence of 



[Acknowledged as in form No. 1.] 



BOND FOR DEED. 

Know all Men by these Presents: That of County, 

and State of am held and firmly bound unto of County, and 

State of , in the sum of Dollars, to be paid to the said , his 

executors or assigns, for which payment well and truly to be made, I bind myself 
firmly by these presents. Signed the day of A. D. 18 — . 

The condition of this obligation is such, that if the said obligee shall pay to 
said obligor, or his assigns, the full amount of principal and interest at the time 
therein specified, of — certain promissory note of even date herewith, for the 
sum of Dollars, 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at — per cent. 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at — per cent. 

One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at — per cent. 

and pay all taxes accruing upon the lands herein described, then said oblio-or 
shall convey to the said obligee, or his assigns, that certain tract or parcel of 

real estate, situated in the County of and State of Iowa, described as fol- 

loAvs, to wit: [here insert description,] by a Warranty Deed, with the usual 
covenants, duly executed and acknowledged. 

If said obligee should fail to make the payments as above stipulated, or any 
part thereof, as the same becomes due. said obligor may at his option, by notice 
to the obligee terminate his liability under the bond and resume the posses- 
sion and absolute control of said premises, time being the essence of this 
agreement. 

On the fulfillment of the above conditions this obligation to become void, 
otherwise to remain in full force and virtue ; unless terininated by the obligor 
as above stipulated. 



[Acknowledge as in form No. 1.] 



300 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 



CHARITABLE, SCIENTIFIC AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS. 

Any three or more persons of full age, citizens of the L^nited States, 
a majority of whom shall be citizens of this State, who desire to associate 
themselves for benevolent, charitable, scientific, religious or missionary pur- 
poses, may make, sign and acknowledge, before any officer authorized to take 
the acknowledgments of deeds in this State, and have recorded in the office of 
the Recorder of the county in which the business of such society is to be con- 
ducted, a certificate in writing, in which shall be stated the name or title by 
which such society shall be known, the particular business and objects of such 
society, the number of Trustees, Directors or Managers to conduct the same, and 
the names of the Trustees, Directors or Managers of such society for the first 
year of its existence. 

Upon filing for record the certificate, as aforesaid, the persons who shall 
have signed and acknowledged such certificate, and their associates and success- 
ors, shall, by virtue hereof, be a body politic and corporate by the name 
stated in such certificate, and by that they and their successors shall and may 
have succession, and shall be persons capable of suing and being sued, and may 
have and use a common seal, which they may alter or change at pleasure ; and 
they and their successors, by their corporate name, shall be capable of taking, 
receiving, purchasing and holding real and personal estate, and of making by- 
laws for the management of its affiiirs, not inconsistent with law. 

The society so incorporated may, annually or oftener, elect from its members 
its Trustees, Directors or Managers at such time and place, and in such manner 
as may be specified in its by-laws, who shall have the control and management 
of the affairs and funds of the society, a majority of whom shall be a quorum 
for the transaction of business, and whenever any vacancy shall happen among 
such Trustees, Directors or Managers, by death, resignation or neglect to serve, 
such vacancy shall be filled in such manner as shall be provided by the by-laws 
of such society. When the body corporate consists of the Trustees, Directors or 
Managers of any benevolent, charitable, literary, scientific, religious or mis- 
sionary institution, which is or may be established in the State, and which is or 
may be under the patronage, control, direction or supervision of any synod, con- 
ference, association or other ecclesiastical body in such State, established 
agreeably to the laws thereof, such ecclesiastical body may nominate and 
appoint such Trustees, Directors or Managers, according to usages of the appoint- 
ing body, and may fill any vacancy which may occur among such Trustees, 
Directors or Managers ; and when any such institution may be ,under the 
patronage, control, direction or supervision of two or more of such synods, con- 
ferences, associations or other ecclesiastical bodies, such bodies may severally 
nominate and appoint such proportion of such Trustees, Directors or Managers 
as shall be agreed upon by those bodies immediately concerned. And any 
vacancy occurring among such appointees last named, shall be filled by the 
synod, conference, association or body having appointed the last incumbent. 

In case any election of Trustees, Directors or Managers shall not be made 
on the day designated by the by-laws, said society for that cause shall not be 
dissolved, but such election may take place on any" other day directed by such 
by-laws. 

Any corporation formed under this chapter shall be capable of taking, hold- 
ing or receiving property by virtue of any devise or bequest contained in any 
last will or testament of any person whatsoever ; but no person leaving a wife, 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 301 

child or parent, shall devise or bequeath to such institution or corporation more 
than one-fourth of his estate after the payment of his debts, and such device or 
bequest shall be valid only to tlie extent of such one-fourth. 

Any corporation in this State of an academical character, the memberships 
of Avhich shall consist of lay members and pastors of churches, delegates to any 
synod, conference or council holding its annual meetings alternately in this and 
one or more adjoining States, may hold its annual meetings for the election of 
officers and the transaction of business in any adjoining State to this, at such 
place therein as the said synod, conference or council shall hold its annual meet- 
ings ; and the elections so held and business so transacted shall be as legal and 
binding as if held and transacted at the place of business of the corporation in 
this State. 

The provisions of this chapter shall not extend or apply to any association 
or individual who shall, in the certificate filed with the Recorder, use or specify 
a name or style the same as that of any previously existing incorporated society 
in the county. 

The Trustees, Directors or stockholders of any existing benevolent, char- 
itable, scientific, missionary or religious corporation, may, by conforming to the 
requirements of Section 1095 of this chapter, re-incorporate themselves or con- 
tinue their existing corporate powers, and all the property and effects of such 
existing corporation shall vest in and belong to the corporation so re-incorporated 
or continued. 



INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 

No intoxicating liquors (alcohol, spirituous and vinous liquors), except wine 
manufactured from grapes, currants or other fruit grown in the State, shall be 
manufactured or sold, except for mechanical, medicinal, culinary or sacramental 
purposes ; and even such sale is limited as follows : 

Any citizen of the State, except hotel keepers, keepers of saloons, eating 
houses, grocery keepers and confectioners, is permitted to buy and sell, within 
the county of his residence, such liquors for such mechanical, etc., purposes 
only, provided he shall obtain the consent of the Board of Supervisors. In 
order to get that consent, he must get a certificate from a majority of the elec- 
tors of the town or township or ward in which he desires to sell, that he is of 
good moral character, and a proper person to sell such liquors. 

If the Board of Supervisors grant him permission to sell such liquors, he 
must give bonds, and shall not sell such liquors at a greater profit than thirty- 
three per cent, on t'le cost of the same. Any person having a permit to sell, 
shall make, on the last Saturday of every month, a return in writing to the 
Auditor of the county, showing the kind and quantity of the liquors purchased 
by him since the date of his last report, the price paid, and the amount of 
freights paid on the same ; also the kind and quantity of liquors sold by him 
since the date of his last report ; to whom sold ; for what purpose and at what 
price; also the kind and quantity of liquors on hand; which report shall be 
sworn to by the person having the permit, and shall be kept by the Auditor, 
subject at all times to the .inspection of the public. 

No person shall sell or give away any intoxicating liquors, including wine or 
beer, to any minor, for any purpose whatever, except upon written order of 
parent, guardian or family physician ; or sell the same to an intoxicated person 
or a person in the habit of becoming intoxicated. 



302 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 

Any person who shall mix any intoxicating liquor with any beer, wine or 
cider, by him sold, and shall sell or keep for sale, as a beverage, such mixture, 
shall be punished as for sale of intoxicating liquor. 

But nothing in the chapter containing the laws governing the sale or pro- 
hibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, shall be construed to forbid the sale by 
the importer thereof of foreign intoxicating liquor, imported under the author- 
ity of the laws of the United States, regarding the importation of such liquors, 
and in accordance with such lavvs ; provided that such liquor, at the time of the 
sale by the importer, remains in the original casks or packages in which it was 
by him imported, and in quantities not less than the quantities in which the 
laws of the United States require such liquors to be imported, and is sold by 
him in such original casks or packages, and in said quantities only. 

All payment or compensation for intoxicating liquor sold in violation of the 
laws of this State, whether such payments or compensation be in money, goods, 
lands, labor, or anything else whatsoever, shall be held to have been I'eceived in viola- 
tion of law and equity and good conscience, and to have been received upon a 
valid promise and agreement of the receiver, in consideration of the receipt 
thereof, to pay on demand, to the person furnishing such consideration, the 
amount of the money on the just value of the goods or other things. 

All sales, transfers, conveyances, mortgages, liens, attachments, pledges and 
securities of every kind, which, either in whole or in part, shall have been made 
on account of intoxicating liquors sold contrary to law, shall be utterly null and 
void. 

Negotiable paper in the hands of holders thereof, in good faith, for valuable 
consideration, without notice of any illegality in its inception or transfer, how- 
ever, shall not be affected by tlie above provisions. Neither shall the holder of 
land or other property who may have taken the same in good faith, without 
notice of any defect in the title of the person from whom the same was 
taken, growing out of a violation of the liquor law, be affected by the above 
provision. 

Every wife, child, pai-ent, guardian, employer, or other person, who shall be 
injured in person or property or means of support, by an intoxicated person, or 
in consequence of the intoxication, has a right of action against any person who 
shall, by selling intoxicating liquors, cause the intoxication of such person, for 
all damages actually sustained as well as exemplary damages. 

For any damages recovered, the personal and real property (except home- 
stead, as now provided) of the person against whom the damages are recovered, 
as well as the premises or property, personal or real, occupied and used by him, 
with consent and knowledge of owner, either for manufacturing or selling intox- 
icating li(|uors contrary to law, shall be liable. 

The only other exemption, besides the homestead, from this sweeping liability, 
is that the defendant may have enough for the support of his family for six 
months, to be determined by the Township Trustee. 

No ale, wine, beer or other malt or vinous li([uors shall be sold within two 
miles of the corporate limits of any municipal corporation, except at wholesale, 
for the purpose of shipment to places outside of such corporation and such two- 
mile limits. The power of the corporation to prohibit or license sale of liquors 
not prohibited by law is extended over the two miles. 

No ale, wine, beer or other malt or vinous liquors shall be sold on the day 
on which any election is held under the laws of this State, within two miles of 
the place where said election is held ; except only that any person holding a 
permit may sell upon the prescription of a practicing physician. 



ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 



303 



SUGGESTIONS TO THOSE PURCHASING BOOKS BY SUBSCRIP- 
TION. 



nn 



.^he business of puhlisliing hooks hy subscription, having so often been 
brought into disrepute by agents making representations and declarations not 
autJiorized hy the puhlisher, in order to prevent that as much as possible, and 
that there may be more general knowledge of the relation such agents bear to 
their principal, and the law governing such cases, the following statement is 
made : 

A subscription is in the nature of a contract of mutual promises, by which 
the subscriber agrees to pay a certain sum for the work described; the consid- 
eration is concurrent that the publisher shall puhlish the hook named, and 
deliver the same, for which the subscriber is to pay the price named. The 
nature and character of the work is described hy the prospectus and sample 
shown. These should be carefully examined before suhseribing, as they are 
the basis and consideration of the promise to pay, and not the too often exag- 
gerated statements of the agent, who is merely employed to solicit subscriptions, 
for which he is usually joau^ a commission for each subscriber, and has no 
authority to change or alter the conditions upon which the subscriptions are 
authorized to be made by the publisher. Should the agent assume to agree to 
make the subscription conditional or modify or change the agreement of the 
publisher, as set out by the prospectus and sample, in order to bind the priiici- 
pal, the subscriber should see that such condition or changes are stated over or 
in connection with his signature, so that the publisher may have notice of the 
same. 

All persons making contracts in reference to matters of this kind, or any 
other business, should remember that the law as ivritten is, that they can not be 
altered., varied or resciiided verbally, but if done at all, must he done in writing. 
It is therefore important that all persons contemplatirig subscribitig should 
distinctly understand that all talk before or after the subscription is made, is not 
admissible as evidence, and is no jjart of the contract. 

Persons employed to solicit subscriptions are known to the trade as can- 
vassers. They are agents appointed to do a particular business in a prescribed 
mode, and have no authority to do it any other way to the prejudice of their 
principal, nor can they bind their principal in any other matter. They can not 
collect money, or agree that payment may be made in anything else but money. 
They can not extend the time of payment beyond the time of delivery, nor bind 
their principal for the payment of expenses incurred in their business.. 

It ivould save a great deal of trouble, and often serious loss, if persons, 
before signing their names to any subscription book, or any written instrument, 
would examine carefully what it is ; if they can not read themselves call on 
some one disinterested who can. 




POPULATION OF BENTON COUNTY. 





White Colored 
Inhabitants. Inhabitants. 




Number born 
in Foreign 
Countries. 




TOWNSHIPS. 


^ 

rt 
g 


a? 
S 




•3 

a 


Is 


»5 


St Clair 


442 

387 
393 
287 
291 
397 
414 
468 
350 
361 
419 
580 
625 
532 
417 
1167 
512 
456 
343 
443 
580 
590 
616 
786 


375 






817 
728 
732 
554 
540 
751 
768 
829 
679 
714 
782 
1109 
1279 
988 
797 
2389 
978 
846 
651 
836 


204 

220 

71 

37 

10 

222 

104 

262 

17 

37 

102 

87 

86 

58 

32 

92 

52 

285 

75 

288 

229 

219 

340 

274 


149 


Homer 


340 
339 
267 
249 
354 
354 
361 
320 
353 


1 




119 


Monroe 




144 


Shellsburg, Town of 






127 


Harrison 


128 


Fremont 






100 


Biff Grove 






183 


Union 






144 


RpTiton 4 






144 


Tilairstown town of 






191 


Eden 


363 
•528 
654 
456 
380 
1208 
466 
890 
308 
393 
502 
562 
545 
856 






176 


Cedar 


1 




259 


Polk 




299 


Jackson 






219 


Taylor 






171 


Vinton. Town of 


8 


6 


579 


Canton 


216 


Eldorado 






141 


Bruce 






146 


Kane 






1.50 


Leroy 






1082 
1152 


202 


Iowa 






225 


Florence 






1161 
1645 


210 


Belle Plaine, Town of 


2 


1 


338 







^fyyicD %r.J 



VINTON 



7/ 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 



Benton County is one of the largest counties in the central portion of the 
State, containing twenty Congressional townships and an area of 720 square 
miles. 

The surface is generally a beautiful and gently undulating prairie, and pre- 
sents to the eye an extremely attractive appearance, enhanced by the numerous 
groves of native and planted timber which dot the face of the country. The 
soil in the lowlands near the river is sandy, but, as the prairie rises, the soil 
becomes a deep, black vegetable mold of surpassing fertility. The county is 
well-watered, and is peculiarly adapted to stock raising. 

RIVERS AND STREAMS. 

Cedar River, a beautiful stream, which rises in Minnesota, enters Benton 
County at the northwest corner of Township 86, Range 10. Its general course 
is nearly south until it reaches Section 16, Township 85, Range 9, when it 
flows in a general easterly direction to the county line, in Section 13, Township 
84, Range 9. Its course is very crooked, however, and it flows about forty 
miles in Benton County. It is a clear stream with a rapid current. On its 
banks in numerous places, a vai^iety of fossil shells, corals, agates, carnelians and 
petrifactions are found. 

The Iowa River flows about two miles across the southwest corner of the 
county, in Sections 31 and 32, Township 82, Range 12. 

Big Creek, which flows northeast into Black Hawk County, runs across and 
waters Bruce Township (86 — 12). Rock Creek, Pratt Creek, Crooked (now 
Hinkle) Creek, Mud Creek, Opossum Creek, Wild Cat Creek, Little Bear Creek, 
Dry Creek, are all tributaries of the Cedar, which waters Benton County on the 
west and south of that river, and Bear Creek and several others on the east side. 

Prairie Creek, another tributary of the Cedar, flows nearly across the south- 
ern tier of townships in the county. Buckeye Creek, a tributary of the Iowa 
River, in Township 82, Range 12, Iowa Township ; Salt Creek, another tribu- 
tary of the Iowa, waters Homer Township. 

TIMBER AND GROVES. 

The various kinds of oak, hickory, maple, walnut, ash, basswood, elm, Cot- 
tonwood, willow and hackberry flourish in the rich soil of Benton County. 

" Cedar Timber," the timber skirting the Cedar River, especially on the 
north and east, in Polk, Harrison, Taylor and Benton Townships. 

" Big Grove," a large grove of several thousand acres, in Township 84, 
Range 11, Big Grove Township. 

" Scotch Grove," in northeast part of Township 82, Range 9, Florence, 
and extends into Linn County. 



308 ■ HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

"Parker's Grove," on Sections 26, 27, 3o and 34, Township 84, Range 9 
(Canton). 

"Ure's Grove," on Prairie Creek, in Sections 14 and 18, Township 82, 
Range 9 (Cue, now Florence Township). 

"Darnell's Grove," on Prairie Creek, in Sections 20 and 21, Township 82, 
Range 9. 

" Cue's Grove," on Sections 16 and 17, Township 82, Range 9. 

"Buckeye Grove," extends for several miles on the west side of Buckeye 
Creek, in Iowa, Township 82, Range 12. 

"Van Meter's Grove," on Section 32, Township 83, Range 11 (Union 
Township). 

" Lost Grove," Sections 31 and 32, Township 84, Range 9 (Canton Town- 
ship). 

" Crab Apple Grove," Sections 31 and 32, Township 83, Range 9 (Fre- 
mont Township). 

"Wild Cat Grove," Section 8, Township 84, Range 9 (Canton Township), 
a continuation of " Cedar Timber." 

" Round Grove," Section 12, Township 84, Range 11 (Big Grove Township). 

" Garrison's Grove," in Sections 19, 29 and 30, Township 85, Range 11 
(Jackson Township). 

" School Grove," on Sections 15, 16, 17 and 22, Township 85, Range 11. 

"Helm's Grove," on Section 13, Township 85, Range 11. 

" Yankee Grove," on Sections 15 and 22, Township 85, Range 12 (Monroe 
Township). 

" Brush Grove," on Section 31, Township 86, Range 12 (Bruce Township). 

" Spencer's Grove," on Sections 2, 3 and 11, Township 86, Range 9 (Polk 
Township). 

The southwest has but little timber, except in Iowa Township and along 
Prairie Creek, where there are some small groves. Added to this amount, nearly 
every farmer in the county has planted a grove of cottonwood, silver-leaf maple, 
or other fast-growing wood, which have now reached a sufficient size to be ex- 
tensively used for the ordinary purposes of fencing and fuel. The broad prai- 
ries of the county are thus dotted over with cultivated groves, which not only 
beautify and adorn the face of the county, but form an attractive feature to 
travelers and emigrants seeking a home in the State, and add very materially 
to the real wealth of the county. 

BUILDING STONE. 

An excellent quality of building stone is found in several portions of the 
county, but the best quarries are at Vinton and along the Cedar River. These 
quarries are inexhaustible in extent, and the quality of the stone is equal to any 
found in the West. When first taken out, the rock is of a brown color, and so 
soft that it is easily molded into any desired shape; butby exposure to the atmos- 
phere, the color is changed to a white, closely resembling marble, and becomes 
perfectly hard and lasting, as its durability has been fully tested. The main 
buildings of the Iowa State College for the Blind, at Vinton, are built of this 
stone, taken from quarries situated some two and a half miles northwest of its 
location. Excellent (juick lime is made from these stone, while an abundance 
of good sand and brick clay is found in all parts of the county, and at Shells- 
burg an extensive business in the manufacture of earthenware has formerly been 
carried on. Coal has been found at Blairstown, Belle Plaine, and some other 
places, but not in quantity or quality to justify working. This county is also 



HISTORY OF BRNTON COUNTY. 309 

in the section known as the '" drift region," as granite bowlders of all sizes are 
found scattered over its surface, although not quite so plentifully as in some of 
the counties further north. 

The banks of the Cedar River are full of fossils, and fossil corals, shells, 
etc., abound in the rock. 

The elevations of a few places in Benton County above the level of the sea 
are given herewith: Norway Station, 780 feet; Blairstown, 850 feet; summit 
east of Buckeye Creek, 913 feet ; Buckeye Creek at C. & N. W. crossing, 820 
feet ; Belle Plaine Station, 831 feet ; water in Cedar at Vinton, about 790 feet. 

THE COUNTY SURVEYED. 

Township 82, Range 9, was surveyed by A. L. Brown. Deputy U. S. Sur- 
veyor, in 1848. Townships numbered 83, 84, 85 and 86, in Ranges 9, 10 and 
11 west, were also surveyed in 1843, by Isaac N. Higbee, Deputy Surveyor. 
Townships 82 — 10 and 82 — 11 were surveyed by A. L. Brown, in 1844. Town- 
ships 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86, Range 12, were surveyed in 1845, by James Fan- 
ning. 

CIVIL DIVISIONS. 

Benton County contains twenty Congressional Townships, viz.: Townships 
82, 83,- 84, 85 and 86 north of Ranges 9, 10, 11 and 12 west. 

In 1878, there were 21 civil or political townships in the county, viz.: 
Florence (82—9); St. Clair (82—10); Le Roy (82—11); Iowa (82—12); 
Fremont (83—9); Eldorado (88—10); Union (83—11); Kane (83—12); 
Canton (84—9) ; Eden (84—10) ; Big Grove (84—11) ; Homer (84—12) ; 
Benton (85 — 9) ; Taylor (that part of 85 — 10 not embraced within the cor- 
porate limits of the city of Vinton) ; Vinton, (the territory embraced by the 
corporation of Vinton City) ; Jackson (85. — 11) ; Monroe (85 — 12) ; Polk 
(86—9) ; Harrison (86—10) ; Cedar (86—11), and Bruce (86—12). 

It has been stated that an election was held in 3enton County, in 1843, at 
which the settlers voted for Linn County aifairs. If there was such, no records 
were preserved, and the Auditor of Linn County, under date of July 25, 1878, 
certifies that " I have examined the records as desired, and find nothingr what- 
ever pertaining to Benton County officers ; if Benton County was ever a part 
of Linn County, there is no record disclosing the fact. The fact that the 
county was not open to settlement until the 1st of May, 1843. squatters here 
prior to that time being trespassers upon Indian domain, would seem to indicate 
that there could not have been an election held in the countv as early as the 
August following. It is more probable that a Justice of the Peace might have 
been appointed by the Governor of the Territory, and the appointment of Con- 
stables by him might have given rise to the tradition of an election." 

COUNTY BOUNDARIES DEFINED. 

Section 9 of an act of the Territorial Legislature of Iowa, entitled "An act to 
establish new counties and define their boundaries in the late cession from the Sac 
and Fox Indians, and for other purposes," approved February 17, 1843, pro- 
vided " That the following boundaries shall constitute a new county and be 
called Benton, to wit : beginning at the northwest corner of Linn County, 
thence west to Range (18) thirteen west; thence south on said line to the corner 
of Townships (81) eighty-one and (82) eighty-two, of Range (13) thirteen and 
(14) fourteen west ; thence east to southwest corner of Linn County, thence north 
to the place of beginning." 



310 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Tama (lounty was established at the same time, and Benton and Tama and 
the territory west were attached to Linn County for judicial, revenue and elec- 
tion purposes. 

Section 12 of the above act provided as follows : 

That so soon as the treaty made by Governor Chambers with the Sac and Fox Indians shal| 
have been ratified by tlie United States Senate, and the Indians removed froai the late purchase 
the Board of County Commissioners of each organized county to which any of the new counticg 
is attached, for judicial or other purposes, shall have the boundaries of any of the new countiey 
surveyed and marked out as near as may be to correspond with the spirit and meaning of thig 
act ; which boundaries shall remain as the county boundaries until the county is surveyed by tli^ 
United States, and that the township lines shall remain and be the county boundaries thereaf(er 

The Governor of the Territory was authorized by Section 13 of the same act, 
to appoint as many Justices of the Peace as he deemed expedient, in any of the 
new counties established by the act, and elsewhere within the boundaries of the 
Territory of Iowa, except in organized counties. Such Justices were appointed 
for two years, and each Justice so appointed was empowered to appoint two 
Constables. 

The treaty with the Sacs and Foxes was made by Governor Chambers, 
October 11, 1842, and ratified by the United States Senate, March 23, 1843. 
The Indians were to retain possession of the ceded lands until May 1, 1843, 
and the territory west of a line drawn north and south through Redrock, until 
October 11, 1845. (See page 179). 

While much of the larger part of Benton County was in the possession of 
the Sac and Fox Indians until May, 1843, a small portion of the territory now 
included in the county was included in the 1,250,000 acres purchased of the 
Indians in 1837. (See treaty of 1837, page 162.) The west line of this 
purchase crossed the Cedar River near the west line of Benton Township, and in- 
cluded very nearly one tier of townships on the east side of the county. Town- 
ship 86, Range 9, was included in this purchase, and the earliest settlers, in 
1839-40, were very near the Indian line. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Early in 1839, George Wright and John Smith, two young men, located on 
Section 24, in Township 84, Range 9 (Canton), built a cabin and broke some 
prairie. This was probably the first cabin built by white men in Benton 
County. About the same time, James Scott came in and built a cabin. A Little 
later in the same year, Samuel M. Lockhart, with his family, settled in the north- 
east part of the county, on Section 34, Township 86, Range 9. Shortly after- 
ward, probably in 1840-1, James Downs, Thomas Way, Thomas Kendrick and 
Price Kendrick settled near Lockhart, and the little pioneer hamlet was called 
" Hoosier Point" until, in 1847, a town was laid out and called Marysville. 
Deal Dorsey came with Wright, Smith and Scott, but settled first, it is said, in 
lAnn County. Charles Ilinkley is supposed to have been a squatter in Benton 
County as early as 1839. 

In 1840, Samuel K. Parker settled in Township 84, Range 9, near a grove 
since called Parker's Grove. Jacob Bonsall settled in the county in 1840, but 
after two or three years moved away. Gilman Clark located in the same year 
about a mile and a half southeast of the present village of Shellsburg. Stedman 
Penrose came in the same year; also A. D. Stephens, J. W. Filkins, Joseph 
Remington, and perhaps others. 

It has been said that Reuben Buskirk settled here in 1840, east of Vinton, 
near the county line; that he died October 10, 1842, being the first death in 
the county ; that there was no lumber Avith which to make a coffin, and the few 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. ^^ 1 

settlers felled a linn tree, cut a log of the proper length, split it and laid one-half 
of it in the grave, and on this the body of the deceased Buskirk was laid, suit- 
able blocks placed at his head and feet, and the other half of the log laid over 
him and the grave filled, and that there were five men and three women at the 
funeral. Mr. Lyman D. Bordwell, who was one of the five men present at the 
funeral, states that this is all correct, except that Buskirk settled just across 
the line, in Linn County. 

In April, 1842, Jacob Cantonwine settled and built a cabin on the site of 
the future village of Shellsburg. Mrs. Bordwell came with his family. Sep- 
tember 13, 1842, Lyman D. Bordwell, familiarly known as "Black King,"* 
arrived at the frontier settlements in Benton County, purchased the claim and 
improvements of Wright and Smith, settled and lived there until 1849, when 
he removed to Sections 21 and 22, Township 85, Range 10, where he still 
resides. James Rice settled in 1849. 

John Mason, George Sanders, John Royal and others came about 1842-3. 

For eight or ten years after these first settlements, the pojiulation of the 
county increased very slowly, but it is to be noted that nearly all who came 
became permanent settlers. No records show the dates of settlement, and it is 
hardly possible to be literally correct, as men's memories of events that occurred 
thirty-five years ago are not always accurate. Below will be found the names 
of a few of the pioneers who came to Benton County between 1843 and 1851, 
with the date of their arrival as nearly as can be ascertained : Hyrcanus Guinn, 
Hugh Brody, F. Bryson, Stephen Brody, Joseph Bryson, William Mitchell, 
Jesse Brody, Josiah Helm, Joseph C. Rouse, 1843 ; S. R. Price, George 
McCoy, 1844 : J. R. Pratt, David S. Pratt, L. W. Hayes, Chauncy Leverich, 
Stephen Holcomb, all in 1845 : John Alexander, 1846-7; A. H. Johnson, 1846 ; 
David Jewell, John Renfrew, 1846 ; George Sanders, 1847 ; James Leverich, 
1845-6; Daniel Harris and John S. Epperson, 1847; Elijah Evans, 1847; 
Charles N. Moberly, 1847; C. C. Charles, 1848; J. S. Forsythe, 1848; John 
C. Traer, 1851 ; Russell Jones, 1850 ; James Harmely, Martin Webb, Amos 
Anderson, James Pooley, Thomas Mahin, Samuel Rosebury, Alexander Moody, 
Elias Doan, John Leard, Abel Cox, Aaron Webb, James F. Beckett, D. S. 
Brubacher, James Chapin, W. C. Stanbury, John R. Speak, William Riley, 
David Fonts, Dr. C. W. Baff'um, G. B. White, M. D. L. Webb, Francis San- 
ders and six sons ; Caleb Chapin, Stephen Chapin, James Wood, W, 0. Sanders, 
William Bell, William Cline, 1. D. Simison, J. F. Young, James Crow, Thos. 
Beckett. 

According to the best information now available, it appears that the first 
birth in the county was that of William Penrose, son of Stedman Penrose, who 
was born in August, 1841. The next, Mary North, daughter of Loyal F. 
North, January 8, 1843; and the next, Lucinda, daughter of Lyman D. Bord- 
well, July 5, 1844. 

The records of Linn County indicate that the first couple married in the 
territory of Benton County was Charles Hinkley, aged 30 years, and Mary 
Helm, aged 45 years, by Perry Oliphant, in 1839. Oliphant made two trips 
to Marion for the license. They were married about midnight, in a leg house, 
with no witnesses except the officiating Justice. Afterward, Henkley had one 
leg amputated by Dr. S. H. Tryon, and in 1848 was convicted of arson. She 
petitioned for divorce. John Alexander was her attorney, and succeeded in 
procuring a decree, with the assistance of some of the boys, with whom, liow- 

* Mr. Bordwell says that in early (lays, in some tiiffionlty he had with Mr. Uolconih, he told that gentleinen 
that he (^Bordwell i would liliow him that In- i Bordwell) was " King of the Priirie." I. I». .Simisfin, who was presen 
tbereiijioo called him the " Black King." 



312 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

ever, he refused to divide his fees. As Benton County was not created until 
1843, it is a little doubtful whether this marriage should be credited to it. 

The first marriage license, after the organization of the county, appears to 
have been issued by David S. Pratt, Deputy Clerk of the District Court, to 
Joseph Onstott and Miss Sarah Patch, aged about 42 years, respectively. 
These parties were married June 20, 1847, by Lyman D. Bordwell, Justice 
of the Peace. 

The first death was that of Christian Kensinger, Mrs. Bordwell's father, 
who came to the county in the Fall of 1843, and died May 5, 1844. 

The first school house erected in the county, so far as can now be ascer- 
tained, was built of logs on Section 25, Township 86, Range 9, and known to 
the early settlers as the '" Johnson School House." It was built in 1845-6, and 
the first school in the county was taught in it in 1846-7, by Francis James Rigaud, 
who was an educated man who " wrote a magnificent hand." Rigaud lived in 
a little log cabin near the present site of Wilmington. He died in 1847-8, 

FIRST ENTRIES. 

Polk Township (86-9), Abner N. Spencer, part of Sections 2, 10 and 11, 
September 27, 1848 ; Malinda Lockhart, southwest quarter of the northwest 
quarter of Section 24, May 1, 1846 ; Barney D. Springer, south half of the 
southeast quarter of Section 26, June 15, 1846 ; Joseph Remington, west half 
of the northeast quarter of Section 34, April 7, 1846 ; William Mitchell, part 
of Section 34, June 19, 1846 ; Jacob Remington, October 3, 1846 ; Caleb S. 
Hendrys, southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 36, November 3, 
1845 ; Samuel M. Lockhart, west half of the northwest quarter of Section 36, 
November 17, 1845. 

Harrison Township (86-10), William Hendrickson, northeast quarter of 
Section 28, June 13, 1849. 

Cedar Township (86-11), John Houx, southeast quarter of the southeast 
quarter of Section 25, July 16, 1851 ; Stephen King, part of Section 25, 
August 2, 1852. 

Bruce Township (86-12), Lewis M. Carlisle, parts of Sections 31 and 32, 
June 29, 1853. 

Benton Township (85-9), George W. Brice, part of Section 1, May 6, 
1846 ; Hugh Brawdy, June 26, 1846 ; Edwin B.. Spencer, part of Section 7, 
November 1, 1845 ; Charles Cantonwine, part of Section 31, December 10, 
1845. 

Taylor Township (85-10), William A. Bryson, part of Section 1, June 20, 
1846 ; Samuel Morse, part of Section 10, March 10, 1846 ; John Renshaw, 
Samuel K. Parker, Joseph R. Strawn and Gideon B. White entered in 1846. 

Jackson Township (85-11), William Helmes, part of Section 15, June 26, 
1848 ; Sarah Harris, part of Section 12, October 11, 1848 ; Ebenezer Mul- 
linick, part of Section 29, June 26, 1848. 

Monroe Township (85-12), Grenville C. Slader, part of Section 15, June 
30, 1851. 

Canton Township (84-9), Daniel Ousted, part of Section 3. April 20, 1846; 
Charles A. Belnap, part of Section 11, May 13, 1846 ; Loyal F. North, part 
of Section 12, February 7, 1846 ; Stedman Penrose, Edward Karlsback, part 
of Section 12, December 30, 1845. 

Eden Township (84-10), Elias Doan, part of Section 7, May 31, 1849. 

Big Grove Township (84-11), Hans Hanson, part of Section 11, April 11, 
1848. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 313 

Homer Township (84-12). Benjamin Kunkle, part of Section 20, October 
23, 18r)4. 

Florence Township (82-9), John Ure, part of Section 14, April 1, 184(> ; 
Hiram Usher, part of Section 18, February 14, 1846 ; William Thomas, pait 
of Section 22, February 1<», 1846. 

Fremont Township (83-i>), Edward Connolly, part of Section 32, March 
12, 1853. 

St. Clair Township (82-10), William T. Scott, part of Section 26, October 
18, 1852. 

Eldorado Township (83-10), dames S. Easley, part of Section 26, Septem- 
ber 8, 1854. Nearly all of this township was entered in the Fall of 1854. 

Le Roy Township (82-11), George Titter, part of Section 26, October 24. 
1850. 

Union Township (83-11), Sarah Ann Matsinger, part of Section 32, Octo- 
ber 27, 1851. 

Iowa Township (82-12), Hyrcanus Guinn, part of Section 27, September 
3, 1851 ; Samuel Yeomans, part of Section 21, September 13, 1851. 

Kane Township (83-12), Levi Marsh, part of Section 32, September 20 
1853. 

OKOANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 

There appears to have been no uniform rule or custom in the Territory or 
State of Iowa for the organization of counties, the boundaries of which were 
previously established by statute. Benton County was declared to be organized 
by act of the Territorial Legislature ; and as these statutes are rare, the act 
may be valuable for reference if inserted here, as follows : 

AN ACT FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Section 1. — Be it enacted hy the Council and House of Representatives of the Territorj/ of Iowa 
That the county of Benton be .- nd the same is hereby organized from and after tlie 1st day of 
March next, and the inhabitants of said county shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges 
to which, by law, the inhabitants of other organized counties of this Territory are entitled; and 
said county shall constitute a part of the Third Judicial District of this Territory. 

Sec. 2. — That there shall be a special election held on the first Monday in the month of April 
next, at which time the county officers for said county shall be elected, and also sunh number of 
Justices of the Peace and Constables for said county as may be ordered by the Clerk of the Dis- 
trict Court for said county. 

Sec. 3. — That it shall be the duty of the Clerk of the District Court in and for said county 
to give at least ten days' previous notice of the time and place of holding such special election 
in said county, grant certiticates of election, and in all respects discharge the duties required 
by law to be performed by Clerks of the Boards of County Commissioners, in relation to elections, 
until a Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners may be elected and ([ualified. 

Sec. 4 — That it shall be the duty of the Clerk of the District Courts in said county to dis- 
charge all the duties required by law to be performed by Sheriffs, in relation to elections, until a 
Sheriff for said county may be elected and qualified. 

Sec. 5. — That the county officers, Justices of the I'eace and Constables elected under thte 
provisions of this act shall hold their offices until the first Monday in August, 1846, and unil 
heir successors are elected and qualified. 

Sec. (i. — That the Clerk of the District Court in and for said county of Benton may be 
appointed and qualified at any time after the passage of this act. 

Sec. 7. — That all actions at law or equity in the District Court for tiie county of Linn, com- 
menced prior to the organization of said county of Benton, when the parties or either of them 
reside in said county of Benton, shall be prosecuted to final judgment, order (u- decree, as fully 
and eflFectually as if tiiis act had not been passeil. 

Sec. >< — That it shall be the duty of all Justices of the Peace residing within said county of 
Benton to return all l)ooks and papers in their hands, pertaining to said office, to the next near- 
est Justice of the Peace who may be elected and qualified in and for said county under the 
provisions of this act ; ami all suits at law or other official business which may be in the hands 
of such .Justice of the Peace, and unfinished, shall be prosecuted and cdinpleted by the Justice 
of the Peace to whom such business or papers may have been returned, as aftu-esaiil. 



314 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Sec. '.). — That the judicial authorities of Linn County shall have cognizance of all crimes or 
violations of the criminal laws of this Territory committed within the limits of said county of 
Benton prior to the 1st day of March next; Provided, prosecutions be commenced under the judi- 
cial autliorities of said Linn County prior to the said 1st day of March next. 

Sec. 1(». — That said county of Benton shall have cognizance and jurisdiction of all crimes 
or violations of the criminal laws of this Territoi'y, committed prior to the 1st day of March next, 
in cases where prosecutions shall not have been commenced under the judicial authorities of Linn 
County. 

Sec. 1 1 . — That the county of Tama and the counties lying west of said county of Tama be and 
the same are hereby attached to the county of Benton, for election, revenue and judicial pur- 
poses. 

Sec. 12. — That the Clerk of the District Court in and for the county of Benton may keep 
his office at any place within said county, until the county seat thereof may be located. 

Sec. 18. — That .Joseph A. Se.rest, of Jones County. Lyman Dillon, of Dubuque County, and 
Joseph A. Downing, of Cedar County, be and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to locate 
and establish the county seat of the county of Benton. 

Sec. 14. — That said ' ommissioners, or a majority of them, shall meet at the office of the Clerk 
of the District Court of the county of Benton, on the first Monday of May next, or at such other 
time, not exceeding thirty days thereafter, as a majority of tliem may agree. 

Sec. 15 — -Said Commissioners shall first take and subscribe to the following oath, to wit : " We 
do solemnly swear (or affirm) that we have no personal interest, either directly or indirectly, in 
the location of the seat of justice of the county of Benton, and thut we will faithfully and im- 
partially locate the same, according to the best interests of said county, taking into consideration 
the future as well as the present population of said county;" which oath shall be administered 
by the Clerk of the District Court, or any other officer authorized by law to administer oaths 
within the county of Benton ; and the officer administering said oath shall certify and file the 
same in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of said county, whose duty it shall be to 
record the same. 

Sec. 16. — Said Commissionei's, when met and qualified under the provisions of this act, 
shall proceed to locate the seat of justice of said county of Benton; and as soon as they shall 
have come to a determination, the same shall be committed to writing, signed by the said Com- 
missioners and filed with the Clerk of the District Court of said county, whose duty it shall be 
to record the same and forever keep it on file in his office ; and the place thus designated shall . 
be the seat of justice of said county. 

Sec. 17. — Said Commissioners shall each be entitled to receive the sum of $2 per day while 
necessarily employed in the said location, and the sum of %2 for every twenty miles' travel to 
and from the said county seat, which shall be paid by said Benton County out of the first funds 
arising from the sale of lots in such seat of justice. 

Sec. 18. — The county of Black Hawk is hereby attached to said county of Benton for elec- 
tion, judicial and revenue purposes. 

Sec. Ut. — This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage. 

Approved, January 17, 1846. 

THE FIRST ELECTION. 

It has been stated that there was an election in Benton County in 1843, on 
the first Monday in August, at which the settlers voted for Linn County offi- 
cers. While the closest inquiry fails to substantiate the fact, it would seem 
that there must have been elections of some sort held prior to 1846, or the 
conclusion must be adopted that Justices of the Peace were appointed by the 
Governor, as it seems to be almost certain that the county had some Justices 
before its organization a"s an independent county. 

Under the act organizing the county of Benton, the appointment of a Clerk 
of the District Court was provided for, presumably by the Judge of the Dis- 
trict Court, but there are no records to show such appointment, or authenticate 
the statement that at the first election there was but one voting precinct in the 
county, and the only voting place was at Parker's Grove, although it is prob- 
able that among the heterogeneous mass of papers in the vaults of the Court 
House, some record might be found. It is here to be remarked that the county 
of Benton owes it to itself to collect, revise and place in suitable condition the 
old papers alluded to. and record such as should be recorded. While the rec- 
ords and papers of the county for the last fifteen or twent3' years, or since 
1863, are well arranged and well kept, prior to that time the archives of the 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 316 

county are in a lamentably and inexcusably chaotic state. Many of the rec- 
ords are utterly lost, while numerous papers, many of them doubtless valuable, 
are scattered in a state of almost inextricable confusion in the "great vault." 
The County Commissioners' records are all lost, unless they shall be found by 
a thorough re-exaraination and arrangement of the documents. If these remarks 
shall produce the needed reform, the historian will not have labored in vain. 

Permitted by the county officers to rummage among these ancient documents, 
he found a package marked "Omnium Gatherum; old papers." In this dusty 
package, securely hidden in a musty pigeon-hole among a lot of wolf bounty 
certificates of 1846-7, he found the original abstracts of the elections from April, 
1846, to 1851, which are nowhere on record. Also the certificates of election, 
from which it appears that William J. Berry was the first District Clerk of 
Benton County appointed according to law. He also found one leaf (two 
pages) of the early Commissioners' records, and some other valuable historical 
documents. 

It is said that the first election was held at Parker's Grove, and that Beal 
Dorsey, Stedman Penrose and Lyman D. Bordwell were the Jiidges, and David 
S. Pratt and John Royal were the Clerks. This is probably true. 

ABSTRACT OF AN ELECTION 

lield on the first Monday in April, A. D. 1846, in the county of Benton, Territory of Iowa, for 
the purpose of electing three County Commissioners, one Sheriff, one Commissioners' Clerk, one 
Coroner, one Recorder, one Surveyor, one Judge of Probate, one Collector and Treasurer, one 
Inspector of Weights and Measures, one Assessor, three .Justices of the Peace and three Con- 
stables : 

For County Commissioners — Edwin B. Spencer had 35 votes; Samuel M. Lockhart, '22: 
Stedman Penrose. 3-5 ; Samuel K. Parker, 33. 

For Sheriff — John Royal had 33 votes ; Lewis W. Bryson, 22. 

For Commissioners' Clerk — David S. Pratt had 42 votes. 

For Recorder — Irwin D. Simison had 24 votes; James Downs, 11 ; .Jonathan R. Pratt, •") ; 
D. S. Pratt. 3. 

For Coroner — Fielding Bryson ha<I 41 votes. 

For County Surveyor — Irwin D. Simison had 20 votes ; David S. Pratt, 10 ; Francis J. Ri- 
gaud, 16; Jonathan R. Pratt, 2; Beal Dorsey, 1 ; Jonathan Pratt, 1. 

For < ollector and Treasurer — Real Dorsey had 35 votes; Lewis W. Bryson, 6. 

For Assessor — Isaac Onstott had 27 votes; Price Kendrick, 28. 

For Inspector of Weights and Measures — David S. Pratt had 39 votes. 

For Judge of Probate — Jonathan R. Pratt had 37 votes; James M. Denison, 14. 

For Justices of the Peace — Fielding Bryson had 39 votes ; Irwin D. Simison, 21 ; Stephen 
Holcomb, 21 ; Ch.arles < antonwine. 30: Jonathan R. Pratt, 5 ; Oilman Clark, 14; Stedman Pen- 
rose, 7; (Jeorge Miller, 1 ; Miller, 1 ; *Siven Ilokeui, 1 ; George Cantonwine, 1. 

For Constables — Price Kendrick had 49 votes ; Samuel Stephens, 28 ; Samuel L. Morse, 28 ; 
Beal Dorsey, 38; George Cantonwine, 2; L. D. Bordwell, 2; V. M. Gray, 1. 

(Signed) VVm. J. Berry, 

Clerk nf the District Court. 
• Perry Olipiiant. 

Hartzell IIittle, 

Justices of the Peace. 

From this abstract, which is a copy of the original document, it does not 
appear that a Clerk of the District Court Avas elected. In the vote for Sheriff 
and Assessor, it seems that fifty-five votes were polled at this important and 
doubtless exciting first election in Benton County. 

Although Stephens and Morse had an equal number (nine) votes for Con- 
stable, Clerk Berry appears to have declared Stephens elected, as in a precept 
to the Sheriff he orders that officer to notify Stephens of his election. Stephen 
If(»lcomb was also declared elected Justice of the Peace on the 6th day of April, 
1846, although Simison liad an eipial number of votes. Sheriff-elect Royal 

* Inteudcd fur Stephen Holcorulp. 



316 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

took and subscribed the oath of office before Wm. J. Berry, Clerk of the Dis- 
trict Court, April 8, 1846. Samuel K. Parker took the oath of office as Com- 
missioner, April 8, 1846, Spencer a little later, and Penrose on the 13th. It 
is noticeable that the Clerk, Mr. Berry, used an American quarter of a dollar 
for a seal attached to his certificate. The other officers-elect were also duly 
sworn, and entered upon their duties, the most of them in April. 

LOCATION OF THE SEAT OF JUSTICE. 

But little can now be ascertained in relation to the action of Commissioners 
Secrest, Dillon and Downing in the location of the seat of justice of Benton 
County. They probably deposited in the office of the Clerk of the Court, if 
there was one at the time the location was made, if not, with the Commission- 
ers' Clerk, their determination in writing, as required by law ; but if they did, 
it is not preserved — at least it cannot be found. 

From other sources of information and from the remembrances of those who 
were here at that time, the fact is established that the Commissioners met in 
May, 1846, as directed by law, and located the seat of justice of Benton County 
on the northeast quarter of Section 21, Township 85 north of Range 10 west 
of the Fifth Principal Meridian, and it is believed named it 

NORTHPORT. 

The following copy of an order from the page of the County Commissioners' 
records is proof positive that the first county seat was called Northport. The 
record is not dated ; but from other entries and from subsequent events it is 
reasonably certain that the order was passed by the first Board of County Com- 
missioners in June or July, 1846, possibly in May. 

" Ordered, by the County Commissioners, that the County Surveyor of Benton be directed to 
proceed and lay out the town of Northport, the county seat of Benton, on the northeast quarter 
of Section 21, Range 10 west, on the ground selected by the Commissioners appointed by law, 
and that the County Surveyor iiire the necessary chain carriers and stake drivers, and at the 
usual price, and at the expense of the county. The plat submitted by the County Surveyor this 
day is approved of." 

Irwin D. Simison was the County Surveyor who made the plat mentioned 
in the order above. Mr. Bordwell, whose memory of events and dates is • 
remarkably good, says that the town of Northport was laid out early in the 
Summer of 1846 ; that a sale of lots took place and several were bid off, but the 
sale was never consummated. The plat which was made was never recorded ; 
or if it was, no record thereof is now in existence. 

THE FIRST COURT HOUSE. 

Having a county seat, it became essential that a Court House should be pro- 
vided. The Commissioners were equal to the emergency, for the following 
order immediately follows the above : 

Ordered, That the Commissioners' Clerk cause notices to be posted at three places in the 
county for contracts to be received tor building a hewed log Court House at Northport, in Benton 
County, of the following dimensions, viz.: 20x24 feet, two stories high, eight feet between floors ; 
white oak, maple or ash floors — laid in a workmanlike manner — one door below, three windows, 
' f twelve lights each, one in each side of the house and one in the end ; one pair of stairs three 
feet wide — joist white oak timber 4x7 inches, twelve in number; twelve sleepers of good, hard 
limber; three twelve-light windows of the same size up stairs; oak shingle roof with lath or 
slieeting. The upper floor to he divided by partitions into three I'ooms, and to each room a 
door and window; plastered inside and out with lime. The letting of the contract will be by 
sealed proposals to be sent to the County t^ouimissionei-s' Clerk previous to Saturday, 24 (June 
:!), when the lowest bidder will be declared. Bond for the faithful performance of the contract 
will be required. For further information apply to the ("ounty Commissioners' (,'lerk. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 317 

The Commissioners appear to have made three election precincts in the 
county, and appointed Judges of Election as follows : 

No. 1 Precinct — E. 13. Spencer, S. M. Lockhart and James Downs. 

No. 2 Precinct — L. F. North, S. Penrose and G. Clark. 

No. 3 Precinct — S. L. Morse, Jas. Smith, Sr., and I. D. Simison. 

Immediately following this action is the following entry : 

Ordered, That the court for receiving bids for the the Court House he hchl at . 

The fact that at the election, August 6, 1846, there were three precincts 
voting, and that very soon after the precincts were erected into townships, is a 
further indication that the above action was in June or July, 1846. The walls 
of the log Court House were laid upon the site selected at Northport in 1846 
or '47. The town plat Avas recorded February 12, 1848, by Samuel M. Lock- 
hart, Loyal F. North and Thomas Way, County Commissioners ; I. D. Simison, 
County Surveyor (who laid out the town of Northport in 1846). and named 
Vinton, it is said in honor of the Hon. P. Vinton, a Member of Congress from 
Ohio, who sent $50 to be invested in town lots, provided the name of the county 
seat should be changed from Northport and called Vinton, which was done. 
'S(|uire Bordwell says the |50 was invested, but not in Vinton town lots. 
The plat of Vinton, as originally recorded, shows a nice public square, in the 
center of which is rudely portrayed, with a pen, what is supposed to be intended 
for the representation of the Scales of Justice. The term of court in September, 
1848, was held, according to the record, in the log Court House at Vinton. 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 

The first Board of County Commissioners, evidently on the same day that 
the above orders were passed, also passed the following : 

Ordered, That Town 86, Range 9, be School District No. 1. 

Ordered, That Town &o. Range 'J, be School District. No. 2. 

Ordered, That as much of Town 85, Range 10, as lies north of Cedar River be School Dis- 
trict No. 3. 

Ordered, That District No. 4 shall commence at northeast corner of Town 8o, Range 9 west, 
then running west along said line two and a half miles ; then south to Parker's Ur.ive; then east 
to the county line ; then north to the place of beginning. 

Ordered, That District No. 5 shall commence at the southeast corner of Town 84; thence 
north along the line to Cedar Kiver; then west to the west line of Town S4 : ilien south along 
the said line three miles; then east tn the place of beginning. 

Ordered, That District No. li shall include all the settlement west of Town 84. 

Orderid, That all settlements west of Range 9 west shall be considered as District No. 3. 

The last order appears to have been an afterthought. On the same stray 
leaf of record are the appointments of Thomas Way, Supervisor of Precinct 2, 
and William Bellows and John Brody, Supervisors in Precinct 1. 

ELECTION OF AUGUST, 1846. 

The oflBcers elected in April could only hold until the first Monday in Au- 
gust following. The orders above quoted in relation to the survey of Northport, 
the county seat, could not be executed before that election, which resulted in 
placing in office an almost entire new Board of County Commi.^sioners, as will 
appear from the following '' Abstract of the votes polled at the August election 
in Benton County, for the purpose of electing county and precinct officers, 
August 6. 1S4<)." At this election there were three voting precincts. No civil 
townships had yet been made : 

For County Commissioners — S. .M. I,ijcklian liad ■'.;{ votes ; Charles Cantun wine. ;'. I : I.. F- 
N-.rth, :)1 ; .1. R. I'rati, 17: S. K Parker, I'J. 

For Clerk of Commissioners' Court — D. S. Pratt liad 3o votes ; Steplien lloUumb, 22. 



318 HISTORY OK BENTON COUNTY. 

For SheriflF — James Downs had 87 votes ; John Royal, 20. 
For County Surveyor — F. J. Rigaud had 35 votes ; I. D. Siuiison, 13. 
For Coroner — Thomas Way had 39 votes; F. Bryson, 11. 
For Recorder — Irwin D. Simison had 10 votes: Lester W. Hayes, 40. 
For Collector and Treasurer — Beal Dorsey had 21 votes ; S. L. VIorse, 23. 
For Assessor— Price Kendrick had 37 votes; L. D. Bordwell, 16. 
For Judge of Probate — J. R. Pratt had 15 votes ; James Denisou, 28. 
For Inspector of Weights and Measures — Aaron Hain had 2 votes. 

Precinct No. 1 — F. J. Rigaud had 23 votes ; L. W. Hayes, 20 — for Justices of the Peace, and 
were elected ; Price Kendrick, 20; James Smith, Jr., 20 — for Constables, and were elected. 

Precinct No. 2 — L. D. Bordwell had 15 votes; G. W. Miller, 10; Oilman Clark, 5 — for Jus- 
tices of the F'eace, and Bordwell and Miller were elected ; James A. Scott, 7 ; Beal Dorsey, 
— 6 for Constables, and were elected. 

Precinct No. 3 — Stephen Holcomb had 6 votes ; Chai-les Canton wine, 6 — for Justices of the 
Peace, and were elected; Adam Kean, 6; Aaron Hains, 6 — for Constables, and were elected. 

Black Hawk Precinct (all of Black Hawk County) — S. W. Hanna had 4 votes ; E. D. Adams, 
4 — for Justices of the Peace, and were elected ; John Melrose, 3 — for Constable, and was elected. 
(Signed) D. S. Pratt, 

CUrk of the Board of Commissioners. 
^ Charles Cantonwine, 

L. D. Bordwell. 

Justices of ihe Peace. 

The law required two Justices to act with the Clerk as a Board of Canvass- 
ers. There was only one, Cantonwine ; but Bordwell had been elected, and the 
Judges so declaring, was duly sworn by the Clerk, and acted as one of the Board. 
Black Hawk County ^voted for Benton County officers at this election, but its 
vote was not very large. There was no Clerk of the District Court elected at 
this election, and yet on the fourth Monday in August, 1846, when the first 
term of the District Court was appointed to be held, J. R. Pratt appears of 
record as Clerk, probably appointed by the Judge, as Berry had been. At the 
same election, forty-one votes were cast for the State Constitution, and seven- 
teen against it. 

THE FIRST POST OFFICE 

in Benton County was established October 1, 1846, and called Vinton. Ste- 
phen Holcomb was appointed Postmaster. From this fact it would seem that 
the name "Northport " was changed to Vinton about that time. 

THE FIRST DEED 

made in Benton County after its organization, and the first recorded on Page 
1 of Book A, Benton County Records, was a deed made by William Mitchell 
and Sarah Mitchell, his wife, to Anderson Amos, conveying forty acres, being 
the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 34, Town 86, Range 
9. The witnesses were Daniel Wilson and John Brody. The instrument 
was executed and acknowledged before F. J. Rigaud, Justice of the Peace, 
September 25, 1846, and recorded by Lester W. Hayes, October 12, 1847 (6), at 2 
o'clock P. M. 

The second was a warranty deed, executed October 15, 1846, by Charles 
A. Belknap and Elizabeth L. Belknap, his wife, to Levi Lewis, conveying forty 
acres of land, for a consideration of $1 per acre. The witnesses to this deed 
were John L. Shearer and Henry Nelson; and all parties — grantors, 
grantee, witnesses and magistrates — lived in Linn County, but the land was in 
Benton. 

The first record of sale of personal property recorded in the records of Ben- 
ton County was a bill of sale of one yoke of oxen, one two-horse wagon, three 
log chains, one brown cow and one yearling calf, made by Charles Hinkley to 
S. H. Tryon. It was executed and recorded January 13, 1847, acknowledged 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 319 

before L. W. Hayes, a Justice of the Peace, recorded by L. W. Hayes, 
Recorder, and witnessed by L. W. Hayes and Joel Nation. 

Immediately following is a receipt given by Tryon to Cluiuncy Leverich, 
in full of all demands against Charles Hinkley. 

VOTE FOR STATE OFFICERS, OCTOBER, 1846. 

Having held two elections in 1846, the settlers in Benton held still another, 
on the :26th day of October, at which they cast their votes for State officers, 
the Constitution having been adopted. The abstract shows the following : 

For Governor — Thomas McKiiight had 28 votes; Ansel Briggs, 13. 

For Congress — Joseph H. Hedrick had 26 votes ; G. C. R. Mitchell, 21 ; S. C. Hastings, 18 ; 
Shepherd Leffler, 10. 

For Secretary of State — James H. Cowles had 26 votes; Elisha Cutter, Jr. il ; E. Cutter, 1. 

For Treasurer — Morgan Reno had 10 votes ; Egbert T. Smith, 26. 

For Auditor — Estiu Morris had 26 votes ; Joseph T. Falls, 10. 

We do certify the above to be a correct abstract of the votes given in Benton County, Iowa, 
October 28, 1846. 

(Signed) Stephen Holcomb, 

Charles Cantonwine. 

(Attest) D. S. Pratt. Justice of the Peace of Benton County, Iowa. 

A MODEL JUDtiE OF PROBATE. 

The following unique document is apparently in the handwriting of Judge 
Mitchell, except the certificate of the Clerk, and leaves the inference that Judge 
Denison had resigned or had not accepted the trust : 

State of Iowa, Benton County, ss.. You dew solomly sware that You will Well And Truly 
support The Constitution of The united States of America And of this State, And faithfully And 
impartially to discharge the duties Required of you by law As Judg of probate, so helpe you 
god. 

This, the 9th day of March, A. 1). 1847. 

(Signed) James Mitcheli,. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 9th day of march, A. I). 1847. 

D. S. Pratt, 
Deputy Clerk of the District Court. 

THE FIRST PROBATE COURT. 

Immediately after his appointment and qualification, as above, Judge 
Mitchell appears to have held a Probate Court, and appointed Irwin D. Simi- 
son Administrator of the estate of William Carter, late of Town 85, Range 10. 
It is proper to add that the early proba,te records were collected and accurately 
transcribed by Judge John S. Forsyth. 

Judge Mitchell appears to have had a system of orthography and method ol 
doing business peculiarly his own ; and the transcript of proceedings in the 
first case before him will be found interestino; : 

Probatk Office, Fremont, Benton County, Iowa. 

A transcript of the proceedings had before James Mitchell, Judge of Probate for Benton 
County, Iowa : 

Knoir all men by these Freseu's, That we, Irwin D. Simison, Samuel K. Parker and Beal Dor- 
sey, are lield and stand firmly bound unto James Mitchell, .Judge of Probate, or his successor 
in office in the county of Benton, in the State of Iowa, in the sum of eight hundred dollars, to 
be void on these conditions: If the said Irwin D. Simison shall make and return in the said 
office of Probate Cort of said county, within thre months, A true inventory of all the real estate 
and all the goods, chatties, rights and credits of the estate of William Carter, deceaste, late of 
said county, which have or shall come to his possession or knowledge ; to administer, according 
to law, all the goods, chatties, rights and credits of the said William Carter, deceasett, and the 
proceeds of all his real estate that may be sold for the payment of his debts, which shall at any 
time come to the possession of the said Erwin 1). Simison, administrator of the deceaste William 
Carter, or to the possession of the said Erwin I). Simison, administrator of the deceaste William 



320 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Carter, or to the possession of any person tor liini, and to render a firm oath, a true account of 
his administration witliin one year, and at any other times when required by the .ludge of Pro- 
bate ; to pay any balance remaining in his hands upon the settlements of his acconnts, to such 
persons as the Judge of Probate shall direct : and deliver the letters of administration into the 
Probate Coarte in case any will of the deceased shall be thereafter duly proven nnd alowd. 
In testimony whareof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals, March the ]')th, 1847. 

(Signed) 1. D. Simison, [Seal.] 

S. K. Parker, [Seal.] 
March the 19th, 1847. Beai, Dorset. [Seal.] 

Fild and approved on the day and date above riten. .James Mitchell, Judge of Probate of 
Benton County, State of Iowa, with his private [Seal] affixed, there being no public seal yet 
provided. James Mitchell, 

Judge of Probate. 

State of Iowa, Benton Coitnty, ss., You dew solemnly sware that you well and truly 
administer the estate of William Carter, deseaste, late of said county, to the best of your skill 
and abilities, according to law, so helpe you god. 

(Signed) 1. D. Simison. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me. on the 19th day of March, 1847. James Mitchell, Judge 
of Probate of Benton County, Iowa, with his private seal affixte [T. L.] thereto, being no public 
seal yet provided. James Mitchell, 

Judge of Probate. 

Summons issued by the Judge of Probate of Benton County and State of Iowa, on the 19th 
day of March, 1847, to the following effect, to wit : 

State of Iowa, Benton County, ss.. To the Sheriff of said county. Greeting, in the name 
of the United States of America : You are hereby commanded to summons John Hendershot, 
Charles t'antonwine and George Cantonwine to be and appear before me forthwith, to be sworn 
as appraisers of the estate of William Carter, deceaste, late of said county ; to prosede and ap 
prase said goods and chattels of the said deceaste that may be found in said county. And of 
this writ make lagal service, and dew return, according to law. Given under my hand and Pro- 
bate seal annexte, ther being know seal [S. L.] yet provided by the county. 

Jamks Mitchell, 

March 19, 1847. Judge of Probate of sad county. 

Returned on the 2U day, with the following indorsemente : 

Served the within writ by reading to the within named persons, March the 20th, 1847. 

Beal Dorset, Dept. Sheriff. 

Appraisors appeared on the 20th day of March, 1847, and after being duly sworen acording 
to law, preceded to apprais the property of the deseast, and a return maid their of, as is hereunto 
annexte by the administrator of the estate. 

An inventory and appraisment of the real estate and goods and chatties, rights, credits and 
effects which were of William Carter, late of Benton County and State of Iowa, decesed. taken 
on the 20 day of March, 1847: 

The Clame of the deseased and improvements on the s. w. | of Sec. 82, in To. 85 N. of R. 
10 W. of the 5th pr. mer., $100.00; three flour barrels. 75c.; 2 tight barrels; 200 porke in bar- 
rel, 4.00; 2^ acres wheat in field, 8.00 ; 1 shot gun, 4.00 ; 1 tin bucket, 50c.; 2 small tin pans, 
12^ cts.; 1 large do do, 25 cts.; 1 coffee pot and tin cup. 12^ cts.; stone jar and lard, 50 cts.; 1 
skillet & lid, 75 cts.; 1 small pot, 50 cts.; 4 bushels of corn, 75 cts.; 1 basket, '^^11 cts.; four 
sacks, 25 cts.; ?> pecks buckwheat, at 25 cts.; 25 lbs. salt, 87| cts.; 2 dozen candles, 20 cts.; 1 
muskrat trap, 25 cts.; 1 bushel white beans, 50 cts.; 1 doz. chickens, 1.00; 1 pike and ring, 25 
cts.; 1 bible, 1.0'J ; 1 hymn book, 25 cts ; hunts history of Mormons; 1 olmanac, 10 cts.; IJ 
lbs. shot, 15 cts.; 1 bar of lead, 6 cts . 7 flints, 7 cts ; 1 powder & horn, 25 cts.; one clawham- 
mer, 15 cts.; ^ lb. 4p. nails, 4 cts.; 1 large box, 25 cts.; 1 lb. saleratus, 12 cts.; ] paper, tl cts.; 
1 not mall, 12 cts.; 1 bushel corn, 20 cts.; 11 head stock hogs, 17.00: one yoke oxen, 80.00 ; 1 
yearlin calf, 8.00 ; 1 old ax, 25 cts.; 9 saw logs, 3.00 ; 1 choping ax, 25 cts.; 1 iron wedge, 
75 cts.; 1 frying pan, 25 cts.; 1 raisor, 50 cts.; J set knives and forks, 25 cts.: bed tick, 8.00; 
G. B. White's note for eight and twenty-five cents, to be paid in breaking prairie, 8 25 cts.; G. 
B. White's note, braking 15 acres prairie, 32.50 cts.; 1 pocketbook, 75 cts.; 2 stands bees, 4,00 ; 
Samuel Braggleton's note, for uncertain, 8.00; 1 stirring plow, 4.00: 1 pail, 12 cts.; 1 pitchfork 
&sledd, 1.25. Total amount of the hole inventory, 232 00. March 20th, 1847. Appraisers' 
names, Charles Cantonwine, John Hendershot and George Cantonwine. 

Personally appeaivd Ivwin D. Simison, and being duly sworn, deposeth and sais foregoing 
inventory is according to the present value, as appraised by the foregoing appraisors, and all the 
goods, chatties, lands and tenements tliai has come to his knolledge, in said county, this 20 day 
of March, 1847. J. D. Simison, 

Administrator of the said estate. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 321 

Sworn to and subscribed to on the dav and year above ritten, before me James Mitchell, 
Judge of Probate of Benton County, slate of Iowa, with his private seal affixte [Seal] there 
being no seal yet provided by the county. .Iames Mitchkll, 

Judge of Probate. 
Ordered, by the Judge of Probate, That Irwiu D. Simison shall give notice of his appoint- 
ment as administrator of the estate of William Carter, deseaste, late of Benton County, State of 
Iowa, within the time prescribed by law, by posting up three written advertisements in three 
public places in said county. 

James Mitchell, Judge of I'robate of Benton County, State of Iowa, with iiis private seal 
[S. S.] affixte, there being no seal yet provided by the county. 

James Mitchell, 

Judge of Probate. 

The Judge also ordered the above-named Administrator to offer for sale the 
real and personal estate of the deceased, and then followed an inventory of his 
clothing and record of expense : 

A inventory of the clothing and other private articles left in the hands of the administrator 
of the estate of William Carter, deseaste, of Benton County, State of Iowa, to be delivered to 
the legal Heirs, if called for, to wit: 1 blue broad Cloth coat, one uniform coate, coton, one ging- 
ham Coate, one linen roundabout, one cotton vesting vest, one twilde cotton veste. one Casamir 
veste, one pair of pants, cotton tickin, one pair of linin pants, one neckties, three pare of Cotton 
drilling drawers, one Caronel frocke coate, one Close sack. This, the 14th day of April, 1846. 

I. D. Simison, 
Administrator of the estate of the deceased. 

State of Iowa, Benton County, AVilliam Carter, Dr., 

To John Hendershot, August, 1846: 

To boarde three weeakes, when sick at my house 6 00 

For work done and debt paid for said Carter to Green 5 00 

For expence of keeping and waiting and attending on said Carter in his laste 

sickness, in 1847 15 00 

Hole amounte 26 00 

Fees of Sheriff on summons for John Hendershot, C. Cantonwine and G. Can- 
tonwine, serving and milage to C. Cantonwine, serving and milage to G. 
Cantonwine, serving and milage for John Hendershot — for serving and 
milage for all 1 10 

I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true coppy of all the papers that came to my 
hands, in the office of Probate Court, in the case of Irwin D. Simison, Administrator of the estate 
of William Carter, deceased. 

Given under my hand, this 20th day of January, A. D. 1852. John S. Forsyth, 

County Judge. 

The second and last act on record of James Mitchell, as Probate Judge, 
was the appointment of " Jackson Tailor " as guardian of " Lydia Ann Wil- 
lard." Jackson Taylor was then a resident of Black Hawk County. 

The first act of Judge D. S. Pratt, who succeeded Mitchell, is dated March 
22, 1848, being the appointment of Samuel M. Lockhart, of Benton County, 
as Administrator of the estate of F. J. Rigaud, which inventoried at f 221. 01. 

The next one is dated April 26, 1848, and was the appointment of 
Stedman Penrose as Administrator of the estate of Gilman Clark, which 
amounted to $253.90. 

SPECIAL ELECTION. 

Until this time, for some cause, the people of the county had not elected a 
Prosecuting Attorney, District Clerk or School Land Commissioner, but at the 
election on Wednesday, April 7, 1847, I). S. Pratt, the Commissioners' Clerk, 
certifies that at an election on Monday, the 5th, the following officers were 
elected, viz.: Prosecuting Attorney, Fras. Jas. Rigaud; District Clerk, D. S. 
Pratt; School Land Commissioner, E. D. Spencer. 

But for some reason — either that the persons elected declined to accept, or 
that there was some serious informality that vitiated the election — a special elec- 



322 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

tion was held on the 28th of April following, which resulted differently, as 
shown by the following: 

Abstract of the votes cast at a special election held in Benton County, State of Iowa, on the 
28th day of April, 1847, for county oificers, to wit : One District Clerk, one Prosecuting Attor- 
ney, one School Land Commissioner : 

For Prosecuting Attorney — -James Mitchell had nineteen (19) votes ; Stephen Holcomb had 
twenty-one (21) votes for Prosecuting Attorney, and Fras. Jas. Rigaud had three (3) votes. 

For District Clerk — I. D Simison had thirty-three (S.S) votes, and D. S. Pratt had twelve 
(12) votes. 

For School Land Commissioner — John Royal had thirty (30) votes, and E. D. Spencer had 
four (4) votes. 

May 5, 1847. Attest: D. S. Pratt, 

Com. Clerk. 
L. W. Hayes, 

L. D. BORDWELL, 

Justices of the Peace. 

Mr. Clerk Pratt made the memorandum that "certifficate for Stephen Hol- 
comb issued." 

CONTESTED ELECTION. 

Notwithstanding the action of the Canvassing Board and the issue of the 
certificate to Holcomb as Prosecuting Attorney, Mr. Mitchell appears to have 
contested his right to the office, and successfully, too, so far as the Justice's 
Court before which he brought his case, as appears from the following, which is 
an exact copy of the original : 

We The Undersigned Justes of The peace of Benton Co. state of Iowa After examining 
All the Testimony perdused Before us on A case of the contesting of Alectun of Stephen Hol- 
comb by James Mitchel do finde that the said Mitchel is duly Alected this the 13 day of May, 
1847. 



(Signed) L. W. Hayes, J. P., 

L. D. BoRDWELL, J. p., 

Charles Cantonwine, J. P., 



L. S.] 
L. S.] 
L. S.] 



This document (which appears to have been written by Mitchell) was filed 
May 13, 1847. The case produced considerable excitement, and the little com- 
munity of Benton County was greatly exercised over it. Precisely on what 
ground Mitchell contested, or what authority was vested in Justices of the 
Peace to annul a certificate of election, does not clearly appear, although it is 
clear that they took the responsibility. Mr. Bordwell, one of the Justices, 
states that the Black Hawk County vote was solid for Mitchell — five votes. If 
they were counted, Mitchell was elected ; if not, then Holcomb's certificate was 
valid. It would seem that the returns from Black Hawk had not been received 
when the votes were canvassed on the 5th of May, and the question whether 
the canvass should be re-opened and the vote of Black Hawk opened and 
counted, was the one that must be decided. It was decided, and the Black Hawk 
vote was received and counted, which changed the result, and Mitchell assumed 
to exercise the duties of prosecuting officer, although Holcomb still held his cer- 
tificate of election. 

couldn't stand IT. 

The following is a copy of a paper found among the wolf-scalp certificates, 
filed as "Security Resignation.'" It explains itself: 

To the District Clerk of Benton County: You are hereby notifide that the undersigned, 
security for .James Downs, as Sheriff of said county, will stand as such no longer. You will 
therefore notifide him according to law. 

Dated this 8th day of May, A. D. 1847. 

(Signed) Thomas Way. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 323 



THE FIRST COURT. 

The first term of the District Court was appointed to be held at the house 
of Thomas Way, about two miles northeast of the present Court House, on the 
last Monday in August, 184G. It is said that Way's log cabin was then the best 
house in the county, and was selected as Court House for that reason. Grand 
and petit jurors were summoned, and on the day appointed James Downs, 
Sheriff', and Jonathan R. Pratt, Clerk of the Court, with eighteen grand and 
seventeen petit jurors, assembled at the house of Thomas Way; but, for some 
reason not now apparent, the Judge, Carleton, did not put in an appearance, 
and the Clerk proclaimed an adjournment until the next day. On the second 
day the Judge was still absent, the Clerk adjourned the court without day, and 
the assembled settlers dispersed to their homes disappointed that the "show did 
not come off"." 

By an act of the first General Assembly of the State of Iowa, approved Feb. 
17, 1847, it was provided that "the District Court in and for the county of Ben- 
ton shall be held at such place within said county as the County Commissioners 
may direct." The county had a seat of justice, but there was no Court House 
or any other house there ; and, presumably, the County Commissioners directed 
court to be held at the house of Thomas Way; for on the 31st day of May, 
1847, court was opened there for the first time in Benton County. Present, 
Hon. James P. Carleton, Judge of the District Court; James Downs, Sheriff"; 
James Mitchell, Prosecuting Attorney, and Irwin D. Simison, Clerk of the 
District Court. Way's cabin was in the midst of thick timber, and to make 
room for the august assemblage, Mrs. Way removed her pots, kettles and other 
household utensils to the shelter of a neighboring tree. Having done this, she 
coolly seated herself on a stump near the open door of the cabin, and gazed with 
respectful wonder at the collection of learned heads assembled within to admin- 
ister the law to the backAvoodsmen of Benton County. The Judge was perched 
on a three-legged stool, behind a rough deal table (the only one in the house) 
at the farther end of the little room. At the left of His Honor, seated on a 
low milk-bench, with his books and papers spread out before him, was Simison, 
the Clerk. There were also present, Norman W. Isbell (subsequently Judge 
of the Supreme Court), Isaac N. Preston, John David, D. P. Palmer, John P. 
Cook and Stephen Whicher, members of the bar from other counties. Benton 
County had no lawyer then. 

The court was formally opened by the Sheriff", and dispatched business with 
a rapidity that would startle some more modern courts. 

The grand jury summoned was sworn, as follows: Fielding Bryson, James 
Harmcly, Joseph Remington, John Bryson, Charles Graham, Stephen Brody, 
Jesse Brody, Josiah Helm, David Jewell, William Mitchell, Samuel M. Lock- 
hart, James Polly, Chauncy Leverich, Anderson Amos, James M. Denison, 
Joseph Bryson, Lyman D. Bordwell and Samuel Stephens. Samuel M. Lock- 
hart was appointed Foreman of the Jury, which, after being duly charged, 
retired to the timber to deliberate, in charge of Beal Dorsey, Bailiff". 

The first case of entry is the State of Iowa vs. Joel Leverich, for passing 
counterfeit money, which appears to have been transferred from Linn County on 
change of venue. Leverich was a member of the band of outlaAvs that infested 
this region at the time, and he probably thought that he could get a good jury 
in Benton County. The case was continued to the next term, however, and 
Ambrose Harland, Elijah Evans, Adason Daniels, Lowell Daniels, Nathaniel 
Chapman, Isaac D. Worrall and John Perkins were held in $50 each to ap- 



324 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. J 

pear as witnesses. The accused was not present, and a capias was issued to the 
SheriflF of Linn County for his arrest, returnable at next term of court. [ 

Another indictment against Joel Leverich for having in possession counter- 
feiting instruments, was disposed of similarly. 

On the second day of the term, the case of Samuel Finley vs. William Stur- 
gis (of Black Hawk County), assumpsit, damage $100, which Avas the first civil 
case entered, was withdrawn by the plaintiiF, having been amicably settled by the 
parties. 

June 1st, the second day of the term, William Smyth (afterward presiding 
Judge of the same court) was hanging around the door of the court cabin, wait- 
ing for admission to the bar. The court appointed Messrs. Preston, David, 
Isbell and Palmer a committee to forthwith examine the said Smyth as to his 
proficiency in the law, with instructions to report the result. The committee 
with Smyth in charge, retired to the timber to discuss matters and things in 
general, and incidentally their duty — Smyth's legal knowledge, etc. Allowing 
a proper time to elapse, the committee, arm in arm with Smyth, returned into 
court and reported, whereupon William Smyth was duly sworn and admitted to 
practice in the courts of Iowa. Smyth remembered what was expected of him 
when court adjourned. 

James Mitchell, Prosecuting Attorney, made application for admission to 
the bar, and Messrs. Preston, Palmer, Isbell and David were appointed to ex- 
amine him. They reported that the legal attainments of the applicant were 
not such as to warrant his admission, and his application was denied. 

Immediately afterward, Stephen Holcomb asked leave to file information in 
the nature of a quo warranto against James Mitchell for intruding into the office 
of Prosecuting Attorney ; leave was granted ; the necessary papers were issued 
and served. Mitchell was summoned and appeared before the court by himself 
and by his attorney, I. M. Preston. The relator, Holcomb, appeared by Palmer 
& Isbell, his attorneys. Both parties waived a jury, and after a hearing, the 
court held that Mitchell was guilty, as charged, of intruding into the office of 
Prosecuting Attorney, and that he, the said Mitchell, should be ousted there- 
from. But Holcomb, who expected to succeed the ousted officer, was disap- 
pointed, for, while he recovered his costs — taxed at f 1.87 J — the court held that 
the relator was not entitled to the office, and appointed I. M. Preston to fill the 
vacancy. 

The court adjourned Jan. 1, 1847, having been in session two days, and 
Mrs. Way resumed sway over her natural domain. 

At the time designated for the September term, John Royal* was Sheriff", and 
Irwin D. Simison, Clerk, and were in attendance, but the Judge did not appear, 
and the court adjourned sine die. After the adjournment, the inevitable jug was 
produced, the contents of which soon disappeared, and of the assembled crowd, 
many of them became very drunk. 

* John Royal is said to have been the embodiment of the term " a hale fellow well met," his funny bump being ex- 
ceedingly large. This craving for amusement often led him to spend hours together in the bar-room, where " frolic 
ran riot,'" much to the discomfort of his good wife, who, after trying everything she could think of to break him of this 
habit, at last hit upon the following plan : C. C. Charles opened a saloon on the north side of the public square, in 1851. 
This became Royal's resort. One day, in company with her old friend L. D. Bordwell, Mrs. Royal suddenly stepped 
into the saloon, and adranced to the counter on which the old Sheriff was perched, vigorously sawing discordant music 
from an aged and dilapidated fiddle. On discovering the visitors, his face presented a startling picture of amazement, 
shame and consternation, which first expression disappeared and lent its force to the remaining two, as his wife e.x- 
claimed, " Bring on the whisky, Mr. Charles ! I tell you I am going to have a spree. If there is any enjoyment in 
this way of doing, I am going to participate. Gentlemen, walk up and drink. This is fine, ain't it?" " Huz- 
zah ! huzzah for the old Musquaka Chief, or any other man. Come up, Johnny, my deal', let us have another drink !" 
"Huzzah ! for the Sheriff of Benton County, /or /tijnond his wife are both on a bender. Oh, this is nice!" Royal could 
stand it no longer. He dropped the old violin, and with sadness in his very motion, took his wife gently by the hand ; 
and with voice full of tenderness, said, " Catherine, let us go home. This is no place for as good a woman as you are, 
let us go home, and I will stay with you hereafter." And he kept his word. He was an efficient officer, and respected 
by all. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 325 

ELECTION OF 1847. 

The abstract of the votes polled at an election held in Benton County on 
the 2d day of August, 1847, signed by D. S. Pratt, Commissioners' Clerk, and 
Stephen Holcomb and Charles Cantonwine, Justices of the Peace, was as 

follows : 

For Sheriflf— Beal Dorsey had 20 votes ; John Rojal, ?.3. 

For Judge of Probate— D. S. Pratt had 42 votes : E. D. Spencer, I. 

For County Commissioner — Thomas Way had 24 votes ; Samuel L. Morse, 14 ; L. W. 
Hayes, 15. 

For Commissioners' Clerk — D. S. Pratt had 45 votes. 

For Recorder— D. S. Pratt had 24 votes ; L. W. Hayes, 23. 

For Surveyor — Irwin 1). Simison had 47 votes. 

For Coroner — Fielding Bryson had 19 votes ; E. B. Spencer, 17. 

For Sealer of Weights and Measures — Aaron Hains had 9 votes ; Thomas Lockhart, 11 ; D. 
B. Pratt, 5. 

For Prosecuting Attorney — Aaron Hains had 11 votes ; John Hendershott, 1 ; Stephen Hol- 
jomb, 5 ; Samuel M. Lockhart, 13. 

At this election, the vote for Representative to Congress was as follows : 
Thomas McKnight had 20 votes ; Shepherd Lefler, 34. Benton County was 
then included in the Second Congressional District. 

COUNTY DEBT WIPED OUT. 

It is said that the county in those early times was deeply in debt. A pretty 
large amount of orders had been issued for various purposes until they were 
absolutely worthless, but were still evidences of indebtedness outstanding 
against the county. During the time that Way served as County Commissioner, ir- 
is also said that the county officers determined to make a new departure, destroy 
all the records, and begin anew. Way bought in the county orders. The price 
of a county order, whatever its face, was a drink of whisky. When they were 
all or nearly all purchased in this way, they were burned by Way, and the 
county was relieved from its indebtedness. Whether the records were destroyed 
is uncertain, but it is certain that they are not now accessible, except the few 
papers found by the historian, which have been freely used in this work. 

CIVIL TCW^NSHIPS. 

The Board of County Commissioners for 1847-48, it is presumed, created 
several civil townships ; but singularly enough, there is no record of the creation 
of a single one of them, either by the County Commissioners or the County 
Judge. At the time of the Commissioners' Court in April, 1847, John Royal 
and George Cantonwine were appointed Supervisors of Canton Township, and 
directed " to open and work all legal laid-out roads in said township." An- 
derson Amos was appoi'^ted Supervisor in Township 86 north; Range 9 west, 
and David Jewell in Township 85, Range 9, and Thomas Way Supervisor on a 
certain road "commencinor at the corner of Harrisons field and runninqr to Ed- 
ward's Ford across the Cedar River." Prior to 1851, three more townships, 
viz., Polk, Harrison and Taylor, were created. 

In October, 1847, the Secretary of School District No. 1, in Polk Town- 
ship, reported to the School Fund Commissioners that there were twenty-six 
persons in that district between the ages of 5 and 21 years. 

STATE ROADS IN BENTON COUNTY. 

Section 5 of "An act for laying out and establishing certain roads therein 
named," approved February 18, 1847, appointed James Leverich, of Linn County, 



326 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Charles Cantonwine, of Benton, and William Hunt, of Black Hawk County, 
Commissioners to lay out and establish a State road, beginning at Cedar Rapids, 
thence to or near the house of Mr, Strawn, in Linn County ; thence to the 
county seat of Benton : thence to the Falls of the Cedar. 

By act approved February 2o, 1847, E. B. Spencer, Samuel M. Lockhart and 
William Belles were appointed Commissioners to establish a State road from the 
county seat of Benton County to Quasqueton, Buchanan County. 

Section 10 of "An act to locate and establish certain roads," approved Feb- 
ruary 5, 1851, appointed James Allenworth, of Linn, John Alexander, of Ben- 
ton, and David S. Pratt, of Black Hawk, to locate and establish a State road 
from Center Point to Marysville, Benton County ; thence by the residence of 
James Virden to the Big Woods, via John H. Messinger's, to Rice's old trading 
house. 

Section 25, of the same act, appointed William Williams, of Muscatine, Isaac 
Cook, of Linn, and John Royal, of Benton, to locate a State road from Cedar 
Rapids, via Fremont (Vinton), in Benton, to Fort Clarke. 

Section 45 appointed Samuel C. Trowbridge, of Johnson ; Andrew D. 
Stephens, of Benton, and C. C. Slocum, of Iowa County, to locate a State 
road from Marengo to Fort Clarke. 

Section 30 of "An act in relation to certain State roads therein named," 
approved January 22, 1853, appointed George W. Vorees, of Marshall ; David 
F. Bruner, of Tama, and A. D. Stephens, of Benton, to locate a State road 
from A. D. Stephens' to the southeast corner of Hardin County. 

Section 49, of the same act, appointed E. A. Brown, of Black Hawk ; John 
Blunt, of Chickasaw, and W. C. Stanberry, of Benton, to locate a State road 
from Fremont to Waterloo; thence to John H. Messinger's, in Bremer County; 
thence to Bradford, in Chickasaw County. 

Section 1 of " An act to establish certain State roads," approved January 
24, 1855, appointed James B. Kelsey and Thomas B. Stone,, of Linn, and 
Harrison Bristol, of Benton, to locate a State road from Cedar Rapids ve'a Bear 
Creek Mill, Vinton and Waterloo, to Cedar Falls. 

Section 12, of the same act, appointed Andrew Stein, of Benton ; John Ross 
and David Bruner, of Tama, to locate a State road from Cedar Rapids to 
Toledo. 

Section 9 of "An act in relation to State roads," approved January 28, 
1857, appointed (Wesley) Whipple, of Benton ; James Barclay, of Black Hawk, 
and Thomas R. Talbot, of Fayette, to locate a State road from Vinton, via 
Barclay, Fairbank and Linn, to West Union. 

Section 12 of the same act appointed F. A. Morgan, of Keokuk ; Martin 
Ballard, of Iowa, and S. P. Price, of Benton, to locate a State road from 
Sigourney, via Millersburg, Genoa Bluffs and Kosta, to Vinton. 

TOWNS AND CITIES OF BENTON COUNTY. 

[The first town laid out in Benton County was in the northeast part of the 
county, in 1847 ; but, for convenient reference, all the towns in the county are 
inserted here.] 

Marysville, located on the north twenty acres of the west half of the north- 
east quarter of Section 34, Township 86, Range 9, was laid out May 5, 1847, 
by F. J. Rigaud, County Surveyor ; Joseph Remington, proprietor. Plat 
recorded May 10, 1847, at 8 o'clock A. M. This is the oldest town in the 
county, and was well known to the early settlers as "Hoosier Point." The 
post ofiice at this point is now called Ilrbanna. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 327 

Vinton was located by the Commissioners to locate the county seat, 1846, 
on the northeast (quarter of Section 21, Township 85, Range 10, and named 
Northport by the first Board of County Commissioners, and ordered to be sur- 
veyed in July, 1846 ; but a new Board v/as elected in August, and the record 
was delayed until February 12, 1848, when it was recorded by Irwin D. 
Simison, County Surveyor. The plat was signed by Samuel M. Lockwood, 
Loyal F. North and Thomas Way, County Commissioners, and by them named 
Vinton, in honor of a Member of Congress from Ohio who was anxious to 
perpetuate his name in this way. The town has no existence now, and its 
territory is included in the limits of the present city of Vinton. 

Fremont, located on Lots 5, 6 and 7, of the west half of Section 16, Town- 
ship 85, Range 10, "which point being voted for at the August election, 1849, by 
a majority, to be the seat of Justice of Benton County." Surveyed by Irwin 
D. Simison, County Surveyor, November 24, 1849 ; James Leverich, propri<^tor. 
Plat recorded November 29, 1849. The name of this town was changed to 
Vinton by act of the General Assembly of Iowa, approved January — , 1853. 

Shellsburg, on the southwest quarter of Section 11 and partly on the north- 
west quarter of Section 14, Township 84, Range 9 ; surveyed by H. M. 
Drury, Deputy County Surveyor, June 16, 1854 ; Jacob Cantonwine, Chris- 
tiana Cantonwine, Emanuel S. Fluke and Mary Fluke, proprietors. 

Grand Gulf, on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 
17, Township 85, Range 10 ; surveyed April 17, 1854, by H. M. Drury, 
Deputy County Surveyor ; John Alexander and Nancy Alexander, proprietors. 
Now a part of the city of Vinton. 

Geneva, on the northAvest quarter of the southwest quarter and the southwest 
quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 3, ToAvnship 84, Range 11 ; sur- 
veyed by Wesley Whipple ; R. N. Van Cleaf and Susanna Van Cleaf, proprie- 
tors. Plat filed for record March 20, 1855. 

Wilmington, located on Section 4, Township 85, Range 9 ; surveyed by 
Wesley Whipple, November 9, 1855; Lewis Berry, Eliza Berry, Conrad Bink- 
hart and Sarah Binkhart, proprietors. Plat filed for record, 1858. 

Irving, on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 6, 
Township 82, Range 12 ; October 10, 1855 ; Samuel Hutton, proprietor. 

Benton City, located on Section 20, Township 85, Range 9, south of the 
river ; surveyed by Joseph Owen ; John Royal, Catherine Royal, John Graham 
and Lucinda Graham, proprietors. Plat filed for record June 16, 1856. This 
was then a thriving little town. John Graham built a hotel there in 1855-6. 
It was probably surveyed as early as 1854-5. Dr. S. E. Warner located there 
in 1855. W. C. Stanberry advertised in August, 1855, at Benton City, " the 
largest and best-selected stock of goods ever offered for sale in Benton County." 
Benton City □ A., F. & A. M. was instituted IT. D. October 31, 1855, and 
chartered June 4, 1856, but was removed to Shellsburg prior to 1864. The 
line of the B., C. R. & N. R. R. was first located to pass through or near the 
town, but the location was afterward changed. The glory of the town long 
since departed, and it no longer exists save in history. 

Eden, south half of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Sec- 
tion 1, and part of Section 12, Township 84, Range 10 ; surveyed by Newell 
Colby, January 14, 1856 ; Jacob Leamer and Rebecca Leamer, proprietors. 
Plat filed for record January 19, 1856. 

Guinnville, part of the northeast quarter of Section 30, Township 82, Range 
12; surveyed by Wesley Whipple, October 30-31, 1856; John E. S. Gwinn 
and Caroline Gwinn, proprietors. Plat filed for record November 8, 1856. 



328 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Brooklyn, in Benton and Black Hawk Counties; surveyed April 3, 1856, 
by N. Colby; H. N. Brooks, proprietor. Plat filed for record March 13, 1857. 
Defunct. 

Williamsburg, on Section 11, Township 86, Range 10 ; surveyed by Wesley 
Whipple, March 20, 1857 ; William L. Jones, Abigail Jones, L. W. Bryson 
and Mary A. Bryson, proprietors. Plat filed for record March 31, 1857. 

West Vinton, on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 17, 
Township 85, Range 10; surveyed by Wesley Whipple, March 25, 1857 ; Edwin 
Humphreville, I. C. Rhodabeck, Hannah B. Stoughton and William Stoughton, 
proprietors. Plat filed for record March 30, 1857. Now a part of Vinton City. 

Manatheka, parts of Sections 26 and 35, Township 86, Range 9 (near 
Marysville) ; surveyed by Wesley Whipple, March 31, 1857 ; William Reming- 
ton, Elizabeth Remington, John Ferguson, Nancy Ferguson, Theodore Stevens 
and Lucy Stevens, proprietors. Plat filed for record April 4, 1857. 

Belle Plaine, on the east half of and northwest quarter of the southwest quar- 
ter of Section 20, Township 82, Range 12, embracing thirty acres ; laid out in 
March, 1862 ; John I. Blair, proprietor ; G. F. Kirby, Surveyor. Plat filed 
for record May 12, 1862. 

Blairstown, on the southwest quarter of Section 13 and the southeast quar- 
ter of Section 14, Township 82, Range 11 ; surveyed by G. F. Kirby in the 
Spring of 1862 ; John I. Blair, proprietor. Plat filed for record May 12, 1862. 

NorAvay (now Florence), on the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of 
Section 20, Township 82, Range 9; surveyed June 10, 1863, by P. P. Smith, 
County Surveyor ; Ormond Tuttle and Helen Sophia Tuttle, proprietors. Plat 
filed for record July 21, 1863. 

Luzerne, on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 24, 
Township 82, Range 12, and partly on Section 19 ; B. B. Hent, Sui'veyor ; Isaac 
B. Howe and Hannah R. Howe, proprietors. Plat filed for record Apri 17, 1868. 

Mount Auburn, on the south half of Section 14, Township 86, Range 11 ; 
surveyed by P. F. Randall ; Milton S. Hall, Sarah A. Hall, Thomas D. Lewis 
and Mary A. Lewis, proprietors. Plat filed for record June 19, 1871. 

Benton, on Sections 28 and 29, Township 85, Range 11 ; surveyed by C. 
G. Johnson in April, 1873 ; Jonathan Barkdoll and Susan Barkdoll, proprie- 
tors. Plat filed for record July 22, 1873. 

Watkins, on the southwest corner of Section 23 and the northwest corner of 
Sec. 26, Township 82, Range 10 ; surveyed by Hiram Lipe in May, 1874 ; Charles 
G. Turner and Eliza Turner, proprietors. Plat filed for record Aug. 16, 1874. 

THE COURTS IN 1848. 

April 24, 1848, the court was again held in the house of Thomas Way. 
James P. Carleton was Judge ; John Royal, Sheriff * ; John Alexander, Prose- 

* In the early days of Yinton, two of the county officers agreed together to celebrate Christmas " in tho good old 
way," and have a jolly time. It is naid that when Lawyer " Jack " came to Benton County he provided him^elf with a 
good supply of " Maynard & Noyes' " best black ink in quart bottles. These bottles were placed on the shelf in" the 
house that Jack built," and the neighbors, seeing a good opportunity to " borrow some ink till they could send and get 
some," some of the bottles, as a consequence, were soon emptied of their contents, but were replaced on the shelf along 
with the full ones. Tlie two friends were greatly perplexed for something to put their whisky into. Suddenly Lawyer 
J. bethought him of the empty ink bottles, and seizing a couple of them, joinad his friend, who was shivering in the 
cold, and together they washed them in the creek. They were soon filled with " corn juice." But the county officials 
could not rest content with it all in the bottles, su thej' transferred a generous portion of it to their capacious "bread 
baskets." The effect of all this was to produce a feeling of drowsiness, and for a time sought repose in a friendly fence 
corner; becoming tired of this, they made their way to the house to sit by the fire. But Jack could find neither wood, 
matches nor shavings ; however, placing the bottles in their old places on the shelf for safety until he could raise a 
light. Not succeeding in this, he sought consolation in the " tanglefoot," and taking down a bottle, courteously handed 
it to his friend, who hastily swallowed a heavy draught ; but instead of peaceably handing it back to his waiting companion, 
he accused him of playing a trick on him by filling the bottle with something besides whisky, and threw the contents 
in Mr. Jack's >ace and on his clothing ; tlie assaulted man rushed into the other room, and after some words they both 
settled down to rest. Karly in the morning they were startled by the piercing scream of Jack's wife, who ejaculated 
that " there was a big niijger in her bed." A case of " mistaken identity " in the bottles was the cause, as was shown by 
the investigation that followed. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 329 

cnting Attorney ; I. D. Simison, Clerk ; and the court records show that I. 
M, Preston, S. A. Bissell, William Leffingwelland William Smyth were present 
as attorneys. The second grand jury was impaneled as follows : E. B. Spen- 
cer, John S. Forsyth, Jacob Remington, Samuel Osborn, Joseph Bryson, Beal 
Dorsey, Charles Cantonwine, Loyal F. North, George Cantonwine, William 
Ball, Stedman Penrose, Michael Cantonwine, Jacob Cantonwine, Elias H. 
Keyes, Michael Zimmerman and Frederick Zimmerman. John S. Forsyth was 
appointed Foreman, and the jury retired to the timber as before for consulta- 
tion, in charge of the Bailiff, David S. Pratt. 

At this term, the first petit jury was impaneled as follows: James Downs, 
Joseph Sanders, William Mitchell, James M. Denison, Price Kendrick, Lyman 
D. Bordwell, Thomas Lockhart, David S. Way, David Cantonwine, William 
Davis, John Hendershott, James Worley, Welcom Martin, George B. Pratt, 
Nathaniel Adams, Chauncy Leverich, Charles Hinkley, Thomas Way, Sam- 
uel Stephens, William Davis, Jr., and John Mason. 

The indictment against Joel Leverich for passing counterfeit money, con- 
tinued from last term, was quashed. The other indictment against Leverich, 
for having implements for counterfeiting in his possession, was tried, but the jury 
brought in a verdict of " not guilty." Joel Leverich, although a member, it is 
said, of a gang of outlaws infesting the country at that time, was one of the 
shrewdest of the tribe, and never could be caught. He always " got off," as in 
this instance. 

September 18, 1848, the third term of court was opened in the county, and 
was held, so says the record, in the log court house at Vinton, the first and the 
last term of court ever held at the original county seat. Although the record 
declares that this term of court was held at the court house, the facts are that 
the court assembled there, but there was no roof on the building, no floor — noth- 
ing but the bare log walls. A seat was provided for the Judge in one corner 
by placing a piece of board across the corner in the crevices between the logs, 
and a shower coming up, some more pieces were thrust into the chinks over his 
head to protect him from the rain. Court was opened in this primitive " court 
house," and then adjovirned to the cabin of William Davis, which stood on Sec- 
tion 15, where the business of the term was transacted. The grand jury occu- 
pied a log blacksmith shop in the vicinity. 

At this term John Lewis recovered $300 of Samuel K. Parker for slander. 
Charles Hinkley, indicted for arson, was tried, convicted, and sentenced to pay 
a fine of one cent and be imprisoned in the State Penitentiary for one year. 
This was the first conviction for a criminal offense in the county. 

MAIL FACILITIES. 

By joint resolution approved January 24, 1848, the General Assembly of 
Iowa asked for the establishment of a mail route from Tipton, Cedar County, 
via Pioneer Grove and Marion, to the county seat of Benton. Also of a mail 
route from Cedar Rapids, via the county seat of Benton, to the falls of the 
Cedar River in Black Hawk County. 

ELECTIONS, 1848. 

At the election held April 3,1848, Elias H. Keyes was elected School Fund 
Commissioner, receiving 38 votes ; John S. Forsyth, his competitor, received 34 
votes. The votes of Taylor and Polk Townships for Justices of the Peace at 
this election Avere canvassed by the County Board. In Taylor, Stephen Hoi- 



330 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

comb had 14 votes; Lester W. Hayes, 13; and Fleming Sanders, 12. In 
Polk, John S. Forsyth had 19 votes, and Edwin B. Spencer, 16. 

The abstract of the votes for county officers at the election, August 7, 1848, 
is not among the papers found by the historian, but Elias H. Keyes appears to 
have been elected Clerk of the Commissioners' Court, and Loyal F. North re- 
elected County Commissioner. For State officers, however, the abstract is 
preserved : 

For Auditor of S*ate— Joseph F. Fales had 44 votes ; AVilliam A. Warren, 26 — 70 votes cast. 
For Secretai-y of State — John M. Coleman had 28 votes ; Josiah H. Bonney, 39 ; William A. 
Warren, 1. 

For State Treasurer — Robert Holmes had 27 votes ; Morgan Reno, 42. 

For Member of Congress — Timothy Davis received 29 votes ; Shepherd Leffler, 41. 

From these returns it appears that the voting population of Benton County 
had not materially increased since 1847. One can scarcely realize, as he visits 
this rich and densely populated county in 1878, that only thirty years ago there 
were only seventy voters within its limits. 

GROCERY BOND. 

Among the curiosities of thirty years ago is a bond given by Chauncy 
Leverich, with G. A. Thompson for security, from which it appears that 
" Chancy," as his name is signed, took out a license on the 3d day of July, 
1848, to keep a grocery for one year. The bond was in the penal sum of $100, 
and the condition was as follows : " Now the condition of the above obligation 
is such, that if the said Chancy Leverich shall keep an orderly house, and will 
not permit any unlawful gaming or riotous conduct in or about his house, then 
this obligation to be void, otherwise to be and remain in full force and virtue in 
law." That the keeper of a grocery should be required to take out license and 
give bond, sounds odd in these later days ; but it must be remembered that in 
those early days a grocery was a saloon as well as a grocery store, and Leverich 
drew around him the more reckless and lawless elements in a community that 
was then under the dominion of outlaws and horse thieves. The bond Avas 
?iven to comply Avith the forms of law ; and if it was violated, as it probably was 
hundreds of times, it was neither expected nor designed that it was to be en- 
forced. If it was, there was no court to enforce it. 

SCHOLARS IN 1848. 

Among a lot of old papers on the floor of the vault in the Court House, while 
searching for lost records, the historian found two, from which the following 
statement is compiled. It is proper to remark that the inspectors reported " no 
schools " : 

November, 1848, L. F. North, School Inspector of Canton Township, re- 
ported the number of schools in District No. 1 to be 19 ; in District No. 2, 42, 
and District No. 3, 12. I. D. Simison, Inspector of Taylor Township in 
1848, made a more elaborate report, and included the heads of families and 
the number of scholars in each family, as follows : District No. 1, William 
Mitchell's family had 4 ; Albert Johnson, 1 ; Thomas Way, 6 ; Mrs. Smith, 
4 ; Mrs. M. iVI. Way, 1 ; Michael Zimmerman, 5 ; David Wilson, 6. 
Total, 23. 

District No. 2, John Edwards, 2 ; John Alexander, 3 ; Varnum Helm, 4 ; 
Daniel Carlisle, 1 ; George Adams, 4 ; Mrs. Chauncy Leverich, 1 ; William 
Davis, 1 ; John Royal, 2 ; James Sanders, 4 ; Francis Sanders, 1 ; G. B. 
White, 4. Total, !28. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 331 



RE-LOCATION OF THE SEAT OF JUSTICE. 

The town of Nortliport was laid out in 1846 ; was re-surveyed and re-eliris' 
tened Vinton in February, 1848, on the northeast quarter of Section 21, on 
the spot Avhere the County Seat Commissioners drove the county seat stake. 
During the following Summer and Fall, Chauncy Leverich, John Alexander 
and others interested in property lying nearer the river, where the present 
business portion of Vinton nt)w stands, determined to make an attempt to move 
the county seat, and accordingly circulated a petition asking the Legislature to 
grant a re-location by a vote of the people. To prevent all opposition and 
make the thing doubly sure, at the same time when they circulated the petition 
they carried a remonstrance, which they asked all to sign who would not put their 
names to the petition. In that way they secured the signatures of nearly all 
the citizens of the county, and when obtained, they cut the names from the 
remonstrance and attached them to the petition. By this sharp practice, they 
were able to make a very strong showing to the General Assembly, and without 
opposition secured the passage of an act as follows : 

An act to provide for the location of the county seat of Benton County : 

Sec. 1. Br it enacted f>>/ the General Assembly of the State of Iowa, That the legal voters of 
Benton County shall vote, at the next April election, for such points iu said county as they may 
deem proper ; and if, upon canvassing the votes, it is ascertained that any one point has received 
a majority of votes over all others, then the point receiving such majority shall be and remain 
the permanent seat of justice of said Benton County ; but if no point shall receive such majority, 
then and in that case the said legal voters of said county shall vote for the two points receiving 
the highest number of votes at said April election, at the next August election, and the point 
receiving the highest number of votes at said August election shall be and remain the permanent 
seat of justice of said Benton County. 

At the election held on the 2d day of April, 1849, the friends of removal 
came very near removing the county seat farther than they desired — to the 
other side of the river, two or three miles from the present Court House. One 
more vote for that location would have carried it. 

The following extract from the abstract of the votes, made by E. H. Iveyes, 
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, and Fleming Sanders and 
David S. Way, Justices of the Peace, is an interesting item of history : 

" The southeast fourth of the nt>rtheast quarter of Section three (3) in Town- 
ship 85 north of Range 10 west of the 5th P. M., received fifty-seven votes for 
tlie county seat of Benton County ; Lots Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the west hjilf of 
Section 16, Township Sij north of Range 10 west of the 5th P. M., as shown by the 
plat made by the Trustees of Taylor Township, in the county aforesaid, made 
on the 17th day of March, 1848, had fifty-seven votes." 

A COMPACT AND ITS RESULT. 

By the terms of the act, if no point received a majority of the votes at the 
April election, the people were required to vote again in August. But the close- 
ness of the vote in April alarmed those who had anticipated no serious opposi- 
tion to their scheme of moving the seat of justice from Northport (A'inton) to a 
spot nearer the river. In April, both points voted for, received an equal num- 
ber of votes. Mr. Bordwcll was unavoidably called away on that day. He, 
had he remained at home, would have voted, as he says, in favor of the location 
on Section 3, which would have moved the county seat some distance farther 
than was desirable. Something must be done. " Uncle Tom " Way had con- 
trol of seven votes. At the April election, he had voted the '"seven " in favor 
of Section 3. Should he repeat the operation in August, the result might be 



332 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

fatal to the hopes of the west side people. At this junction, John Alexander 
and John Royal went over to Way's and remained there a day and a night, and 
at last made a solemn compact with " Uncle Tom," that if he (Way) would 
attend the election and vote his "seven " in favor of Lots 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the 
west half of Section 16 for the county seat, they (Royal and Alexander) would 
exert all their influence to elect him (Way) to the office of Treasurer and 
Recorder. The compact made, the high contracting parties shook hands across 
the head of a whisky barrel, and Alexander and Royal, elated with their suc- 
cess, returned to the future site of the capital of Benton County, confident that 
the election, so far as their wishes and interests were concerned, would result as 
they desired. 

On the day of the election, " Uncle Tom," Avith his crowd and with the 
inevitable whisky jug slung over his shoulder, appeared, voted his " seven " as 
he had promised, and the canvass of the votes by Clerk Keyes and Justices F. 
Sanders and Charles Cantonwine showed the result as follows : Lots 5, 6, 7 and 
8 of the west half of Section 16, Township 85, Range 10, received sixty-two 
(62) votes ; the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 3, Town- 
ship 85, Range 10, received twenty-five (25) votes. This settled the vexed 
question, and Vinton was no longer the county seat of Benton County. 

Way had faithfully fulfilled his part of the contract. Were the other parties 
as faithful ? The impartial historian is compelled to admit that the weight of 
evidence is against them ; for, upon counting the votes for Treasurer^ and 
Recorder, it was found that Way had received only thirty-six votes, while his 
successful competitor, Johnson, received forty-four votes. 

FREMONT. 

In November following, James Leverich, who had purchased the claim of 
Chauncy, laid out a town on the lots above mentioned, and called it Fremont, in 
honor of" Gen. John C. Fremont, which became the capital of Benton County. 

THE FIRST COURT HOUSE 

was a small, two-story frame building, that stood on the southeast corner of the 
Public Square. The frame was put up, the roof covered, and the walls sided 
up before the town was platted (probably before the votes were taken as above,) 
by Leverich and other friends of removal, as an inducement for the people to 
vote for that location. It thus stood, a mere shell, without floors, doors or 
windows, until 1851-2, when it was partially finished. A floor was laid in the 
lower story, doors and windows put in, so that the District Court could occupy 
it. The upper story was finished and divided into two rooms, in one of which 
the county offices were located. A flight of rough stairs on the outside of the 
building led to the second story. 

THE ELECTION OF 1849. 

On the 2d day of April, 1849, Joseph Rouse was elected Recorder and 
Treasurer, probably to fill a vacancy, over Aaron Haines, by a vote of forty- 
seven to forty -two. 

The election in Canton Township was held at the house of Jacob Canton- 
wine, and L. F. North had eight votes and Charles Cantonwine seven votes for 
Justice of the Peace. " David Cantonwine had six votes, E. R. Buchanan had 
two votes, William Fish had four votes, William Daws had two votes, P. Kis- 
linger had one vote," but for what office does not appear. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 333 

The abstract of the number of votes at the election for county officers on 
Monday, August 6, 1849, shows a slight increase of voting population: 

For Recorder and Treasurer — James Johnson had 44 votes; Thomas Way, o6. 

For Coroner— George B Pratt had 11 votes; C. J. Pitts, 1 ; Charles N. Moberly, 10 ; James 
Hamting, 1. 

For Sheriff — Cyrus C. Charles had 4') votes ; James Downs. 41. 

For County Commissioners' Clerk — James Johnson had 8 votes; George B. Pratt, 25; A. 
Cantonwine, 6; E. H. Keyes, 14; J. T. Simison. 1. 

For Prosecuting Attorney — John Alexander had 10 votes. 

For County Surveyor — I. D. Simison had 60 votes ; D. Simison, 1. 

For County Commissioner — Samuel M. Lockhart had 40 votes ; L. D. Bordwell, 16 ; I. D. 
Simison, 1. 

For Clerk of the District Court — I. D. Simison had 4-5 votes. 

For Sealer of Weights and Measures — William Ball had 30 votes. 

For Judge of Probate — John Alexander was elected; vote not given. 

RESIGNATION. 

E. H. Keyes resigned the office of Clerk of the Board of County Commis- 
sioners, October 1, 1849, which would indicate that George B. Pratt, elected as 
above, declined to accept. W. R. Johnson appears to have been appointed 
Clerk pro tern. 

THE riRi^T MILL 

erected in Benton County was built on Mud Creek, about a mile and a half 
southeast of Fremont, in 1849. The enterprising proprietors were John Royal 
and Cyrus C. Charles. 

didn't ketchum. 

Some time in 1849, a stranger accompanied by a woman appeared in Vinton. 
He gave the name of Ketchum, and soon after his advent engaged in the saloon 
business. Erelong a woman came to toAvn, and gave her name as Mrs. Ketchum, 
the lawfully wedded wife of the saloon keeper, whom she had come to see. She 
did not propose to tolerate Ketchum's weakness for getting married while she 
was still able to get around. She was rather an energetic woman, for she had 
a warrant for her husband's arrest placed in the hands of Deputy Marcus Webb 
within two hours after her arrival. Webb made the arrest, took his prisoner 
before Justice Brubacher, and, having other business to attend to, left him in 
the custody of Constables Stanbury and Bob Quail, Doctor Bufium was 
engaged by the prisoner to defend him, and had gone with him to Justice Bru- 
bacher's. Pending the appearance of Avitnesses, a jug of whisky was sent for, 
and the Justice and the attorney for the defense sat down to play a friendly game 
of "seven-up." Quail having been out late the night before, went into an 
adjoining room, lay down, and was soon fast asleep. About the time Brubacher 
was two points ahead in his second game with Buftum, Ketchum asked permis- 
sion to leave the room a few minutes, which Brubacher considerately granted. 
That was the last ever seen of Ketchum in Benton County. He had made 
good time. Diligent search was made, but he was beyond the reach of the offi- 
cers. Brubacher was indicted at the next term of the District Court for keep- 
ing a gambling house, and both he and Buffum were indicted for gambling ; but 
owing to informality in the papers, both were discharged. 

In the Spring of 1850, Major Wood, of the regular army, encamped in 
the southeastern part of Iowa Township, with two companies of dragoons 
and a detachment of infantry. The cavalry were commanded by Major 01m- 
stead, and infantry by Major Johnson. The encampment was named " Camp 
Buckenough." This location was made a temporary depot of supplies which 
were being hauled from the Mississippi River to the stockade Avhich had been 



384 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

ordered to be erected where Fort Dodge now stands. The command remained 
two or three months, when the battalion was divided, part being sent to Fort 
Leavenworth, and the remainder to Fort Dodge. 

ELECTIONS OF 1850. 

The Spring election in 1850 occurred on Monday, April, 1. At this elec- 
tion, James F. Beckett was elected School Fund Commissioner and also Com- 
missioners' Clerk. 

At the general election held August 5, 1850, the following county oflBcers 
were elected : 

• County Commissioner — James Rice received 66 votes ; his competitor, E. H. Keyes, S'.i — 
total, 105. 

Charles W. BuflFum was elected Clerk of the District Court, having received 40 votes ; I. D. 
Simison, 26; William S. Read, 4, and John Brachen, 2. for the same office. 

For Commissioners' Clerk — James F. Beckett received 14, and James Johnson, 1. 

For State officers the vote of Benton County at this election was as follows : 

For Governor — James L. Thompson received 46 votes ; Stephen Hempstead, 58. 
For Secretary of State — Isaac Cook received 55 votes; George W. McCleary, 51. 
For Auditor of State — William H. Seevers received 51 votes; William Patter, 54. 
For Treasurer of State — Evan Jay received 51 votes : Israel Kister, 55. 

For Representative to Congress, Second District — William H. Henderson received 53 votes ; 
Lincoln Clark, 54 ; total vote for Congressman, 107. 

THE INDIANS. 

Although the Indians ceded a portion of the county to the United States in 
1837 and the remainder in 1843, they roved over the country as late as 1854. 
They had a favorite camping place on the east side of the Cedar River, near 
Mr. Thomas Way's. The spot was chosen partly, perhaps, because "Uncle 
Tom " always had a good supply of fire-water. They came here every year 
and spent several days in celebrating some of their mystic rites, religious 
dances, etc. Upon one occasion, Mr. James Rice gave them a fine puppy, 
which they sacrificed to the Great Spirit with much ceremony, holding a 
war dance as a part of the exercises. The Indians were many times accused 
of committing depredations of which they were not guilty. They were very 
convenient scapegoats for horse thieves. Berry Way, " Uncle Tom's " 
renegade son, used to steal and run off their ponies during their annual 
encampment near his father's house. Stealing them during the night, Berry 
would always he at home the next morning, and when the " reds " entered com- 
plaint, he was on hand to assist them in efforts to discover the missing animals, 
but always sent them on the wrong trail. 

Berry Way and another young man, well known thieves of Benton County, 
made a trip through Black Hawk County in March, 1846, stopping all night 
at a logging cabin, built by " Cedar" Johnson a year or two before, near Big 
Creek, then occupied by James Newell. The next morning they proceeded up 
the river to the vicinity of the Turkey Foot Forks ; spent that night with " Big 
Wave," a prominent Winnebago Chief, and to requite his hospitality, stole two 
valuable horses from him before daylight in the morning. About twenty of 
Big Wave's band pursued them, and found them at a singing school near 
Center Point. They threatened to shoot the trio, but the settlers interfered, 
and persuaded the Indians it would be best to place the thieves under arrest 
and let the law take its course. The scoundrels were accoi'dingly confined in 
jail at Marion, but soon after escaped. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 335 



THE DARK AGES. 



On the confines of American civilization, as its resistless tide swept onward 
toward the setting sun, and its waves broke against the boundaries of Indian 
territory only to gather new strength, overleap them and rush onward to the 
next barrier, there were always hovering, like spies in advance of an invading 
army, a swarm of bold, reckless, adventurous and enterprising spirits, many of 
whom were ci'iminals. The broad, untrodden prairies and the trackless forests 
furnished admirable refuges for those whose crimes had driven them from com- 
panionship with honest and law-abiding people, to seek both safety and 
immunity beyond the reach of Sheriff's and courts of law. 

Hovering there, where courts and civil processes could afford but a weak 
bulwark of protection, or none at all, against their evil and dishonest purposes 
and practices, the temptation to prey upon the comparatively unprotected sons 
of toil, rather than to gain a livelihood by the slow process of honest industry, 
has often proved too strong to be resisted. Some of these reckless characters 
sought the outskirts of advancing settlements for the express purpose of theft 
and robbery ; some, because they dare not remain Avithin reach of efficient laws; 
others, of limited means, but ambitious to secure homes of their own, and with 
honesty of purpose, exchanged the comforts and protection of law aff"orded by 
the old, settled and populous districts for life on the frontiers, and not finding 
all that their fancy painted, were tempted into crime by apparent immunity 
from punishment, or driven to it for protection against their immediate neigh- 
bors. In new countries, the proportion of the dishonest and criminal has often 
been greater than in the older and better regulated communities where courts 
are permanently established, and the avenues of escape from punishment for 
wrongdoing more securely guarded. 

When the whites first began to enter upon and possess " the beautiful land " 
west of the Mississippi, there were but two counties north of the State of Mis- 
souri and west of the " Missis-Sepo " — The Mighty River. These were 
Dubuque and Des Moines. They extended from the flag-staff" at Fort Arm- 
strong, fifty miles westward, and from Missouri State line northward to the line 
of the neutral ground, or Winnebago Reserve. It was a vast extent of country, 
which aff"orded secure concealment for a horde of outlaws and desperadoes who 
preceded permanent settlement, and sought abiding places on the extensive 
western boundary of these two counties, as near the Indians as they could dwell 
in safety. 

And when the rich prairies, away from the immediate vicinity of the Mis- 
sissippi, began to attract honest immigration, the earliest settlers generally 
found these characters in advance of them, and others came to remain for a 
season in the midst of the industrious, toiling pioneers, to prey upon their sub- 
stance, knowing full well that in the then unorganized condition of society, 
they were sure of comparative freedom and immunity from detection and punish- 
ment. 

In 1837, when the second Indian purchase in Iowa was made, again there 
was a gathering of these reckless, daring law-breakers on its western confines. 
About that time, the country began to be flooded with counterfeit money — in 
fact, it is said, there was more counterfeit money than there was of good. 
Occasionally — and the occasions were rather more frequent than angels' visits — 
a horse would be stolen. No one could tell where the counterfeit money came 
from, nor where the stolen horse was hidden. At last horse stealing became so 
general and was so successfully prosecuted that when a farmer missed a horse 



336 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

from his stable or his pasture, he never hunted for him beyond a half mile from 
his premises. It was useless, the gang was so well organized, and had such a 
perfect system of stations, agents, signs and signals. 

As has been shown, a strip of land on the east side of this county, com- 
prising about one Range (9th) of townships, was embraced within the limits of 
the "one million, two hundred and fifty thousand acres" purchased by the gov- 
ernment of the United States from the confederate tribes of the Sac and Fox 
Indians, at a treaty held at the City of Washington September 21, 1837. 
This part of the county was open for settlement, therefore, for about six years 
before the remaining portion Avas vacated by the Indians, May 1, 1843. The 
land was not surveyed, and very few settlers located in the county prior to 1843. 
Shortly after the Indians were removed, in May of that year, settlements began 
to increase, and as the county began to be more populous, a number of persons 
settled in Linn County, and some of them over the Linn County line, on the 
strip above mentioned, whose habits and practices gave rise to the suspicion that 
they belonged to a regularly organized gang of law breakers, horse thieves and 
counterfeiters. They had no visible means of support, and were almost con- 
stantly coming and going, wore good clothes — that is to say, they dressed better 
than the honest, toiling farm makers — had plenty of money, and were ready at 
all times and on all occasions to pay their Avay. 

These people were shrewd, cunning and secret in their business maneuvers. 
To their immediate neighbors they were obliging, kind, and charitable where 
charity was needed. They wore an outward garb of respectability, and so 
hedged themselves as to escape detection and exposure for many years. 

Nor was this bold and illegal organization of recent date, nor was it born on 
Iowa soil. During the Revolutionary war the lion-hearted colonists had not 
only to contend with the forces of George III and his Hessian mercenaries, 
but with a class of craven spirits at home who fought on the side of the King, 
and were called Tories. These were seldom met in open field, but their work 
was robbing, plundering and murdering the unprotected families of the patriot 
soldiers under Washington. Full of intense hatred against their rebel neigh- 
bors Avho were fighting for liberty and a government of their own, Avhen the 
war ended and this became a free and independent nation, these Tories and 
guerrillas of Virginia and Pennsylvania sought refuge on the frontiers west 
of the Alleghanies, became outlaws and thieves, perfected an organization, and 
from that day until the present they and their descendants have gradually 
retired before the Westward march of civilization, preying upon the industries 
of the pioneers of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska in turn. About 
eighty years ago, a party of them removed to the frontiers of Ohio, and estab- 
lished their stations from the southeastern part of that State to Indiana ; nor 
did the gang become extinct there until about 1848. 

About fifty years ago, John Brody, Bill Driscoll and others, driven at last 
from the Clear Fork of the Mohican River, in Richland (now Ashland) County, 
Ohio, about 1830-2, sought refuge in Steuben County, Indiana. In two or 
three years, hoAvever, they, in connection Avith others of tne gang, became so 
notorious as to arouse the entire country against them, and they Avere again 
forced to leave a region that had become too warm for them, and flee WestAvard. 
About 1835 they found their Avay to the Rock River country, in Illinois, and 
Brody settled in a grove since and still knoAvn as Brody's Grove, in Dement 
Township, Ogle County, 111. For a time that entire region was completely 
under the control of the gang. They elected Justices of the Peace and Cons- 
tables, and generally had supreme control of affairs. One of them, Charles 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 337 

Oliver, came very near being elected Justice of the Peace in Rockford, and in 
1843, the same Charles Oliver was one of a party that robbed the store of Da- 
vid Bierer, in Colesburg, Delaware County, Iowa. 

At last, however, the honest settlers organized themselves as Regulators or 
Vigilantes, determined to rid themselves of the gang. Two of the Driscolls 
were tried, condemned and shot by about 500 infuriated settlers, and Brody and 
other suspected members of the brood were warned to leave the county. They 
left at once, and, true to their instincts, they came west across the Mississippi 
and settled in the valley of the Cedar, establishing their stations in almost 
every settlement in the Territory. Brody and his sons, John, Stephen, Will- 
iam and Hugh, as stated in the History of Cedar County, '• were among the 
first settlers in Linn County, in 1839, where their houses became refuges and 
hiding places for their accomplices in crime and villainy." In 1843, Stephen, 
Jesse and Hugh Brody and David Wilson, Avhose brother (a member of the 
gang) was shot by a party of settlers on the prairie in the southwestern part of 
Delaware County, and some others established themselves in Benton County. 
Of the Brody family who settled in Benton, Hugh alone had the reputation of 
being a decent citizen. "The principal thing against him," says an old settler, 
familiar with the history of the county, " was that he would sometimes go bail 
for his brothers when they were caught." But this was only natural. 

In Cedar County, Squires, Conlogue, Stoutenberg {alias Case) and Gove 
were members of the band; and in Linn, Joel Leverich was one of the leading 
spirits. Chancy Leverich, who built the first cabin on the present site of 
Vinton, was also generally supposed to be intimately connected with it. 

This gang operated over a large scope of country, and with so many mem- 
bers located in Cedar, Linn, Benton and other counties, such secure hiding 
places, and so many of the gang coming and going, it is but little wonder that 
the people came to live in constant fear and dread. But the villains worked so 
cautiously and secretly as to be almost past finding out. Horse stealing became 
so common that a man wdio owned a good horse never presumed to leave him 
over-night in an unlocked stable, and, in many instances, farmers and horse 
owners slept in their stables with their rifles by their sides. 

These outlaws, systematically engaged in horse stealing and other illicit 
occupations generally indulgfed in by frontier banditti, acquired such power and 
influenc3 in the county, as, for a time, to force a suspension of all law and 
judicial proceedings. The three or four years prior to 1851 are generally 
referred to by old settlers of Benton County as the "dark ages." 

From the time of the assembling:; of the last court in 1848 until the first court 
in 1851, the horse thieves were in the ascendency, and threatened summary ven- 
geance on any and all persons who should dare to assist in any attempt to 
recover stolen property, and boldly asserted that no officer dared to enforce the 
law against them. They were found on the juries, they sometimes elected 
Justices of the Peace and Constables, and generally had their own Avay. Their 
open and bold defiance of law and their numerous depredations at last aroused 
the people, who, convinced that the law was powerless to protect them against 
the depredations of the gang, determined to protect themselves. Meetings were 
held in many of the counties, and in the counties of Clayton, Delaware, Bu- 
chanan, Linn and Benton, an organization was perfected called the Regulators, 
or Vigilance Committee. This, for a time, put some check upon the move- 
ments of the horse thieves; but even this was soon defied, especially in Benton 
County, where there were but few members of the organization, and the con- 
dition of the people became deplorable indeed. There were no courts in the 



338 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

county for three years, and some of the leading men were doing all they could 
to deter Judge Carleton from coming to the county to hold court. The horse 
thieves defied law and Regulators, or "lynchers," as they came to be called, 
and the Regulators defied the horse thieves and took the law into their own 
hands. Every person visiting the county was spotted and watched. If he 
called at the cabin of any of the gang, or if suspected of sympathziing with 
them, he was promptly dealt with. The Vigilance Committee was organized for 
the purpose of aiding in the arrest and conviction of oftenders ; but it was soon 
found that while it was easy to arrest them, they aim est invariably escaped the 
just penalty of their crimes. Consequently, the Regulators soon wearied of the 
farce, took the law into their own hands, and inflicted swift, summary, and not 
always deserved, punishment. 

During the "dark ages," the Sheriff of Linn County would frequently 
attempt to make arrests of desperadoes having their headquarters in this county, 
and numerous encounters, aifrays and knock-downs are related. On one occa- 
sion it is related that the Sheriff" had arrested one of them, who submitted 
quietly, but asked permission to go to his brother's house for some clothes. 
The Sheriff:', who seems to have been childlike in his confidence and unsus- 
picious of danger, granted the request, and accoinpanied the prisoner to the 
house ; but no sooner had he entered than the prisoner grasped a skillet-handle, 
with which the confiding Sheriff" was knocked down and beaten nearly to death, 
after which the brothers coolly saddled their horses and rode off". 

But statements of this character very soon lose their original truthfulness, 
and the careful historian, in sifting them, always finds more or less of additional 
tradition mingled with them. 

After a time, it came to be that between the horse thieves and robbers on 
the one side, and the self-styled "Regulators" or " Vigilance Committees " 
on the other, no peaceable, law-abiding citizen was safe from molestation. For 
three years, courts were not held in the county, and some of the officials were 
suspected of being in sympathy with the thieves and robbers, while others were 
known to be active members of the " Regulators." For a time, it was un- 
certain which party was the most damaging to the county, as both of them often 
prevented the peaceable administration of the law, and under one pretext or 
another postponed the holding of courts and the performance of other official 
duties by the regularly elected officers of the county. While many of the best 
men were connected with and active members of the " Regulators," yet a num- 
ber of the thieving gang joined them, the better to conceal their operations, 
and to obtain an opportunity of wreaking vengeance upon the heads of some 
innocent party who had thwarted them in their plans. 

At last, the better class of people, who had brooded long over their wrongs 
and sufferings, determined to submit no longer. They held secret meetings, 
which finally resulted in the adoption of resolutions declaring themselves no 
longer bound by the Regulators, and publicly announced a meeting for the 
purpose of organizing a society for the protection of person and property, 
and for the furtherance of equity and justice. At this meeting, the date 
of which unfortunately has not been preserved, a society was organized and 
called 

THE IOWA PROTECTION COMPANY, 

under the operation of which, society was much improved, although afterward it 
is said that acts were committed under the name of the association that could 
hardly bear the light of legal investigation. But it must be remembered that 










VI NTO N 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 341 

the laws hardly reached Benton County at that time, and something must be 
pardoned to the spirit of the times. 

As the constitution of this organization is a somewhat curious and impor- 
tant document, pertaining to the early history of Benton County, the historian 
has thought best to reproduce it with the names of the originators and members 
in this county. 

The document reads as follows : 

This Society shall be called the Iowa Protection Company. 

Article 1. The object of this Society shall be to protect the property of the members of 
this company, and particularly their horses, from the depredations of robbers and thieves, and 
also to trace out the perpetrators of thefts, rescue and restore property stolen, and assist in a due 
and faithful administration of law and justice. 

Akt. 2. The othcers of this Society shall consist of a President, Secretary and Treasurer, 
to be chosen viva vice ata,nj stated meeting, and to hold their offices during good behavior. 

Art. 3. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all regular meetings of the So- 
ciety, and, in his absence, the Society may choose a President /)ro tern.; and it shall be the duty 
of the Secretary to record all the proceedings of the Society, and preserve the same ; and it shall 
be the duty of each member to pay to the Treasurer such sums of money from time to time as the 
Society shall dictate. He shall keep a correct book in vs'hich he shall enter the amount received 
and expended, and the purpose for which it was expended. 

Art. i. The Society shall appoint such committees as may be necessary to carry out the 
objects of the Society. 

Art. 5. Each and every member shall sign the constitution and hold themselves subject 
to its provisions, and on revealing its proceedings in any respect, shall be excluded from its 
benefits. 

Art. 6. This Society shall be convened at any time by notice from the President. 

Art. 7. No person shall be entitled to vote unless a member of the Society. 

Art. 8. This constitution may be altered or amended at any regular meeting, by a two-ihirds 
vote of the members present. 

Art. 0. No person shall be admitted a member of this Society who is under suspicion of 
horse stealing or any other theft, or for harboring thieves or robbers. 

Art. 10. The regular meeting of this Society shall be the Saturday before the full of the 
moon, at such place as may be designated 

J. S. i^pperson, W. W. Hopkins, Robt. Osborn, John S. Vanclave, John D. 
Vanclave, Alex. Wood, Joseph Remington, Abel Cox, S. M. Lockhart, Wm. 
Bells, Elijah Evans, Harrison Berry, Jacob Remington, Sanford Moberley, A. 
H. Johnson, Albert Johnson, Jacob Fonts, John McCoy, J. M. Broad, C. M. 
Moberley, Joel W. Miller, Thomas G. Lockhart, Groty Osborn, Elrayrrh Hoav- 
ard, John Osborn, Charles Stewart. John Sauks, Wm. A. Bryson, Hiram Ro- 
selle, Wm. A. Griffin, Wm. Riley, Spencer Johnson, James Downs, Charles 
Epperson, Alex. Johnson, David Jewell, George McCoy, John R. Speak, Lewis 
W. Bryson, Stephen D. Jewell, Davis Fonts, John C. Rouse, Martin Johnson, 
Lanslot Johnson, Edwin C. Hall, James Johnson, Hiram T. Epperson, and 
A. Taylor. The organization was perfected by the election of J. S. Forsythe 
as President, Elijah Evans, Secretary, and George McCoy, Treasurer. 

From the organization of this company, the condition of the county began 
to improve. Many of the gang that had been so prominent, left the county for 
scenes of operation farther West, while those that remained generally abandoned 
their old habits and became respectable citizens. The "Lynchers " too, find- 
ing their occupation gone, quietly subsided and attended to their business. 

RESUMPTION OF .JUDICIAL AUTHORITY. 

There is no record of any attempt to hold court in Benton County from 
September, 1848, until a term was appointed to be held in the Court House at 
Fremont on the second Monday after the fourth Monday in March, which was 
the 7th day of April, 1851, when court was duly opened by the Sherift", Cyrus 
C. Charles ; but the Judge was not present, and he adjourned until the next 



342 , HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

day, when, Judge Carleton still being absent, in obedience to a written order 
from His Honor, the Sheriff adjourned the court until the first Wednesday 
after the first Monday in June (June 4th), 1851. 

RESIGNATION OF BUFFIJM. 

"It was a difficult matter," says Mr. Rice, " to secure a competent person 
for Clerk of the Court in early times. Under the old County Commissioner 
system, then in vogue, it was of the utmost importance that the office of the 
Clerk of the District Court should be filled, as by a permanent vacancy in that 
office the county organization might be lost. Although there had been no 
court held in the county for several years, and it had been distracted by the 
lawless acts of both horse thieves and lynchers, the better class of the citizens 
looked anxiously forward to the time when civil authority should be resumed 
and honest men be called to the front, and they were anxious to maintain the 
county organization." Under these circumstances. Dr. Buffum had been elected 
Clerk of the District Court, in August, 1850, and James Rice, County Com- 
missioner, C. C. Charles, Sheriff, and John Royal had become his sureties. But 
during the following Winter, Buffum became dissipated, and, becoming dissatis- 
fied with his course, his sureties informed him that he must resign, which he 
finally did in March, 1851, only a few days before the time appointed for a 
term of court. But before he left the office, a large number of papers disap- 
peared, among them indictments and other processes against some of the faithless 
Clerk's friends. 

At a special election held April 26th following, Irwin D. Simison was 
elected Clerk of the Courts, and George W. Vandaman Clerk of the Board of 
County Commissioners. 

On Wednesday, June 4, 1851, the District Court was opened in due form 
by Sheriff Charles in the Court House in Fremont, but Judge Carleton was 
absent, and by his written order the court was again adjourned to June 18th. 

When the Clerk of the District Court resigned, in March, 1851, he left the 
county records, bonds and public papers in a house then vacant, from which 
they were afterward stolen, and disappeared a short time before court was to 
meet. Judge Carleton had made several unsuccessful attempts to reach Benton 
County. The citizens had heard of the loss of the county papers, and determined 
to recover them and inflict summary vengeance on the guilty parties if they 
could discover them. Subsequently, the docket Avas found, but minus all the pages 
that had any reference to the recognizance of bonds in any manner in which the 
Clerk was interested ; but the perpetrators of the deed had carefully concealed 
all traces of their guilt, and consequently Avere never apprehended and made to 
answer to the law. The citizens, actuated by one common impulse, assembled 
at a place called " Hoosier Point " (Marysville) and, after several speeches had 
been made, it was unanimouslv voted that a letter should be addressed to Judge 
Carleton. setting forth their grievances and their forbearance, and praying him 
to use his authority and influence in their behalf. The letter is of historical 
value, worthy of preservation as indicating the temper of the people, and is 
herewith produced : 

To the Hon. James Carleton, Judge of the Fourth Judicial District of the State of Iowa: 

We. the undersigned, citizens of Benton County, would beg leave to inform you of our pres- 
ent situation, which is anything but enviable, owing to the management of some of our citizens. 
We have not, as you know, had any court here for nearly three years, and the officers who would 
do their duty cannot. If a judgment is rendered, it is taken to the District Court, there to 
remain for years. And, to cap all, ten days before court was to have been held in Benton County, 
the Clerk resigned without having the cases docketed, and left the docket and papers so that the 



I 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 343 

most important part have been stolen and concealed or destroyed, and when we attempt to 
inquire into the matter, we are answered with taunts. We are completely without law. Honest 
men are kept out of their just rights. Besi<les that, there are acts of the basest character i)erpe- 
trated with impunity, and the guilty parties cannot be brought to justice. We have done all 
that we could do to have a better state of affairs. We have hoped for the better. We have borne it 
with all the patience we were masters of. But there is a point beyond which forbearance ceases 
to be a virtue, and we are conscious that we have reached that point. We are a law-abiding 
people. We love our country and love to sustain the laws ; but we are as a branch cut off froin 
the vine, and must wither without nourishment. We know of none to apply to but yourself. 
We call on you by all that is good, by all that binds man to his fellow-men, to. assist us if it is in 
your power ; if not, to inform us where we can get our grievances redressed If we are left as 
we are, we know not what may be the result. It may lead to mob violence, which we detest. 
Signed by J. S. Forsyth and many others. 

The next mail brought letters from Judge Carleton, in Avhich he assured the 
people that he would be in Benton County on the 18th of June, and requested 
the citizens to meet him at the Court House on that day, to assist in reorganiz- 
ing the county. This time the people were not disappointed. Judge Carleton 
came, although it is said he came near losing his life while crossing Prairie 
Creek. With him came I. M. Preston, of Marion, W. Smith and N. W. 
Isbel, attorneys, and on the day appointed, for the first time in three years, 
there was a 

COURT IN BENTON COUNTY. 

The people had assembled ; Sheriff Charles was present ; but there was no 
Clerk. Simison, who had been elected in April, intimidated, it is said, by 
sundry mysterious threats, had not qualified. He Avas induced to accept the 
office, however, was sworn, and entered at once upon the discharge of his duties. 
The county was destitute of a Prosecuting Attorney, and the Court appointed 
Newman W. Isbell to act for the time. A grand jury was called and sworn, 
consisting of James Rice, foreman, David S. Brubaker, Lyman D. BordAvell, 
Abraham Garrison, Charles Epperson, Albert Johnson, H. Mahan, James F. 
Young, John Royal, James Johnson, Thomas Dudgon, Samuel Osborn, Charles 
N. Moberly, Samuel Alexander, Joseph Remington, James M. Mickle, Elijah 
Evans and Fleming Sanders. 

The organization of this court was the commencement of a new era in Ben- 
ton County. Justice was about resuming sway, and the reign of disorder, law- 
lessness and violence that had rendered Benton County a by-word and a 
reproach, and prevented its settlement and development, was practicallv ended. 
Judge Carleton had been importuned to hold court at Marysville, and had been 
informed that there were no honest men on the west side of the river ; that the 
county officers were in league with outlaws and thieves, and that it was useless 
to attempt to hold court there ; but that at Marysville. the headquarters of the 
Regulators, there could be some hope of obtaining an honest jury. Disregard- 
ing these efforts, Judge Carleton determined to hold court at the county seat, 
and energetically commenced the work of cleansing the Augean stable of 
Benton County. In this he was ably and earnestly seconded by Mr. Rice, 
foreman, and the other members of the grand jury, who found a large number 
of bills, notwithstanding the destruction of papers and mutilation of the docket. 
Among the indictments was one against "Uncle Tom" Way* for selling liquor 

* Way appears to have been a "character" in the early history of Benton County, and feU under the ban of the 

lyncherg, who suspected him of complicity with horse thieves ; but this suspicion appears to have been without founda- 
tion, farther than that one of his sons (Berry; was a horse thief and desperado, ami that in his generous hospitality 
he treated all alike. His table and his jug were free, and he would entertain a Methodist minister or a horse thief 
with the same large-hearted liberality, never asking or caring what the occupation of bis guests might be; and when 
any pioneer came, looking for land, he was always ready and willing to go witli and f^hciw him the liest land in the 
vicinity. He had no connection with the gang of outlaws who infested this region. Like many other early iiicmeers, 
he sold whisky to Indians and whites alike, for both weii; equally fond of the intoxicating tliiid. "But," savs Mr! 
Bice, his old neighbor, "he was one of the most charitable, open-hearted, generous men I ever kDew." 



344 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

to the Indians. This indictment appears to have been the result of an incident 
of the election in 1849. At that time, Berry Way had an old grudge against 
Tom Kendrick, and was only prevented from pounding him by his father. 
When Tom started for home, the vengeful Berry followed, overtook him near 
David Way's cabin, and flogged him severely — might have killed him but for 
Mrs. Way, David's wife, who interfered. For this aggravated assault, the 
pugnacious Berry was arrested, and was to be taken before Justice Forsyth, at 
Marysville ; but Uncle Tom made an arrangement with another Magistrate, 
'Square Cox, by which, if the case could be brought before him, Berry would 
plead guilty and be fined |5.00 and costs. This was accordingly done, and 
when the sentence had been pronounced the prisoner asked the Magistrate if 
he would receive county warrants, at their face, in payment. Fines were paid 
into the school fund at that time, and the accommodating 'Squire, supposing 
that he could turn over the warrants to the Commissioners, readily consented, 
although county warrants were worth only twenty-five or thirty cents on 
the dollar. The warrants were obtained, paid over, and the prisoner dis- 
charged. 

But when 'Squire Cox went to pay the fine to the School Fund Commis- 
sioner, then E. H. Keyes, the worthy Magistrate was very much disgusted 
when the county official refused to take the warrants and demanded payment in 
gold. He paid it, but he was angry, and waited for revenge until this term of 
court, when he procured Thomas Way's indictment as above. Way was 
arrested, of course, and several of his neighbors readily became his bail. 
Before the day fixed for the trial, the next year, Way had decided to go to Cali- 
fornia, and his family had already started. Uncle Tom remained to await the 
trial ; but his friends, feeling satisfied that if he remained he would be con- 
victed, persuaded him to go, assuring him that they would pay the bail if it 
came to that. He started ; but judge the susprise of his friends when, on the 
day fixed for the trial, they saw Uncle Tom ride up and dismount. In answer 
to queries, he said he could not go and leave anybody bound for him ; he had 
come back to be tried, and he should be acquitted. On the trial, the principal 
witness appeared to have lost his memory, and the first jury disagreed. James 
Harlan, who was Prosecuting Attorney, became convinced that there was not 
sufficient evidence to convict, and suggested to Judge Forsyth that it would be 
better to let him go, if he would pay the cost. The proposition was then made 
to Way, that if he would pay the costs, amounting to $25 or $30, he might go 
free, and he finally concluded to do so. As he mounted his horse his old 
friends and neighbors gathered around him, bade him good-by, and he rode 
away, never more to be seen in Benton County. 

The reign of civil law and justice commenced in Benton County with the 
first term of court, in June, 1851, and from that period it rapidly emerged from 
the excitement, confusion and contempt for civil authority that marked the 
"dark ages." Fiom that time those who had been foremost in attempting to 
regulate the affairs of the county by lynch law began to retire to back seats, 
where they have always remained. Upon closing the term, Judge Carleton 
urored upon the assembled citizens the supreme importance of calming the 
intense excitement under which they had been laboring for years; to yield 
cheerful and earnest obedience to the constituted authority of the State, and to 
select men to fill the various county offices who could and would faithfully 
perform the duties devolving upon them, and assuring them that in such 
performance their officers would be sustained and supported by the State 
authorities. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 345 

AN IMPORTANT ELECTION. 

The re-establishraent of the court in June, and the election in August, 
1851, mark the commencement of a new era in Benton County. By Chapter 
15 of the Code of Iowa, approved February 5, 1851, the Board of County Com- 
missioners was abolished, and the office of County Judge created. The County 
Judge was invested with "the usual powers and jurisdiction of County Commis- 
sioner and of Judge of Probate, and to be elected at the first election holden in 
August after the statutes had been in force thirty days." At the August elec- 
tion, the ordinary political issues were ignored. A majority of the people were 
determined that law and order should supplant the reign of terror that had 
prevailed during the "dark ages," and that horse thieves and desperadoes 
should no longer rule, and the anti-horse-thief party triumphed by a handsome 
majority. 

The county had been organized five years, and it will be interesting to com- 
pare the abstract of votes with that of 1846, as follows : 

For County Judge — John S. Forsyth received 75 votes ; D. S. Baker, 46. 

For Treasurer and Recorder — J. P. Cline received 36 votes; James John- 
son, 76; William Cline, 3. 

For Sheriff — William Remington received 39 votes ; C. C. Charles, 76. 

For County Supervisor of Roads — L. F. North received 22 votes ; James 
Rice, 62 ; Samuel Osborn, 28 ; James Downs, 1. 

For Coroner — H. Mahan received 57 votes ; L. D. Bordwell, 22. 

For District Clerk — G. W. Vandaman received 78 votes ; J. F. Beckett, 19. 

For Prosecuting Attorney — William Cline received 3 votes ; John Alex- 
ander, 2 ; J. E. Vandaman, 5 ; J. J. Sanders, 5. 

For County Surveyor — I. D. Simison received 5Q votes ; John Shawver, 36. 

It may be well to give one or two incidents connected with the " dark ages," 
not only to show how horse thieves were treated, but to indicate that the election 
of 1851 was by no means the final end of the trials of the Benton County 
people. These were published in substance in a brief history of Benton County 
in 1868 : 

One Berry AVay and an associate, two reckless desperadoes, took two horses from Mr. Lebo, 
of Linn County, in the early part of May, 1851, and sold one in Iowa, which Mr. Lebo traced 
and recovered. The other was taken to Wisconsin, to which Mr. Lebo traced them and recovered 
possession of the se<;ond horse. 

Way then stole two horses from some peddlers They followed him, and, being overtaken, 
he dismounted and concealed himself in the woods. He was fired upon several times but man- 
aged to escape unharmed, the horses being recovered by their owners. 

He then went to Clayton County, stole a span of horses and " lit out " for Benton County 
with them, and, being detained by high water, with a determination worthy of a better cause, 
swam the streams with both horses. He managed to reach the house of Moses Bates, in Black 
Hawk County, and remained concealed there several days. 

The Sheriff of Clayton County, learning that Way was through that section, naturally suspected 
him, and, with four men, started for Benton County, directing their steps to Hoosier Point (Marys- 
ville), their sudden appearance there creating no little excitement. Upon making his mission 
known, however, he was soon provided with all necessary assistance. A systematic scouring 
of the country was then inaugurated, and a division of the party was made, one starting for Bear 
Creek and the other in anotlicr direction, gathering assistance as they proceeded. The water at 
this time was very high, an<l they were under the necessity of fording the creeks, one party being 
compelled to pass -the whole night in their wet clothes; the other party, however, were more suc- 
cessful, for they found Berry Way at his father's, with one of the stolen horses. Arresting him, 
they proceeded to take him before a Justice of the Peace. On their way, they endeavored to elicit 
from him wliat he had done with the otlier horse, but no satisfaction could be gained. These 
hardy frontiersmen, however, were not to be trifled with, and they at once proceeded without 
ceremony to strip him and try the virtue of "hickory oil," as an " inducer." The effect wag 
magical. The defiant and non-communicative horse purloiner of the moment before was changed 
"in the twinkling of an eye" to the supplicating confessor, and gave the desired information 



346 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

with alacrity, stating that he had left the other horse at the house of Moses Bates, in Black Hawk 
County; whereupon, the Sheriff, with liis posse, went on to Bates' house, the remainder of the 
party remaining to escort the prisoner back. Upon arriving at the house of Bates, the SheriflF 
■demanded of him the horse, but lie (Bates) denied all knowledge of the s:»me, and tried to in- 
duce them to return, by saying that if any such horses liad been that way he would have seen 
them. His wife, who was standing behind the door, here made signs to the party to go on, and 
upon their starting Bates told them that it was useless, they could not cross the stream north of 
his place. The woman, however, as soon as an opportunity presented itself, told one of the party 
that if they would not tell anyone where they got their information, she would direct them to the 
horse. This they readily promised, whereupon she informed them where the horse could be 
found, and that Way had been there and remained several days. The party at once proceeded 
to the thicket, as directed, and there found the horse as Way had informed them. After secur- 
ing the horse, they returned to the house, but Mr. Bates was not there. The party waited and 
soon had the pleasure of seeing Bates and his son approacli, but this time armed with guns. 
With this, the Sherift" produced his revolver and leveled it at father and son, which caused their 
courage to drop, and with it their guns. The officer then demanded the return of the saddle 
taken from the horse. Ba'es offered to lead them to the place of its concealment, and the crowd 
followed him, but no saddle was there. This so exasperated a Dutchman, who was with the 
party, that he suddenly tlirew a rope around Bates and bound him to a tree, and proceeded to 
apply the " hickory " with a vigor that was only equaled Ijy the vehemence of the words, " Tarn 
tief ! Tam tief I " which were jerkingly ejaculated by the Dutchman, between the blows. Bates' 
body was black and blue for weeks after this event. 

The party then returned, overtaking the others. Way was then transferred to the Sheriff, 
who took him to Elkader, where he was tried, convicted and sentenced, by Hon, T. S. Wilson, to 
one year's confinement in the penitentiary. After having been there for some time, he attempted 
to get into the confidence of one of the keepers, who allowed him to believe he was his friend. 
Way then wrote home and told his people that if they could raise him $100, he could get out. 
His mother raised the money and took it to him. Way then told the jailer .that if he would 
let him escape, he would give him the §100. The jailer took the money, and as soon as court 
met took his prisoner into court and laid the matter before his Honor. T. S. Wilson, telling him 
of the bribe mi.ney, and asking what to do with it. The Judge ordered that the money be ex- 
pended in defraying the expenses of Way's trial. Way was taken back to prison, but grew 
morose and desperate, and finally broke jail, having never been heard of since. 

Connected with the history of this "dark age " was an event which occurred 
on the 6th of February, 1852, at Fremont — now called Vinton — it being the 
trial of four of its citizens who had assisted some time before in the arresting 
of a thief: 

A man of the name of John Adams, from Illinois, came to Benton County, 
having stolen two horses there. He Avas followed by the owner, S. Raber, with 
four other men, who, upon arriving at Hoosier Point, called for assistance, Avhich 
was readily granted by three young men volunteering from that place. They 
proceeded to Fremont, and arriving there about night and learning that Adams 
had been there, but had just left, and fearing their "bird" would escape, at 
once renewed the search, assisted by another young man from Fremont. They 
soon succeeded in finding his tracks in the new-fallen snow, and, upon exami- 
nation, found he was occasionally turning, turning round to look back. The 
company then divided into small parties, and when about seven miles from town 
succeeded in capturing the thief. The next day, he was taken by Mr. Raber 
and his party to Illinois, where he was examined and tried and eventually in- 
dicted and tried, but got clear. He then returned to Benton County, ?nd pro- 
curing the assistance of John Alexander, swearing out warrants for the whole 
nine men who had captured him, charging them with " kidnapping and lynch- 
ing him." The four living in Benton County gave bonds for their appearance 
on the 6th day of February, 1852. The day having arrived, the parties 
appeared : John Alexander, for the prosecution ; Messrs. Smyth & Preston, of 
Marion, for the defense. The case caused considerable excitement, and people 
from all parts of the county assembled around 'Squire Mahan's house long be- 
fore the hour of trial — many of them strangers. It is asserted by some that 
as many as 200 people were present. Court was at last called and the prison- 



I 



I 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 347 

ers arraigned, entering their plea of " not guilty." The attorneys for the de- 
fense then moved to quash the indictment, on the ground that it contained too 
many counts, which motion, after being argued at great length, was finally sus- 
tained by the Count and the young men discharged, much to the satisfaction of 
the crowd, as was evinced by the hearty cheering which immediately followed 
the decision. 

But, if the reforms desired did not come all at once, they came, nevertheless. 
When it became unsafe to steal their neighbors' horses, the gang adopted a new 
dodge that worked for a time. They stole from each other. One would take a 
horse, run it off and sell it, informing the owner of course, to whom he sold it, 
and dividing the proceeds with him. With a great show of search for the stolen 
animal and the thief, in due time the owner would find his horse and claim him. 
This, however, became so unsafe for the operator that it was finally abandoned 
about 1854. 

At the commencement of a new era in the history of the county, before 
proceeding farther, it may be interesting to note some incidents not hitherto 
mentioned, which are without date. 

There is one peculiarity to be noticed : that many of the early settlers, as is 
usually the case in a new country, were addicted to the use of intoxicating 
liquors, and when two or three were gathered together the "jug " was forth- 
coming, and they were bound to have a good time. 

Among those who held commissions of Justices of the Peace, in early times, 
were L. D. Bordwell, L. W. Hayes, Charles Cantonwine, Thomas Mahan, David 
S. Brubaker, W. C. Smith, John Royal, Elijah Evans, James Rice, Samuel Os- 
born and others ; and Justices' Courts were peculiar institutions, and some of 
their proceedings were amusing. The following, for instance, has the merit of 
being literally true as well as amusing, and occurred as late as 1853 : 

AN EARLY JUSTICE COURT. 

One Mr. B having run away with another man's wife, the parties were 

pursued. B. was captured and brought before 'Squire Brubaker, who, after 
due preliminaries, proceeded to try the cause of " The People vs. B." The wit- 
nesses and attorneys, however, not being on hand, the 'Squire, prisoner and 
Sheriff played cards and drank whisky. 

After some delay, the parties appeared — John Alexander for the State, and 
Dr. C. W. Buffum and James Wood, Esq., for the defense. The case was 
called ; and upon the appearance of each witness upon the stand, the counsel 
for the defense would object to them on the ground that they Avere incompetent, 
being two-thirds drunk, and the Justice would exclaim, " Sit doAvn, G — d 
d — n you I" 

The case had proceeded about half-way through, when the worthy 'Squire, 
thinking it somewhat dry, called for liquor; but the jar was empty. He arose, 
staggering, to his feet, and delving his hands doAvn into his capacious breeches- 
pocket, produced a quarter, with the exclamation, " I (hie) go-goes a quar-(hic)- 
quarter ; who else (hie) goes a quar-quarter ? " Upon being remonstrated with, 
he rose, and in all his dignity exclaimed, " Gentlemen, this case has proceeded 
far enough without liquor, and by G — d I adjourn this court until we have had 
some whisky." 

After indulging again from the noted jar, which was replenished by the 
defendant, the case proceeded. The attorneys for the defense had been having 
their own way, when a witness was produced on the stand whose evidence would 
have proved fatal to their client, and one who had not indulged in the flowing 



348 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

bowl. They then used a stratagem worthy of a better cause. Taking the 
prisoner into an adjoining room, his counsel told him to come out and confront 
the 'Squire, shake his fist at him and tell him as follows: " 'Squire, I have 
heard you have said you would send me to jail anyhoiv ; tvow, by G — d, you 
do it ! " 

The worthy magistrate was amazed. This was too much for his royal dig- 
nity. Slowly rising, he turned to the prisoner, with the exclamation: "You 
go to h — 1 ! " At this, the prisoner started for the door, when the Sheriff inter- 
cepted his farther progress, and demanded of the Judge what he should do with 
the prisoner, when the still excited magistrate belched forth, " G — d d — n him ! 
take him to h — 1 for all I care." 

The Sheriff took his prisoner a short distance, and then returned to the 
court, saying, "'Squire, you told me to take the prisoner to h — 1; we are as 
near that place as I want to get. Prisoner, you are discharged." 

It is to be added that Mr, Wood, who appeared as counsel for defense in 
this case, was then working at his trade — blacksmith — in a shop on the bank of 
the river, the site of which is now a part of the river bed. Mr. Wood, who 
still resides in Vinton, says that the above statement is substantially true ; and 
adds that it was by his advice that the witnesses and Justice were fully plied 
with liquor, as he saw that was the only chance for escape his client had. 

It is not to be inferred from the above that all the magistrates in the county 
held similar courts, or indulged in driking to that extent while " on the bench." 

he's a decent man. 

It is related that at one time, John Kelsey, Esq., then a resident of Cedar 
Rapids, while on his way through the sparsely settled country, to Fremont, 
passed the house of Joseph Sanders. He saw a lad in the yard and reined up, 
when the following dialogue took place : 

Stranger. — " Well, my good lad, who lives here ? " 

Boy. — " Dad and marm." 

Stranger. — " Oh ! Um ! Yes, my little man, but what are their names? " 

Boy. — " Joe and Nance, sir." 

Stranger. — "Y^es, yes, I know; but what are their surnames? " 

Boy. — " Marm haint got no surname." 

Stranger. — " Pretty good, my little fellow. But where is your father? Is he 
at home? " 

Boy. — "No sir; he's gone up to ther county seat, ter th' election." 

Stranger. — " To the election? Oh yes. Well, my little man, is your father 
a Whig?" V 

Boy. — " No sir ! Dad's a decent man ! " 

Kelsey went on his way. 

THE NEW REGIME. 

With the election of August, 1851, the system of County Commissioners 
terminated. Upon assuming the duties of County Judge, Mr. Forsyth discov- 
ered that the finances of the county were in a deplorable condition. The 
county was flooded with warrants, which had been issued without much "regard 
to expense," since Way and his associates had "turned over a new leaf," and 
commenced anew ; nor was there any record of them. Nobody knew the extent 
of the county's indebtedness. 

But no sooner had the affairs of the county begun to assume definite shape, 
under the skillful and energetic management of Judge Forsyth, than the officers 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. • 349 

were startled by the large number of warrants that were presented for pay- 
ment. They Avere presumed to have been legally issued ; and if so, they must 
be paid. There was no escape, as there was no proof tliat a single warrant had 
been illegally issued. They were therefore paid and canceled as rapidly as 
the resources of the county would permit. The revenue, however, was very 
small, and the constant drain kept the county, as such, in very straitened cir- 
cumstances for several years ; and it was not until about 1854 that the affairs 
of the county had assumed any very tangible shape, and commenced to im 
prove. 

It is to be remarked, to the credit of Judge Forsyth and his successor, 
Judge Douglas, that Benton County owes much of its subsecjuent prosperity to 
their indefatigable and energetic efforts to bring order out of chaos, and to estab- 
lish firmly and permanently the reign of law and order, without which no com- 
munity can be prosperous and happy. 

GROWTH OF THE COUNTY. 

From 1851, after the inauguration of the new system and the energetic 
efforts to put a stop to the outlawry and horse thieving, the county began to 
increase I'apidly in wealth and population, which is clearly seen from the follow- 
ing table, showing the population from 1846 to 1870 : 



Year. Popula'n. 

1846 295 

1847 312 



Tear. Popula'n, 

1859 8,063 

1860 8,496 



1850 637 1863 9,561 

1851 753 1865 11 245 

1852 1,237 1867 14,772 

1854 2,623 1869 19,440 

1856 6,217 1870 22,213 

TOWNSHIPS AND ELECTIONS. 

From 1851 to 1863, there are no records accessible to show how or when 
the several civil townships, as they now exist, were created ; nor are there any 
election records during that time within the knowledge of the present county 
officials, or accessible to the historian. There were at least four civil town- 
ships created by the County Commissioners, viz.: Canton, Polk, Taylor and 
Harrison. 

In 1855, there were ten, and in 1860, twenty civil townships. All except 
those above mentioned were undoubtedly created by order of the County Court ; 
but the Judge's "minute books" contain no record of such action, and letters 
addressed to the several Township Clerks, requesting information from their 
early records, relating to the formation and organization of their respective 
townships, fiiiled to elicit replies, with one exception, that of Wm. H. Ehred, 
of Le Roy. 

The lack of election records is partially made up from other sources, so far 
as relates to the succession of county officers. 

A CLAIM "jumper" DISCIPLINED. 

It was neither a safe, profitable nor honorable business to enter land on 
which another had a claim, in Benton County, in early times. In 1851, one 
Alfred Moore had settled near Fremont. He was anxious to obtain all the 
land he could, and entered it without regard to claims. He had thus "jumped ' 
claims belonging to S. K. Parker, L. D. Bordwell and Joseph Strawn. This 
was more than the pioneer sense of honor could endure, and it was determined 



350 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

that the erring member of the body politic should be " disciplined." Accord- 
ingly, on the night of August 8, 1851, a bright moonlight night, two men 
called at Mr. Moore's house, representing that they had lost their way and 
wished him to show them the right road. Unsuspicious of danger, Mr. Moore 
fell into the trap and started to show the strangers the way. While passing 
through a corn field, he was suddenly seized and taken to a neighboring tree 
to which he was securely tied, after being stripped. The leader, Capt. Hollen- 
beck, asked him some questions, but he was not disposed to comply readily, 
when Dan. Richie and Ed. Johnson endeavored to induce him to answer by the 
vigorous application of hickory to his bare back. After he had been punished 
sufficiently, his wounds were dressed with tar, over which a quantity of feathers 
were shaken to hasten the healing process. Mr. Bordwell, who was a witness 
on the occasion, says, " when they got through with him he was as pretty a 
looking bird as you ever see." Doubtless he was, although not quite so joyous 
as some. After this surgical operation was completed, he was untied, the pan 
which contained the tar was put on his head and he was given three days in 
which to produce the entry papers and assign them to their proper owners. 
Moore very wisely complied within the time specified, but entered complaint 
against his persecutors ; a warrant was issued, and John Hollenbeck, Daniel 
Richie and Orson Bogle were arrested on a charge of assault and battery, and 
brought to Fremont for trial. Bogle, who was not present at the whipping, 
was put on trial first, and was acquitted. This discouraged the prosecutor, who 
abandoned his charges against the others who were there, and made the best 
time he could out of town, doubtless fearing if he remained too long that he 
might be compelled to "hug another tree." 

THE FIRST COUNTY COURT. 

The first entry made in the County Judge's "minute book," which is all 
the record of County Court proceedings to be found, is the following : 

Be it remembered that on the — day of August, A. D. 1851, John S. Forsyth produced the 
Clerk's certificate of election to the office of County .Judge, and took an oath to discharge the 
duties of said office according to law. 

The first recorded act of Judge Forsyth was the issuance of a marriage 
license, as folloAvs : 

Now, on the 19th day of August, A. D. 1851, the Treasurer's receipt was presented, for 
one dollar, for a licence to authorize Lewis Furgeson and Rachael Phidela .Jewel to be joined in 
marriage, and Thomas L. Furgeson, the Father of said Lewis, being present, gave his free con- 
cent for the licence to issue. A certificate was produced from David Juel, the father of said 
Kachael Phidela, giving free concent that the licence should issue ; witnessed by Edward and 
Henry Juel, and sworn to by Henry Juel, and said licence was issued. 

John S. Forsyth, County Judge. 

The next entry is the marriage certificate of the parties above named, as 
follows : 

And now, on the 8th day of Sept., 1851, Samuel Osborn, A Justice of the Peace, made the 
following: Benton County, State of Iowa, I, Samuel Osborn, an acting Justice of the Peace in 
said county and State of Iowa aforesaid, I do hereby certify that I did join in marriage Lewis 
Furgeson, aged nineteen years, and Rachael Phidela Juel, aged seventeen years, both of the 
county aforesaid. Tlie above marriage was solemnised Aug. 24, 1851, at the house of David 
Juel, in said county, Marysville. 

Benton Co., lo. Signed S.\jiuel Osborn, J. P. 

The above was filed September 10, 1851. John S. Forsyth, County Judge. 

This is the first marriage recorded in existing county records. The records 
of previous marriages, if any were made, are not to be found. The second 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 351 

marriage license was issued by the County Court, January 16, 1852, author- 
izing the marriage of Duff C. Barres, known to the Judge to be over the age of 
21 years, and Lorena Denison ; Jacob Denison, tlie father of Lorena, giv- 
ing his free consent. January 29, 1852, filed the following certificate for 
record, viz.: 

State of Iowa. Benton County, ss : I hereby certify that Mr. DuflF. C. Barrows, aged 35 
years, and Lucinda J. Denison, aged 1;') years, were duly joined in marriage at the house of Mr. 
Jabob Denison in Benton County, Iowa, on the 18th day of January, A. D. 18-31, by me, 

Charles D. Gray, legally authorized minister of the Methodist Protestant Church. 

Marriage license was issued to Bernard G. Speak and Mary A. Rouse, Feb- 
ruary 6, 1852 — married February 8, by Elijah Evans, Justice of the Peace; 
and to William Helms and Lucinda Wayman, February 10, 1852 — married 
by Samuel Osborn, Justice of the Peace, February 11, 1852 ; Westley Denison 
and Nancy Ferguson, January 5, 1852 — married by Samuel Osborn, January 
18, 1852; Isaiah Cue and Mary Hannah Davis, February 19, 1852 ; Hiram 
T. Epperson and Harriet Roswell, February 28, 1852 — married March 3, 
1852, by Rev. Charles N. Moberley ; Franklin F. Bryson and Sarah Elizabeth 
Cox, March 22, 1852 ; Henry F. Brysen and Sarah E. Cox, married March 23, 
1852, by James Rice, Justice of the Peace ; Eli Cue and Margaret Malinda 
Spurgin, April 1, 1752 — married by W. R. Johnson, same day. 

Judging from these entries, it would appear that the young people of Benton 
were following the customs of their fathers diligently as soon as the county 
Court was organized and it is to be inferred that there were numerous marriages 
prior to 185] . 

THE FIRST TERM 

of the Countv Court was commenced at the Court House November 3, 1851. 
Present, John S. Forsyth, County Judge ; Gr. W. Vardaman, Clerk ; C. C. 
Charles, Sheriff. Adjourned by proclamation of Sheriff to the house of C. C. 
Charles and '" proceeded to business." 
The first entries were as follows : 

W. C. Stanbury for W. W. Hamilton presented claim for balance as services for field notes of 
the county. Application was made for the appointment of a surveyor for said county, and W. 
C. Stanbury produced a bond to till the appointment, which was not approved by the court. 
James Rice produced a claim as follows : State of Iowa vs. James Chambers and others in Justice 
Court charged with killing a hog that did not belong to them. The case was tried October 1(3, 
1851, and failed for want of sufficient proof; and the court being satisfied that there was .suffi- 
cient grounds for a process to issue in said case, it is therefore ordered by the court that James 
Rice be allowed $2 for services as Justice of the Peace in the above case, as per bill filed, to be 
known as Warrant No. 22, and further, that William Remington, the Constalile in the above case 
benllowed S>2.25, as per bill filed to be known as Warrant No. 2o. Be it remembered that it is 
ordered by the Court, that until otherwise ordered, the court will be held at the house of M. D. 
L. Webb. 

John S. Forsyth, County Judge, 

THE LAWYERS WANT THEIR PAY. 

It is a little difficult at this distance to clearly understand the following 
order. Why Mr. Preston was not paid by the County Commissioners who had 
charge of the county affairs for five years and more, and why he should be paid 
for services as Prosecuting Attorney before the county was organized, and for a 
term of nearly eighteen months before he was appointed Pro.'secuting Attorney 
by Judge Carleton at the first term of the District Court, are among the many 
mysteries of the early history of the county that must probably remain unsolved. 
It may be probable, however, that Mr. Preston may have been employed by the 
people of the county to procure the passage of the bill organizing the county. 



352 HliSTORY OK BENTON COUNTY. 

The order of Judge Forsyth is sufficient evidence that he understood it and that 
it was legitimate. The order is as follows : 

Ordered, That I. M. Preston be allowed $100 for services rendered said county (Benton) as 
Prosecuting Attorney for said county from the 19th day of December A. D. 1845, to the 10th day 
of April A. D. 1848, as bill tiled Nov. 28, 1851. 

On the same day the following order was made by the County Court : 

Ordered, That Norman Isbell be allowed $30 for services rendered said county as Prosecut- 
ing Attorney at special term of District Court, A. D. 1851, as per bill filed. 

Henry O'Connor was alloAved |25 for similar services at the September 
term, September 15, 1851. 

Order No. 5 November 29, 1851 

Ordered, That John Alexander be allowed $77.50, the amount allowed him by the Board of 
County Commissioners for services rendered as Prosecuting Attorney. 

In December, 1861, orders were drawn for the payment of Judges and 
Clerks of Election in the several townships at $1 per day, as follows : 

Polk. Three elections in 1851, viz. : April 7, April 26 and August 4. 

Polk Township. William J. White, John S. Forsyth, Charles N. Moberley, 
James Downs, Alexander Johnson, Thomas J. Fergesen, William S. Griffin, 
Judges ; John Parker, Clerk. 

Harrison. Albert Johnson, Hiram Roswell, Abel Cox, William A. Bryson, 
Martin Johnson, John S. Vancleave, Judges ; James Johnson, Elijah Evans, 
Jacob Remington, Clerks. 

Canton Township. Judges, Loyal F. North, John "Shawver," Edward D. 
Johnson and David M. Stearn ; Clerks, William R. Johnson and John Renfew. 

Taylor Township. Judges, John Royal, William J. Sanders, George W. 
Vandaman, L. D. Bordwell and James F. Beckett ; Clerks, George W. Vanda- 
man, John E. Vardaman, David S. Brubaker and John I. Sanders. 

THE FIRST COURT HOUSE. 

January 7, 1852, Mr. D. L. Webb was allowed $1.50 for hauling lime for 
the Court House. 

January 1, 1852 : 

Ordered, That C. C. Charles be allowed $10 for laying two floors in Court House, and fur- 
nishing nails. 

January 28, 1852 : 

It is hereby Ordered by the Court, that the oSice of County Judge and the County Court be 
held in the house of W. C. Stanbury, until otherwise directed. 

April 1, 1852 : 

Now it is Ordered by the Court, that the county ofiBces be held in the Court HousBin Fremont, 
until otherwise ordered. 

From the above orders, it is evident that the Court House was not finished 
for occupation until about April, 1852. Indeed, Mr. Wood states it as his im- 
pression, that although the records indicate the terms of Court, in 1851, to be 
held in the Court House at Fremont, they were really held elsewhere, as tho 
house was not finished and could not be occupied. 

FIRST QUARTERLY SETTLEMENT. 

On settlement Avith the Clerk, Treasurer and Judge, up to January 1, 1852, 
the fees received by the Judge were $3.80 ; by the Clerk, |13.50 ; by the Treas- 
urer, $35.20; making in all, $52.55— equal to $17.51 each. The salary of 



I 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 353 

each was $75.00, and after deducting the last mentioned amount, orders were 
drawn on the treasury for the balance, $57.49 each. 

At the next quarterly settlement, April 5, 1852, the Judge had received in 
fees 13.50 ; the Clerk, $4.50 ; and the Treasurer, |27.81 ; total, $35.81. 

TOWNSHIPS IN TAMA COUNTY. 

In 1852, Tama County was attached to Benton, for election, judicial and 
revenue purposes. The following orders show the formation of two townships 
in that territory ; but, singularly enough, no similar record was made when 
townships in Benton County were created : 

Office of the Coukty .Judge, Fremont, 
June 4, A. D. 1852. 

It is hereby Ordered by the County Court in and for said county, that all tJiat pari of Tama 
County lying east of Range 16, be and the same is hereby created a civil township for election 
and the other purposes of law, and is known by the name of Howard Township, Tauia County, 
Iowa : and the Court further appoints Regin A. Redman, .John C. Vermelgea, Eli Chase, Trustees 
of said township, and that the first election in said township, to be holden by this order, shall 
be held at the house of Regin A. Redman, on the first Monday in August, A. D. 1852 ; and that 
the same be governed agreeable to the provisions of the law of the State of Iowa. 

June 4, 1852. John S. Forsyth, Cuunly Judge. 

It is hereby Ordered by the Court that Townships 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 north, in Range 16, in 
County of Tama County, which is now attached to Benton for election, judicial and revenue pur- 
poses, be, and the same is hereby, created into a civil township, to be known as Indian Village 
Township, Tama County, Iowa: and that William Taylor, Eli W. Daley and Sim. Applegate be, 
and the same persons are hereby, appointed Trustees of said township; and that the first election 
held under this order shall beholden at the house of Eli W. Daley, on the first Monday in August, 
A. D. 1852. John S. Forsyth, County Judge. 

FERRY LICENSE. 

June 8, 1852, license was granted to Wm. H. Bristol to run a ferry across 
the Cedar River at Fremont for the term of ten years. The rates of toll were 
established by Judge Forsyth, as follows ; Foot passenger, 5 cents ; man and 
horse, 10 cents ; one-horse vehicle and horse, 15 cents ; wagon and two horses, 
20 cents each ; each additional horse, 5 cents ; droves of horses, 5 cents each ; 
cattle, 4 cents each ; sheep, 3 cents ; and hogs, 3 cents each. Teams of oxen 
or cattle to be rated as horses. The license was transferred by Bristol to Henry 
R. Sanders March 27, 1854. Sanders assigned to Elijah Ervin Nov. 10, 1854, 
and Ervin to James L. Pauley August 11, 1855. 

ANOTHER CURIOSITY. 

Among other old matters presented to the County Judge for settlement in 
1852, was a bill from one of the County Seat Commissioners for services in 
locating the county seat in May, 1846. Probably Mr. Secrest prudently 
waited until he thought his bill would be paid before presenting it, October 12, 
1852, when the following order was passed : 

Ordered, by the Court, that J. A. Secrest be allowed $22 for services as Locating Tommis- 
sioner to locate the town of Vinton, in said county, in May, 1846, said warrant to be known as 
No. 212. John S. Forsyth, County Judge. 

THE COURT HOUSE FINISHED. 

December 23, 1852, the court ordered the payment of $3.78 to James 
Johnson for cash paid for plastering the Court House. On the same day, the 
court ordered the payment of $20.81 for a stove for the Court House. Decem- 
ber 30, J. S. Hunt and S. Alexander were paid $0.62 for a load of wood for 
Teuton County. February 7, 1853, Elijah Evans was paid $0.61 for stove 
rent. 



354 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 



COURT HOUSE BURNED. 



During the Summer of 1852, it is said that the first story was occupied for 
a while as a store, the goods being put in by Mr. Greene, of Cedar Rapids, 
Russell Jones being salesman. In the Fall and Winter following, however, the 
room was used as a school room, in which Gleorge Parish taught school, prob- 
ably the first in Fremont. Before the term closed, however, the building was 
burned under the following circumstances, as narrated by Dr. J. C. Traer, Avho 
was then District Clerk. When the house was finished, the workmen left a 
quantity of shavings under the building. One afternoon in January, after 
school, some one took up the ashes and coals in the stove, and then threw them 
out in the yard. That night the Treasurer, James Johnson, and Dr. Traer 
slept in the office in the second story. During the night, a strong wind arose, 
and, it is supposed, blew some of the coals under the house among the shavings, 
where a brisk fire was soon kindled. Dr. Traer awoke, and finding the room 
full of dense, suffocating smoke, clothed himself as quickly as possible, and ran 
down the outside stairway and discovered that it was impossible to save the 
building. He immediately returned, and with Johnson and one or two of the 
neighboring settlers "TVhom they aroused, succeeded in saving all the county 
records and papers by throwing them out of the windows. Nothing was 
burned Avith the building except a gun that belonged to Simison, and Dr. Traer's 
watch, which he forgot in the excitement of the hour, and some of the scholars' 
books in the lower story. 

Fremont was changed to Vinton by act of the General Assembly, approved 
January — , 1853. 

PROPOSITION TO BUILD A NEW COURT HOUSE. 

Very soon after the destruction of the Court House, Judge Forsyth made 
preparations for the erection of a new one on the Court House Square, and 
ordered the following : 

NOTICE 

Is hereby given to the qualified voters of Benton County, Iowa, that there will be a propo- 
sition submitted to the people at the April election for A. D. 1853, for to decide whether the 
County .Judge shall issue the bonds of the county, to the amount of §7,000, for the purpose of 
borrowing money to construct a Court House, and levying a tax at tlie rate of two mills upon the 
dollar of valuation of property for the first five years, and three mills upon the county valuation 
for five years thereafter, or a sufficient length of time to pay the whole amount. Said proposi- 
tion to take effect from and after the 1st of June, A. D. 1853. 

Vinton, Benton Co., Mai-ch 4, 1853. 

J. C. Traer, Counly Clerk, 

By order of the County Judge. 

Absti-act of votes given in Benton County, Iowa, at an election held in Benton County on 
the 4th day of April, A. D..1853, to decide for or against issuing bonds to borrow money to 
build a I ourt House, which vote resulted as follows : 

For bonds, 144 ; against bonds, 73. Carried in favor of bonds. 

We, the undersigned, canvassers of the election held in Benton County on the 4th day of 
April, A. D. 1853, do certify the vote in favor of county bonds. 144; against county bonds, 73. 
Carried in favor of bonds. 

John S. Forsyth, Co. Judge, 

James Rice, J. P., 

D. S. Bribaker, J. p., 

Canvassers. 

Aug. 7, 1853, the following additional order was made : 

Be it remembered. That on this 1st day of August, A. D. 1853, the County Judge, in accord- 
ance with the decision of the people of said county, by a vote taken on the first Monday of 
April in said year, the result of which said vote is now on record in said court aforesaid, issue 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 355 

or cause to be issued the bonds of Benton County, in said State, to the amount of $7,000, to wit ; 
fifteen several bonds of the denominations of (400) four hundred and (rjOK) five hundred dol- 
lars respectively, and made payable as follows, to wit: Nos. 1, 2 and 3 payable on the 1st day 
of August, A. D. 1858; and Nos. 4, 5 and 6 made payable on the 1st day of August, A. D. 1859 ; 
and Nos. 7, 8 and 9 payable on the 1st day of August, A. D. 1860; and Nos. 10, 11 and 12 on 
the 1st day of August, A. D. 1861 ; and Nos. 13, 14 and 15 payable on the 1st day of August, A. 
D. 1862; which said bonds are executed to draw interest at the rate of ten per cent., payable 
semi-annually on the 1st day of February and August. 

Wm. R. Johnson was elected Treasurer and Recorder in 1853. 

The bonds were negotiated by Dr. Traer, and sohl at par to Green & 
Brother, of Cedar Rapids, August 1, 1853, Avho, on the same day, executed a 
bond with Weare, Finch & Co., of Cedar Rapids, and Russell Jones, of Vinton, 
in th3 sum of $14,000, conditioned as follows: 

Whekeas, The said Green & Brother have this day purchased and received of the County 
Judge of Benton County aforesaid, tlie bonds of said county for the sum of $7,000, with inter- 
est at 10 per cent, per annum, said bonds being issued in accordance with a vote in favor of said 
issue by the legal voters of said county to defray the expense of erecting a Court House for the 
use and benefit of said county, in consideration of which the said Green & Brother obligate 
themselves to pay to the order of the County Judge of Beuton County aforesaid the sum of seven 
thousand dollars (87,000), payable at the business house of Green & Jones, Vinton, Benton 
County, Iowa, and in such sums and as fast as may be required to defray the expense of erecting 
the Court House aforesaid; it being expressly understood and agreed that the County Judge 
shall not draw on the said Green & Brother for any part of said §7,000 faster than it may be 
required for the active construction of said Court House, and that he shall draw for no other 
purpose than to pay for said Court House until said building is completed, when he will be at 
liberty to draw for any balance that may be in the hands of said Green & Brother, and place in 
the hands of the County Treasurer. It being agreed that said Green & Brother are to have the 
use of the funds, as above stipulated, in consideration of their taking the bonds at par. 

This bond was canceled February 3, 1857, by Judge Douglass, "it appear- 
ing that the conditions have been complied with."' 

The bonds issued were all copied in the Judge's Minute Book. 

November 7, 1853, E. E. Downing entered into a contract with the County 
Judge to build the Court House for $7,000, and to have the same completed by 
the 1st day of July, 1855. Downing gave bonds in the sum of $14,000, with 
D. S. Brubacker, M. D. L. AVebb, W. C. Stanberry and E. E. Evans as sure- 
ties for the faithful performance of his contract. 

December 8, 1853, Judge Forsyth drew an order for $300, to pay E. E. 
Downing for the purpose of procuring materials for the erection of a Court 
House in Vinton. 

January 25, 1854, Judge Forsyth paid Green & Brother $350, for interest 
in the county bonds. 

July 27, 1854, warrant issued to E. E. DoAvning on Green & Brother for 
$300, to procure materials for Court House. August 12th, another for $8.06, 
for labor performed for the erection of Court House ; and also another for 
$1.75. August 17th, $25.90; 21st, $40, for labor; same day, $6.92, for 
labor; same day, $4.15, $9.00, $4.62, $39, $6.16 and $10, for work on Court 
House. 

Downing dug the trenches for the foundation, hauled some stone to the 
spot, and possibly commenced laying the foundation ; but it was found that his 
calls for money were disproportionate to the amount of work performed, and 
the County Judge very properly refused to advance any more money until more 
work should be accomplished. The result was that the contractor quit work 
when he found that he couldn't draw money faster than he earned it ; and thus 
the matter rested until the election of Judge Douglass, tlie next year, the 
county authorities waiting for work to be done before it was paid for, and the 
contractor waiting for money to be paid before he performed the work. 



356 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

SWAMP LAND AGENT. 

March 9, 1853, it was deemed advisable to appoint a special agent to select 
swamp and overflowed lands in the county, under authority of the State law, 
Judge Forsyth appointed James Crow, Esq., as the Agent of the county for 
that purpose. 

ANOTHER TAMA TOWNSHIP. 

March 7, 1853 : 

Be it remembered. That on the 7th day of March. A. D. 1853, it was ordered by the County 
Court in and for said county, that all that part of Tama County lying and being in the following 
regularly-surveyed Congressional township be and the same is hereby organized into a township 
for judicial purposes, by the name of Buckingham, to wit : Townships 85 and 86, Range 14, 
and Townships 85 and 86, Range 15. And the Court further appoints N. L. Osborne, John 
Connell and David Drew, Esqs., as Trustees for said township ; and that the first election to be 
holden under this order shall be held on the first Monday in April. A. D. 185o, at the April 
election for said year, at the house of I. P. Wood, Esq.. and that the same shall be governed 
by the provisions of the statute of the State of Iowa. 

At the quarterly settlement of the Judge, Clerk and^ Treasurer, for the 
quarter ending December 31, 1853, the receipts for the quarter were : Clerk, 
$2.80; Treasurer, 170.60 ; Judge, |8.65 ; total, $82.05. 

At the September term of the District Court, September 13, 1853, James 
Wood, a subject of Queen Victoria, made application for naturalization — the 
first in the county. Mr. Wood came here in 1850, and established himself as 
a blacksmith — the first in Fremont. Soon after his naturalization, he was 
appointed Deputy Clerk of the Court, and relates the following incident to 

illustrate, he says, how much county officers knew at that time : "Mr. , 

over the river," says Mr. Wood, "owed me thirty-five cents for blacksmithing. 
He was elected Justice of the Peace, and came into court to be sworn. The 
Judge ordered the Clerk to administer the oath, whereupon I administered it 

as follows : ' You, , do solemnly swear that you will perform the duties of 

Justice of the Peace to the best of your ability, you owe me thirty-five cents, 
so help you God?' " Mr. Wood says he was not aware that he had done any- 
thing out of the regular course until the court, attorneys, jury and by-standers 
burst into a roar of laughter ; and " I didn't hear the last of that thirty-five 
cents for a long time." Mr. Wood was the first Mayor of Vinton, in 1869, 
and still resides here, highly esteemed and respected. He is well known 
throuo;hout the State as the author of " Wood's Manual for Justices of the 
Peace." 

THE FIRST NEWSPAPER. 

January 10, 1855, the first number of the Vinton Eagle, the first newspaper 
in Benton County, was issued, by Frederick Lyman & Co., Stanley C. Foster 
being the " Co." It was edited by Mr. Lyman, and was Democratic in 
politics. 

CUE TOAVNSHIP. 

The order for the organization of Cue Township is dated January 1, 1855, 
and directs the election to be held at the house of Benjamin Darnell, to whom 
the writ is issued. The election was held on the first Monday in April succeed- 
ing. May 23, Judge Forsyth notified Mr. Darnell that Township 83, Range 
9, was attached to the newly organized township of Cue for election purposes. 

At the organizing election, A. T. Wilkins and Amos Brown were chosen 
Justices; W. "Alspach and Henry Harrenden, Constables; D. B. Ramage, 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 



357 



Clerk ; James McQuinn, W. Alspach and James H. Fisk, Trustees ; B. Dar- 
nell, Road Supervisor ; A. T. Wilkins, Assessor. 

The road fund received during the year was $89.13. 

May 20, 1857, the Trustees of Cue and Le Roy Townships agreed that the 
county line road along the two townships should be apportioned, two miles to 
Cue and four miles to Le Roy. 

October 4, 1858, Cue Township was divided into three Road Districts. 

The name of the township was changed in 1862 to Florence. 

A school house was built in District No. 1 in 1856 or 1857. 

VOTE OP 1855. 

It will be interesting to refer to the vote of Benton County in August, 1855, 
as preserved in the first volume of the Vinton Eagle. It was a Democratic 
victory according to the Eagle: 





County Ju 


DGE. 


Sheriff. 


Rec. 


AND TrEAS. 


SURVEYOE. 


COBOMER. 


TOWNSHIPS. 


i 


m 


bb 


c 
2 
so 

□ 




u> 


a 


a 
o 

a 


bb 




i 




bb 


<v 


OQ 


bb 






•a 


a 




« 




'm 


p 






o. 


a 






a 




3 


< 


1 




C5 




s 


>-5 


*t-t 

a) 

'S 


6 






S 


1 ja 


CD 

a 

JS 


3 




m 


^ 


OQ 


'i 


^ 


M 


>-5 


o 


o 

02 


Iz; 


< 


^ 


QQ 


^ 


o 

■-5 




Cue 




12 
4 
9 
5 


•••••• 


12 
20 

6 
7 






12 

20 

4 

8 










12 

11 

2 

1 


" 1 


2 
5 
3 
6 






Iowa 


16 
3 

8 










9 
2 

7 


""s 

4 




8 


Le Roy 

Monroe 


5 

6 




8 
5 








3 


Cedar 


25 
16 


18 
16 




25 

17 


12 
14 




25 

22 


12 
24 




3 
14 


13 
5 


20 
13 




23 
23 






Harrison 




1 


Polk 


80 
31 


21 
36 


1 


75 
40 


21 
28 





75 
23 


24 
45 


""i 


80 
29 


32 


12 
5 




77 
23 






Benton 


3 


5 


Canton 


22 


54 




39 


83 




19 


58 




8 


38 


35 




7 


51 


5 


Taylor 


134 


112 




144 


86 


4 


159 


87 




72 


88 


64 




109 




10 






Total 


336 


282 


1 


385 


205 


4 


367 


263 


1 


224 


192 


175 


1 


293 


54 


32 



According to the table, there were 619 votes cast for County Judge at that 
election, which shows a rapid increase 

QUARTERLY SETTLEMENT. 

At quarterly settlement, January 1, 1855, the Treasurer had received, during 
the quarter, $135.20 ; the Clerk, $60.40, and the Judge, $7.65 ; total, $203.25. 

LIQUOR AGENTS. 

The last official act of Judge Forsyth was to appoint James C. Traer agent 
to sell intoxicating liquors in Vinton, and James A. Guthrie in Marysville, 
under the act of the General Assembly approved January 22, 1855. 

THE WESTERN STAGE COMPANY 

commenced running a daily line of four-horse coaches between Iowa City and 
Vinton about the 10th of January, 1856. This was considered as a grand 
step in the progress of this county at that time, and the Eagle began to agitate 
the question of a daily mail. 

February 8, 1856, a railroad meeting was held in Vinton for the purpose of 
considering a communication from Delhi in relation to a railroad from Dubuque 
via Delhi, Delaware and Quasqueton to Vinton and westward. M. D. L. Webb 
was Chairman and J. C. Traer Secretary. John Shane, N. Bass and J. C. 



358 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Traer were appointed to correspond with citizens of Dubuque and Delhi, and 
John Alexander, James Crow, Edwin Humphreyville, Russell Jones and John 
Filford were appointed to take a subscription for paying expenses of prelim- 
inary surveys or other matters necessary to secure the location of the road to 
Vinton. 

At another meeting, held at Vinton in May, 1856, it was agreed to send 
J. C. Traer, John Coval and P. B. Culver to Dubuque to ascertain the prospect 
of securing an extension of the Dubuque & Southwestern Road through Ben- 
ton County. The Financial Committee was also instructed to raise funds for 
their expenses. The committee visited Dubuque as instructed, and received an 
offer from the company to build the road, provided the county would take 
$250,000 of stock in the company or loan its credit to that amount. Another 
meeting was held on the 24th, when it was resolved to petition Judge Douglass, 
asking him to submit to popular vote the question of empowering him to issue 
county bonds to the amount of $250,000, to be used as a loan of credit in 
behalf of the road. The petition was duly circulated, and, in June, the Judge 
made the order submitting the question to the people, and appointing July 19 
as the date. The proposition was withdrawn before the date of election by the 
friends of the measure. 

CHANGE OF COUNTY LINES AGITATED. 

A meeting was held at Marengo, in Iowa County, March 21, 1856, for the 
purpose of securing a change in the boundaries of Benton, loAva and Keokuk 
Counties. The project Avas to take the southern tier of townships from Benton 
and the northern tier from Keokuk, attach them to Iowa Count}^, and then 
divide the latter into two new counties. The meeting resolved that those 
attending would stand united for this scheme, and that they would support no 
one for the Legislature who would not express himself unconditionally in favor 
of it. This scheme, like many others originating about that time, fell through, 
and the county lines remained unchanged. 

The Presidential vote in Benton County in 1856 was as follows : Fremont, 
568 ; Buchanan, 426 ; Fillmore, 133. 

THE COURT HOUSE. 

Soon after Judge Douglass assumed the control of county aifairs, he became 
satisfied that Downing's contract to erect a Court House, made in 1853, was 
worthless, and that it Avas useless to expect a Court House under it. He 
therefore settled with Downey and annulled the contract. The records do not 
contain any entries in relation to the matter, but on the 5th of September, 1855, 
the County Judge published the following notice in the Vinton Eagle : 

BENTON COUNTY COURT HOUSE. 

To Stone Muttons: Sealed proposals will be received at my office in Vinton, until the 15tli 
day of September, 1855, for building the foundation of the Court House. The work is to be 
completed by the 1st day of December next. For terms, specifications, the manner of doing the 
work, etc., apply to the undersigned. A moderate portion will be advanced as the work pro- 
gresses, and undoubted security will be required from the person to whom the work is granted. 

Vinton, September 5, 1855. Sam Douglass, County Judge. 

The contract appears to have been awarded to John Tyler, for on the 21st 
of November following. The Eagle records the completion of the job by that 
gentleman. The next Spring, active work was commenced on the building 
It is understood that no contracts were let, but Judge Douglass employe . 
workmen by the day, and personally superintended the Avork. The corn 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 359 

Stone was laid July 13, 1856, by the Masonic fraternity. Addresses were made 
by Messrs. Evans and Root, and a brass band from Marion furnished music for 
the important occasion. 

The lower or first floor was finished in 1856, and the upper story so far 
completed that on Christmas Eve it was occupied for a grand ball and supper, 
given by the citizens of Vinton and vicinity. On the memorable occasion, the 
bill of fare included oyster soup, ornamented cold dishes, boiled dishes, hot 
reliefs, cold side dished, hot side dishes, small dishes, cold relishes, buffalo and 
elk meat, wild turkey, prairie chicken, quail, pastry, confectionery and dessert. 
The Court House was used as the dancing hall, and numerous dancers attended 
from Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Picaway and Benton City. 

The Court House is a substantial two-story brick structure, some 40x60 feet 
square, and situated in the Public Square near the business portion of the town. 
The grounds are handsomely laid out, studded with shrubs, evergreens, and the 
different varieties of ornamental trees, forming a very attractive place of resort 
during the heat of Summer. The second story is devoted to court and jury 
rooms, which are conveniently arranged and airy, while the first story 
is occupied by the different county officers, fire-proof vaults for the records, 
etc. 

Its cost was about ^13,000. 

William Martin, a young man about 23 years of age, was drowned in the 
Cedar River, about two miles below Vinton, on Friday, June 29, 1855, while 
bathing. Several others were with him at the time, but he was too far out, 
was taken with cramps and sank before they could reach him. 

LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 

The first settler in this township (Town 82, Range 11) was Asa P. Pasco, 
in 1851, followed by S. H. Lee, in 1852, James Athey, in 1853, and I. G. 
Burnet, in 1854. 

The first marriage was that of Luther Skellenger to Romento Pasco, in 
1854. 

The first birth was that of Pomeroy Davidson, September 8, 1854 ; and 
the first death, that of Maguire Davidson, on the 25th of December in the 
same year. 

The township was organized in 1856, S. H. Lee being elected Justice of 
the Peace, and Brittain 0. Clark, Township Clerk. Those who voted at this 
election Avere : James Brien, S. A. Beutley, Isaiah Morris. S. H. Lee, Levy 
Bunden, Jerry Morfit, Asa P. Pasco, Thomas Miner, I. G. Burnet, S. S. 
Benttie, Brittain 0. Clark, James Rineurd and Samuel Rineurd. 

The first school house was built on Section 23, in 1857, and the first teacher 
was Eunice Ralsted, who taught in the Summer or Fall of that year. 

The first mill was built on Prairie Creek, by W. Young and George Bos- 
ley, within the present limits of Blairstown. 

The first sermon was preached at Lee's Grove, by Rev. A. Dwight, in 
1857. 

The Chicago & Northwestern Road was built through the township in 
1861. 

There are now ten school houses in the township. 

The present officers are: I. G. Burnet, P. H. Lynch, J. M. Furnence, 
Justices ; W. M. Abbott, A. Sherin, Constables ; George Felt, R. Fur- 
nence, Geo. Shoemaker, Trustees; W. H. Ehred, Clerk; H. D. Moeller, 
Assessor. 



360 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

HOSPITALITY TO A PREACHER. 

About nightfall, in the Autumn of 1856, a wayfaring man, on horseback, 
stopped before the door of a well-known pioneer of Kane Township, and craved 
hospitality. This was accorded, as a matter of course ; but when the stranger 
asked his host to care for his horse, and gave minute directions as to feed, water 
and bedding, Mr. Stocker felt a little cross, owing, probably, to his having just 
ended a hard day's work. He cared for the horse as if it was his own, however, 
and returned to the house. 

The stranger introduced himself as a minister, and took occasion during the 
evening to do all the missionary work he could. 9 o'clock came, and Mr. 
Stocker suggested that he would be glad to usher his reverend guest to bed. 
The stranger mildly proposed that it was his custom to preside at family prayers 
wherever he stayed. Mr. Stocker produced the family Bible, which, it is safe 
to say, he was not much in the habit of reading, and his wife's mother laid an 
Episcopal prayer book by its side. The latter was pushed aside by the stran- 
ger, with a contemptuous gesture, Avho read a chapter, offered prayer and 
retired. 

In the morning, the stranger manifested the same consideration for his horse, 
but did not offer to assist. As soon as breakfast was over, Mr. Stocker began 
to bustle about, preparatory to going to the field, when he was stopped by the 
preacher, who suggested the propriety of another prayer. This over, the stran- 
ger asked to have his horse brought round. As he was about to mount, he 
inquired if there would be anything to pay. Mr. Stocker thought this too 
good an opportunity to lose, and suggested the sum of seventy-five cents as a 
satisfactory remuneration. The preacher's eyes involuntarily assumed a dreamy, 
contemplative cast, but he drew his wallet, like a man. He examined its con- 
tents, and after extracting all he could find, exposed the total on his open palm, 
which amounted to sixty-five cents, saying that was all he had, and asking if 
Mr. Stocker would be satisfied with that sum. The latter nodded a cheerful 
acquiescence, dropped the coins into his pocket, holding himself in as best he 
could until the preacher was out of hearing, when he relieved his feelings by 
the best laugh he had had for years. 

April '8, 1856, a ferry license was granted to James L. Parsley to run a 
ferry across the Cedar River, at Vinton. 

NEW TOWNSHIPS. 

Although the orders of court creating townships in Benton County wer® 

not recorded, the following order indicates that the townships named wer® 

created and organized in the Spring of 1856 : 

April 9, 1856. 

It is this day ordered by the court that the following persons be allowed the sums attached 
to their names, for services rendered in organizing townships, to wit: 

Thomas Ridge, Jackson Township $4 00 

J. M. Inman, Eden Township 4 00 

George Buchan, Bruce Township 4 00 

V. Vanice, Big Grove Township 4 00 

BIG GROVE TOWNSHIP, 

This township (Town 84, Range 11) was organized in 1856, by order of the 
County Court. The first Township Trustees were : E. Dean, John Ruffcorn 
and George Bergen ; and James Shultz and H. S. Bailey were first Justices of 
the Peace. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 361 

The first settlers "were : James F. Young, his brother, Robert Young, and 
Connolly, who settled in 1849 ; although previous to that time, a log 



cabin had been built by Adams and others, squatters, and used as a sort 

of rendezvous or station by the horse-thieving gcntr^^ 

In 1850, Elias Doan, Dennis Kennedy and John P. Chinn settled in the 
township. Mr. Kennedy settled on the east part of Section 4. At that time, 
there were thirty or forty Indians in that vicinity. These Indians were accused 
of committing some depredations on the settlers; but Mr. Kennedy thinks they 
were actually committed "by some Avhite scalawags, who wanted to shield them- 
selves by laying it off on to the Indians." 

In 1854, the settlers moved the old log cabin of Adams', which was built 
on Section 10, to another part of the section, and fitted it up for a school house, 
in which Miss Margaret Connolly (now Mrs. Jonas Wood, of Traer), taught 
the first school, in the same Summer. 

The first sermon was preached in the house of Mr. J. F. Young, by Rev. 
Williston Jones, a Presbyterian clergyman, in 1850. He was followed, soon 
after, by Rev. N. C. Robinson. 

RESIGNATIONS. 

April 21, 1856, David Robb resigned the office of Clerk of the District 
Court, and Judge Samuel Douglass appointed W. C. Stanbury to fill the 
vacancy. 

May 1, 1856, Newell Colby resigned the oflBce of County Surveyor, and 
Wesley Whipple was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

TOLL BRIDGE. 

January 5, 1857, a license was granted to the Vinton Bridge Company, J. 
C. Traer, President, to erect a toll bridge across the Cedar River, at the north 
end of Main street. 

The company was organized in November, 1856, composed of J. C. Traer, 
J. E. Palmer, J. W. Filkins, John Mason, J. S. Hunt and others. The bridge 
was built by Kelley & McCoy, and cost $8,500. Its entire length was 462 
feet, and the superstructure rested on eight piers, each composed of sixteen 
piles driven twelve feet into the bed of the river. These piers were protected 
by slowly constructed "breakers." The transverse floor timbers were twenty 
feet long, giving a clear passage-way of sixteen feet. 

The first team crossed this bridge June 27, 1857 ; and it was continued as 
a toll bridge until 1862, when it was sold to the county. 

In 1865, one span of the bridge was swept awa}^ by high water, and soon 
after, it was taken down and the material removed. It is said that at low water 
some vestiges of this first bridge can be seen. 

A NOVEL MARRIAGE LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE. 

Judge Douglass was not a lawyer, but took much pride in keeping his 
record. His first oflScial act was, like that of his predecessor, the issuing of a 
marriage license. He was married, November 25, 1855, at New Philadelphia, 
Ohio, to Mrs. N. Straun ; and when, a year later, another county official 
desired to enter the state of matrimony, the Judge made the following entry : 

Be it Remembered, That on the 18th day of December, 1856, a license was issued to John W. 
Filkins, County Recorder and Treasurer, and Margaret M. Cupid, authorizing the marriage of 
the same to be solemnized this evening by Samuel Douglass, County .Judge of said county. 

And now, to wit : On this same evening, at the house of .John Bishop, Esq., at precisely 7 
o'clock P. M., appeared the said John W. Filkins, in his own proper person, and also the said 



362 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Margaret M. Cupid, parties in sairl cause, whereupon the court proceeded to try said cause, and 
the court being fully satisfied that issue should be joined, and that they were both of lawful age 
and in all other respects, legally as well as morally and physically, qualified to enter upon the 
rights and privileges of the married state, it is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed that 
the said J. W. Filkins, Recorder and Treasurer of Benton County, and Margaret M. Cupid be 
held and firmly bound in the holy bonds of matrimony, and that this decree be final, firm and 
forever; and it is further ordered and adjudged that the said J. W. Filkins pay the cost tax of 
$6.35. 

CEDAR VALLEY BRANCH RAILROAD. 

March 2, A. D. 1857, the County Court ordered that the question of aiding 
the construction of the Cedar Valley Branch of the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska 
Railroad, by subscribing for $150,000 of the stock of said company, and issuing 
therefor the bonds of the county, payable in twenty years, bearing 10 per cent, 
interest, in payment of the same, be submitted to the qualified voters of the 
county, at an election to be held on the 6th of April, 1857. 

The election resulted in favor of the proposition, by a vote of 698 to 467. 
Although the measure was carried by what was then considered a very large 
majority, it was asserted by those who Avere opposed to saddling such an enor- 
mous debt upon the county that misrepresentations had been made, and that 
many citizens voted for it under a misapprehension of facts. Before the bonds 
could be prepared, Mr. A. D. Stephens, who was sagacious enough to foresee 
the magnitude of the self imposed burden and how much it would cost the peo- 
ple, filed a petition in the District Court at Iowa City for a writ of injunction 
to restrain the county authorities from is.suing the bonds. He was successful, 
and thus saved the county from a debt which, but for his energy and foresight, 
would have been a serious drawback to the prosperity of the county. Fifteen 
thousand dollars interest, paid annually for twenty years, would have amounted 
to $300,000 in 1877, and then the principal, $150,000, would have been due. 
If any citizen of Benton County has a curiosity to see the amount of the burden 
which the people laid upon themselves in 1857, and from which they were 
relieved by the action of Mr. Stephens, let him calculate the amount of the 
interest to be paid, compounded at ten per cent, and he will be surprised. The 
county owes a debt to Mr. Stephens that has not been repaid, as he paid the 
expenses of securing the injunction from his own private funds. 

A license was granted to James L. Pauley to run a ferry across Cedar 
River at Vinton, to be in force from April 1, 1859, for ten years ; said ferry 
to run from the north end of Washington street. 

INCORPORATED ALMOST. 

Now, to wit, March 2, 18-37: It being the March term of said County Court, and the first 
Monday of said month, the following petition was presented to the County Court, to wit : 

To the County Court of Benton County, in the Stat', of loioa : Your petitioners, residents of 
Vinton, Grand Gulf, Tilford's Vinton ; Smith, Traer & Tilford's Addition to the town of Vinton ; 
East Vinton ; Beckett's Addition to Fremont; Webb's Addition to the town of Vinton; Thomas 
S. Palmer's Addition to the town of Vinton ; .lohn E. Palmer's Addition to the town of Vinton ; 
South Vinton ; Sells' Addition to the town of Vinton ; College Square ; Hamilton Place ; Martel's 
Addition to the town of Vinton, and New Vinton, in said county, would respectfully represent 
to your Honor that said villages lie adjacent to each other and in compact form, that neither of 
them has any municipal organization, and that it would he of great advantage to and for the 
interest of all concerned that they should be united an<l organized into a municipal incorpora- 
tion, together with such lands adjacent as. by the consent of the proprietors thereof and the 
citizens of said villages, may be included; that, combined, they contain a population of more 
than one thousand permanent inhabitants. Therefore your petitioners respectfully ask your 
Honor to direct the question to be submitted to the legal voters of said villages whether they 
will have a city corporation or not. 

And the Court being fully satisfied that the villages in said petition mentioned contain a 
population of one thousand permanent inhabitants, and that said petition is signed by at least 
one-fourth of the legal voters of said villages, do order the prayer of said petitioners granted ; 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 363 

and it is further ordered by the Court that the question be submitted to a vote of the qualified 
electors of said villages on the 14th day of March, 1857, between the hours of 9 o'clock A. M. 
and 4 o'clock P. M.. whether the said villages will adopt a city incorporation, as prayed for in said 
petition, or not: and it is further ordered that those in favor of said incorporation shall write 
or print on their ballots " For Incorporation,^' and those opposed to said incorporation shall write 
or print on their ballots " A;/ainst Incorporation.'' It is further ordered by the Court that W. 
C. Smith, Elijah Evans and Harmon Stanton be and are hereby appointed Judges of said election, 
and that S. E. Keith and John F. Pyne be and are hereby appointed Clerks of said election, who 
shall severally take the oath of office, and make returns according to law, of said election ; and 
that said election shall be held in the store room lately occupied by Elijah Evans, in the village 
of Vinton, in said county of Benton, and that nine days' notice of said election be posted up in 
three of the most public places in said village. Samukl Douglass, County Judge. 

An order of the court, dated March 25, 1857, shows " that a majority of 
all the votes cast at said election were in favor of said incorporation," but does 
not give the vote. (It was 72.) The court ordered another election, to be 
conducted by the same officers and held at the same place, to choose three per- 
sons to draft articles of incorporation. 

There is no further mention of this matter in the records. Mr. Pyne states, 
however, that the " ridiculousness of the scheme forced itself upon the people, 
after the first election, so strongly that it was abandoned, and the second 
election went by default." 

SAD ACCIDENT. 

April 5, 1857. Jesse Brody desired to cross the river to Vinton, with his 
wife and child. The wind was blowing so violently that J. L. Pauley, the 
ferryman, decided to carry them over in a skiff instead of in the large boat. 
About midway, the skiff capsized. Pauley caught the child and placed it on 
the inverted boat. Mrs. Brody sank, but the men clung to the \ jat and were 
drawn to shore by a line sent out for the purpose. When the boat was turned 
over, Mrs. Brody was found beneath it. Every effort was made to restore her, 
but without avail. 

STEAxMBOAT ON THE CEDAR. 

In June, 1858, the Valley Times, published at Cedar Rapids, announced 
that a steamboat was being built at that place, by F. Smith & Co., to ply the 
Upper Cedar. The boat was to be one hundred feet long, nineteen feet beam 
and two and a half feet hold. The engine was sixty horse-power, three-feet 
stroke and nine-inch cylinders ; the boiler twelve feet long, containing twenty- 
four flues ; the wheel, twelve feet in diameter. It was to be completed by the 
middle of July. During the time of building the boat, a notice was served on 
the Vinton Bridge Company, requiring that corporation either to construct a 
suitable draw or to abate the bridge. 

The boat, which was named the "Export," reached Vinton October 5, with 
sixty tons of freight on board, part of which was discharged on the bank. Her 
arrival was welcomed by an anvil salute. At one of the discharges, a ring, 
whicli had been placed between the anvil, flew out, struck A. K. Webb and 
inflicted serious injury. 

The second trip up stream was made on the 20th. The first trip had been 
a somewhat tedious one, as the pilot had to learn the channel 

During the Winter, the boat was overhauled and re-painted, and her name 
changed to " Black Hawk." Her first trip in 1859 began from Cedar Rapids 
March 1(3, with J. J, Snouffer, Master and Clerk ; W, D. Watrous, Mate ; 
Thomas Stanley, Engineer ; W. Vance, Pilot. There being several cargoes 
awaiting shipment from Vinton, the boat did not visit Waterloo until the accu- 
mulation had been removed. 



364 . HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 



ANOTHER COUNTY OFFICIAL MADE HAPPY. 

Be it rememberet^ , That on this first day of June, A. D. 1859, James Chapin, Clerk of the 
District Court, made application for a marriage license to permit him to unite in the holy bonds 
of matrimony with Mary D. Butler, of the County and State aforesiid, nnd the Court, having 
taken into consideration said application, and being fully convinced that the said James is per- 
fectly justified in possessing the object long desired by him, it is therefore adjudged that said 
license be duly granted. Sam. Douglass, Coun'y Judge. 

THE COUNTY JUDGE SYSTEM ABOLISHED. 

By act of the General Assembly, approved March 26, 1860, the County 
Judge system, under what was termed the "Blue Laws of Iowa," which had 
been tried for ten years, was abolished. It was a singular experiment to be 
tried by a free people. Almost absolute power was vested in a single man to 
rule the aifairs of the county. The County Judge was elected for four years ; 
and while it was safe, perhaps, to entrust the management of the affairs of a 
county to a single man, if he was capable and honest, it was disastrous if the 
people were disappointed in their selection. Benton County w^as peculiarly 
fortunate in this respect, however. From one extreme, however, the General 
Assembly went to the opposite, and created, by the above-named act, a cum- 
brous and expensive County Legislature, called a County Board of Supervisors, 
consisting of one Supervisor for each civil township, to be elected in October, 
and to assume the duties of their office on the first Monday in January follow- 
ing. The act went into force July 4, 1860, and in October following, the 
several townships in Benton County elected a 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 

as folloAvs : James McQuin, Cue Township ; James Rice, Benton ; J. M. 
Inman, Eden ; G. L. Palmer, Big Grove ; H. Guinn, Iowa ; S. G. Livermore, 
Fremont; S. Miskimin, Monroe; G. Treanor, Bruce; S. Lamosee, Le Roy; 
E. W. Stocker, Kane ; W. F. Kirkpatrick, Taylor ; Martin Mickey, L^nion ; 
R. R. Dwigans, Canton ; John Slattery, Polk ; J. Austin, Cedar ; J. R. 
Christie, Jackson ; J. S. Forsyth, Harrison ; D. A. Robinson, Eldorado ; W. 
C. Smith, Homer ; J. Springer, St. Clair. 

On the 7th of January, 1861, these gentlemen assembled at the Court 
House and duly organized by the election of James McQuin, Chairman, and 
the county entered upon another epoch in its history. 

After determining the term of office of each member (as ten of them w^ere to 
hold two years and the other ten only one), the first action of the Board was to 
"vote that the Chair appoint a committee to see to the immediate removal of 
the snow from the roof of the Court House," and W. C. Smith was appointed to 
perform that duty. 

January 10, the following entry appears : 

"And now a communication is presented to the Chair and read, being an invitation to the 
Hon. Board to partake of an oyster supper at Mrs. Loree's saloon at 8 o'clock this evening. 

Whereupon it was unanimously voted to accept, and that without debate. 
The record is silent in regard to the name or names of the generous individual 
or individuals who extended the invitation ; but, of course, there were no axes 
to grind. 

The vote of Benton County for Governor in 1861 was as follows : S. J. 
Kirkwood had 641 ; W. H. Merritt had 514 ; B. M. Samuels had 88. 

During the year 1860, seventy-four marriage licenses were issued by the 
County Judge ; seventy-one were issued in 1861. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 365 

SCHOOL FUND INVESTIGATION. 

The office of School Fund Commissioner terminated in 1858. The citizens 
of the county were much dissatified with the manner in which the school funds 
had been managed, but many of them felt that a portion of the blame rested 
with themselves in not exercising sufficient care in the selection of proper 
officers. 

In 1857, Gov. Grimes was insti'ucted by the General Assembly to appoint 
agents in the several counties to investigate the condition of the fund, and report 
their doings. Dr. J. C. Traer was appointed in Benton County, but the labor 
of the investigation was performed by William Stoughton and approved by the 
agent. The report was not printed in either the Eagle or the Democrat, then 
published here, nor were the people in any way informed of the condition of the 
fund intrusted to their charge. In 1858-9, when Judge Douglass was about mak- 
ing an effort to settle with the Commissioner, he applied to the State Auditor for a 
copy of Traer's report, and was informed that then it was not to be found in the 
Auditor's office. When Judge Treanor made inquiry again for the document, 
at Des Moines in 1860, and was told that it had never come to light. The 
reports of other county agents were there, and the fact that Benton was missing, 
is pretty conclusive evidence that it was abstracted from the archives by some 
party or parties interested in suppressing something it contained. 

in October, 1859, when the County Judge and the County Treasurer, Mr. 
Filkins, endeavored to settle with the Commissioner, as required by law, it was 
discovered that his bond, given after his re-election, was missing. His first 
bond Avas on file, but the sureties were worthless. It was said that the County 
Judge, Douglass, had directed the Clerk of the Court, W. C. Stanberry, to 
require additional securities to the second bond, and that it was given to the 
Commissioner to have it made sufficient, but it was never returned. There was 
no evidence to indicate the names of the sureties who had signed the bond. 
The Commissioner was permitted to do business Avithout filing any bond, and to 
handle and control over f40,000 of the public money with no guarantee other 
than his oath that the trust would be faithfully maintained. This indicates a 
flagrant dereliction of duty on the part of some officials. 

After some weeks of wrangling, the books Avere balanced after a fashion ; 
but nobody was satisfied. The Commissioner declared that his papers shoAved 
credits which were not alloAved. On the other hand, the Judge and Treasurer 
doubted the correctness or justice of the settlement, on the ground that the 
Commissioner refused to produce a certain memorandum book said to contain 
a full statetnent of the interest accrued and paid, which the Commissioner 
insisted Avas private property which he had kept for his own private use. In 
the settlement, the difficulty had been to arrive at the amount of interest that 
had been paid to the Commissioner. 

During the year 1860, ex-Commissioner Hunt, it is said, repeatedly aA^owed 
his intentions to commence suit against the county for about $1,500, which he 
claimed was due to him, but had been denied on the settlement; but at last con- 
cluded to aAvait an investigation by the Board of Supervisors. 

Accordingly, soon after the first Board Avas organized, on the 11th day of 
January, 1861, the folloAving resolution was adopted : 

Resolved, That the Committee on School Fund, etc.. be empowered to investigate the present 
condition of tlie school fuml of this county and report to the next regular meeting of the Board, 
and that said Committee be further empowered to employ a commissioner to assist in such inves- 
tigation, and that they be clothed with power to send for persons and papers, compel testimony, 
and exercise all powers that this Board might, of right, exercise in such investigations. 



366 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

The Committee, composed of Jacob Springer, George Treanor and Jacob 
Christie, employed Thomas Drummond as Commissioner, and entered upon the 
task of bringing order out of the chaos into which the School Fund Commis- 
sioner's affairs had been plunged. Mr. Drummond at once entered upon the 
work assigned him, which was to map the lands sold, make a complete list of 
the notes and mortgages. He had but partially completed his work when he 
left for Washington and entered the military service of the United States, and 
was succeeded by Wesley Whipple and W. C. Gaston. 

The report was nearly completed on Saturday before the Board assembled 
at its June session, and the papers were left on the table in the Clerk's office. 
During that night, however, some parties raised a window, entered the room 
and stole the Commissioner's minute book and the papers of the Committee, 
except one sheet on which the final summary had been made in pencil, and 
which the thief or thieves overlooked. About midnight, Mr. S. Williams, living 
near town, saw a bright light near the bank of the river, and, upon investiga- 
tion the next morning, found evidence of fire, and near by bits of scorched paper, 
which proved to be portions of the paper abstracted from the Clerk's office, 
carelessly left to tell the story of the fate of the Committee's work and the 
valuable papers. It is not thought that the minute book was destroyed, as it is 
said the ex-Commissioner afterward offered to produce it if the county would 
pay him $500 ; but his disinterested proposition was not accepted. The perpe- 
trators of this outrage were never brought to justice ; but it is said that certain 
parties, who shall be nameless here, were and still are strongly suspected of 
connection with it. 

From the paper unintentionally left by the burglars, however, and from 

memory, the Committee and its Commissioner were able to make a report, 

which was made to the Board June 5, 1861, very much to the discomfiture of a 

certain gentleman, who had declared that "the report should never be made." 

The report was accepted and the following resolution adopted : 

Re.tolved, That the Committee on School Lands and School Funds be and they are hereby 
empowered to have their report on the present condition of the school fund, and exhibits there- 
with, transmitted accurately copied and deposited in the Treasurer's safe, in order that their 
labors may not be lost by another theft or casualty of any kind. 

A search for the document in 1878 failed to discover its presence in the 
'' Treasurer's safe," but from the Vinton Eagle of July 4, from which a portion 
of this chapter is compiled, the following summary of the report is copied: 

John Royal received from land sales, in cash $156 45 

From notes 184 88 

Total $341 33 

E. H. Keyes received from land sales, in cash 289 19 

From notes 307 59 

Total 1596 78 

Trwin D. Simison received from land sales, in cash §7,210 79 

From notes 8,401 52 

Total $15,612 31 

J. 8. Hunt received from land sales, in cash 15,840 43 

From notes 8,013 50 

Total $23,853 93 

Total cash and notes 40,404 35 

Amount of five per cent, fund 2,5'.t8 70 

Total school fund in Benton County $43,003 05 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 367 

"The investigation shows," remarks the Eagle\, "that John Royal was a 
defaulter in the sum of $75; E. H. Keyes, |2o.70 ; Irwin D. Simison, 
$2,909.72, and Jacob S. Hunt, $40.64. The Committee and its Commissioners 
did not have time to investigate the interest account (even if they had had all 
the books and papers), whicli we understand was deemed a part of their duty by 
the Supervisors," and the destruction of the interest book, the book of certifi- 
cates of final payment, and the retention of the memorandum or minute book 
previously mentioned, rendered further investigation impossible. After some 
years, a final settlement with the State authorities was efi'ected on the basis of 
the Committee's report. 

GRAND CELEBRATION. 

Thursday July 4, 1861, Avas celebrated by the people of Benton County at 
Vinton, and the occasion was one of memox'able' incidents of county history that 
may not be overlooked. The great rebellion had just raised the rattlesnake 
flag. The first installment of Benton County volunteers were preparing to 
leave for the seat of war. The patriotic heart of Benton County was all ablaze 
with patriotism and determination to maintain the honor of the Stars and Stripes 
at all hazards. An immense concourse gathered from all directions. Men, 
women and children came in carriages, carts, on horseback and on foot. Never 
before had Vinton seen such a crowd. Every toAvnship in the county was rep- 
resented, and the town was literally packed with human beings, horses and 
carriages. 

The officers of the day were as follows: President, S. P. Vanatta, Esq.: 
Vice Presidents, H. D. Gay, S. H. Watson, R. Gilchrist, Vinton ; James Rea, 
Benton ; H. S. Bailey, Big Grove ; W. C. Smith, Homer ; David Robb, Can- 
ton ; Geo. McCoy, Harrison ; Isaac N. Chenoweth, Eden ; J. C. Kinsell, Polk ; 
George Fawcett, Fremont ; G. W. Durand, Cedar ; S. Miskimin, Monroe ; 
William Helm, Jackson ; Chief Marshal, A. H. Sebern ; Assistant Marshals, 
W. C. Gaston, J. H. Shields ; Chaplain, Rev. A. Chapin. 

The procession, which extended about a mile, was formed in front of the 
Public Square and marched to the grove, Avhere the exercises of tlie day com- 
menced with singing by the choir and prayer by the Chaplain, followed by an 
address by the President of the day, and reading of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence by Buren R. Sherman, Esq. A feature of the occir^sion was the ad- 
ministration of the oath of allegiance to the assembled multitude by James 
Chapin, Esq., each person repeating his or her own name and repeating after 
him the oath, which was as follows : 

I, , do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will true faith and 

loyalty bear to the Government of the United States and the Constitution thereof. 

The day and the time rendered this ceremony peculiarly solemn and im- 
pressive. Rebels were in arms to destroy the nation, the birthday of which 
they were met to celebrate ; two companies of volunteers, the " Benton County 
Volunteers," Capt. J. S. Hunt, and the " Harrison Rangers," Capt. Geddes, 
were present in uniform, soon to march to the defense of the Union ; and as 
the united voices of the assembled multitude repeated the solemn oath, every 
heart was thrilled with patriotic pride and devotion. 

After the picnic dinner, an able and eloquent patriotic oration was delivered 
by Hon. T. W. Jackson, of Toledo. After reviewing the terrible situation and 
the efforts of rebel hands to destroy the government, the orator uttered the fol- 
lowing prophetic words : 

But this Union u-ill live. The old Ship of State will outride the billows. God's hand is at 
the helm ; his breath is in the storm. When I survey my country to-day, I confess I would de- 



368 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

spair did I not know that we are under the guidance of Him who doeth all things well. Behind 
the dark clouds now hovering so ominously over us, I can detect the smiling face of Him who has 
ever been the director of nations and of men. The signs of the times are redolent with promise. 
Feel the beating pulse of the nation of freemen to-day ; hear the nineteen million throbbing 
hearts beating in unison "to the music of the Union." See with what alacrity three hundred 
thousand men have flown to .arms ; view the chafing eagerness of a million more to rally at their 
country's call. Pre-eminently honored stands to-day every soldier in the grand army of the 
Union. I envy their happy lot. Future generations will call them blessed. Those who come 
after us, pointing to their posterity, will say, " Behold, their gi-andsires fought in the battles of 
the Union." Their's is a higher title than patents of nobility. History will write them down the 
defenders of this God-given Union. I would rather wear that badge than all the stars which 
shine upon the nobles of the earth. But as that boon hath been denied to you and to me, let us 
give the heroes our means and prayers. 

At the close of the oration, toasts were read by the President, among which 
were the following : 

The Twenly Million Freemen of the North — With one accord they rush to the defense of our 
Constitution and the maintenance of our laws. With such citizen soldiers, the cause of liberty 
and justice is ever secure. 

Eloquent response by J. H. Shulls, Esq. 

Our Flag — Foremost ensign in the vanguard of the great army of Human Progress, beneith 
whose glittering stars and flaunting stripes are gathered the embattled hosts of Law, Order and 
Constitutional Government on this continent, and to which are hopefully directed the straining 
eyes of the oppressed nationalities of Europe. 

Response by W. C. Gaston, Esq. 

The Press — The strongest bulwark of American liberty. 

Response by Frederick Lyman. 

The Ladies — Without their assistance the world stands still. 

Response by James Chapin, Esq., as follows : 

Woman ! the finishing work of creation, 
Exerts a wide influence over the nation ; 
In fact, such amission she's made to fulfill, 
'Tis said that without her the world would stand still ! 
But should such a calamity ever befall, 
Instead of a still world, we'd have none at all, 
And the dried-up old specimens of human depravity, 
Like Egyptian mummies, would fill up the cavity. 
In all ages, if history gives faithful relations, 
Woman has more or less governed the nations ; 
And disloyal mothers are more to be feared 
Than all the proud Xerxes that ever appeared ; 
' For those who in childoood are under her drill, 

In manhood will cherish her sentiments still. 
But if she is loyal, her sons will prove true — 
'Gainst the ranks of rebellion will fight their way through. 
And likewise the daughters — God bless them to day ! 
Of our beautiful " Home Guards," I've something to say, 
Who carry such weapons as arrows and lances. 
And never miss fire when they shoot with their glances. 
When the soldiers at night on their arms have reclined. 
And dream of their homes and the girls left behind. 
These chivalric daughters, in all their bright charms. 
At home dream of union, and sleep on their arms. 

Among the incidents of the day was the appearance of the venerable James 
Dowd, of Shellsburg, upward of 80 years old, dressed in the military costume 
of the American Revolution. 

The exercises of the day Avere closed by a grand ball at the Fremont House, 
attended by fifty or sixty couples. 



% 
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 3(39 

SWAMP LANDS DONATED TO THE CEDAR VALLEY RAILROAD. 

April 25, 1861, a special meeting of the Board was held to consider the 
question of transferring the swamp and overflowed lands to the Cedar Valley 
Railroad, to aid in the construction of said road through Benton County. The 
matter was presented to the Board in the form of a contract as betAveen the 
county and Railroad Company, and an election of the voters of the county on 
the question was ordered to be held on the 28th of May, 1861. The election 
resulted in 773 votes for said proposition and contract, and 209 against the 
contract. 

The great civil war commenced in April, 1861. The action of the Board 
of Supervisors, together with other historical matter connected with the war, 
will be found under the caption of "War Record," in another part of this 
work. 

January 8, 1862, Peter B. Smith was elected by the Board to fill a vacancy 
in the office of County Surveyor, caused by Wesley Whipple going to the army. 

TOWNSHIP CHANGES. 

January 3, 1862 : 

A petition was presented by Hon. Jas. McQuin for a change in the name of Cue Township, 
praying that said township be called by the name of Florence. And it appearing that a majority 
of the citizens of said township have higned said petition, it is therefore ordered that the neces- 
sary steps be taken to perfect the change prayed for, and that the Clerk make out the notices in 
compliance with the law in such cases made and provided. 

September 1, 1862, upon the final hearing of the petition of the citizens of 
Cue Township, it was voted by the Board that the prayer of said petition be 
granted, and that thereafter it should be known hj the name of Florence 
Township. 

October 21, 1862 : 

The Committee to whom was referred the matter of the petition of William Wallace for a 
change in the line dividing Taylor and Harrison Townships, report in favor of the change as 
prayed for, to wit: Commencing at the northeast corner of Section II, Town 85, Range 11 ; 
thence south 80 rods ; thence west one mile ; thence north 80 rods to the line as it now runs ; 
also, commencing at the southeast corner of Section 34, Town 86, Range 10; thence west one- 
half mile; thence north one mile, to intersect the line as it now runs. Which report was 
adopted and change established accordingly. 

THE JAIL. 

The first recorded action of the county authorities relative to erecting a jail 
was by the Board of Supervisors on the 15th of October, 1861. At that time, 
James Rice was appointed a committee to consider the subje:t of a county jail, 
with instructions to report at the next January meeting. 

When the Board assembled in January, 1862, Mr. Rice reported that he 
had visited the jail at Independence, and recommended the erection of a similar 
one in Benton, 

This report was laid on the table. On the 8th of January, 1862, however, 
the report was taken from the table and referred to the Committee on Public 
Buildings, and, on motion of J. Rice, S. G. Livermore was added to said 
committee, to act upon said report only. 

January 9, 1862 : 

The report of the Committee on Public Buildings on Jail was adopted. That is to say : 
" We, the Committee on Public Buildings, recommend to the Board of Supervisors that a jail be 
built according to the specifications herewith submitted, to wit: The walls of white oak lumber, 
2x6, securely spiked together with large iron spikes. The joist for tloor, li by 8 inches, 6 
inches apart. The floor to be of two inch oak plank, thoroughly spiked down ; the ceiling and 



370 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

joists above, same as below. The front door to be made of double oak plank, and fastened 
together with wrought iron nails, and clinched. The partition to be built same as outside walls. 
Inside doors to be made of double oak lumber, and spiked together "herring-bone style," with 
privy in back end of hall. Said materials to be purchased this present Winter, that the build- 
ing may be built early in the Spring of 1862 ; and to be covered in a cheap, substantial style, 
and the foundation to be built of stone and flagged under the floor outside — within, boarded 
with pine siding. The windows to be of twelve lights, each 8x10, j^roperly secured by iron 
grates and shutters on the outside. Said building to be located in one corner of the Court 
House yard." 

Same day, the Board " resolved that the Building Committee be instructed 
to procure the necessary oak lumber for a jail, and to select a site for the same, 
and report their doings at the next meeting of the Board." 

June 5, 1862, $300 was appropriated to buy materials for jail, and the 
committee instructed to buy such material, and to let the building contract to 
the lowest responsible bidder. 

June 30, the Jail Committee's report showed that a certain amount of lum- 
ber and material had been purchased, and recommended the jail to be built on the 
north side of the Court House yard, about opposite the north window, and to 
front the south, which was adopted. 

The location of the building was subsequently changed to the northeast cor- 
ner of the Court House Square. The contract was awarded to Messrs. Parmeter & 
Sanderson, by whom the jail was built in the Summer and Fall. It contained 
two cells and a passage- Avay between them. Here it remained for seven or 
eight years; but toward the' end of the Township system, some of the authori- 
ties conceived the idea that a larger and better jail was necessary, and about 
1870, it was sold to Mr. Davis, removed to the bank of tae river, near the 
corner of Main and Polk streets, converted into a dwelling and still remains 
such. 

The Board submitted the proposition to build a jail, to the people of the 
county in ISIO, but it was defeated by a vote of 2,134 to 763. Since that time 
the county has been without a jail, as the people have refused to make the neces- 
sary appropriation. The question may be submitted to the people again this 
yeaV, 1878. 

FREE BRIDGE. 

About 1862, the matter of a free bridge across the Cedar River began to be 
agitated. A toll bridge had been built, and it was thought that the county 
should purchase and make it a free bridge. The question was brought before the 
Board of Supervisors, and June 3, 1862, it was voted that " the matter of a free 
bridge across the Cedar River at Vinton, together with the papers, be referred 
to the Committee on Roads and Bridges, with instructions to confer with the 
present owners of said bridge as to terms, etc., and to report at this session." 

On June 7th, a resolution directing the purchase of the structure of J. C. 
Traer & Co., was postponed, but it was purchased for $1,100. 

POOR FARM. 

The care of the county poor also early attracted the attention of the Board 
of Supervisors, and on the 6th day of June, 1862, a resolution was adopted 
declaring 

That it is necessary that a county farm be owned by the county, for the support of the poor, 
and that a special committee of three be appointed to consider the matter, and report to the 
Board of Supervisors at their next meeting, in September, 1862. 

The resolution was adopted, and Messrs. Dwiggins, Ruffcorn and Austin 
were appointed such committee. This did not result in any tangible action, 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 371 

and on January 7, 1863, the Committee on Poor were instructed to inquire into 
the expediency of purchasing a farm for the county poor during the ensuing 
year. 

September 7, 1863, on motion of Mr. Rice, the Board voted that the Com- 
mittee on Poor be instructed to report something definitely in reference to the 
purchase of a poor farm. And afterward, on the same day, the said committee 
reported in favor of purchasing a poor farm, not to exceed $3,000, nor more 
than seven miles from the county seat. Whereupon, the Board voted that the 
report be so altered as to limit the said farm to 200 acres, and the same be re- 
ferred back to the committee for a more specific report. 

September 9, 1863, the Board ordered the following question to be sub- 
mitted to the voters at the next general election : 

Shall the Bo;ird of Supervisors of the county of Benton, in the State of Iowa, purchase, for 
the use of said county, a tract of land not exceeding 200 acres, to be used as a farm for the sup- 
port of the poor in said county ; and appropriate of the funds of said county a sum not exceed- 
ing $5,000, for the payment of said lands and the erection of the necessary buildings thereon ? 

This vote resulted in 861 for and 517 against the poor farm proposition. 

January 6, 1864, the Committee on Poor — R. Rowe, W. F. Kirkpatrick 
and George Bergen — were directed to receive proposals for the purchase of a 
poor farm. 

On the 7th of June, this committee submitted a report recommending the 
Spencer farm as the first choice of the committee. Whereupon, it was voted 
that the Board as a body visit the premises, and that the afternoon be devoted 
to that purpose. 

The record's are silent as to the specific results of their visit, but it seems to 
have been unsatisfactory, for two days afterward, on the 9th, the Committee on 
Poor Farm reported in favor of purchasing the farm of Messrs. Gilchrist & 
Adams. Whereupon the report was adopted. 

This purchase appears to have been consummated, as on the 5th of Septem- 
ber following, the title was ordered to be placed on file, of the property of M. 
P. Adam : "• Six acres off" the south end of the east half of the southeast 
quarter of Section 22, and the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 27, 
(80 acres) ; also, the south end of fractional Lot 3, in Section 23 (20 acres), 
all in Township 85 north of Range 10, containing in all 106 acres, more or less. 
And the following of Robert Gilchrist : 74 acres off" the north end of the east 
half of the southeast quarter of Section 22, and the west half of the southwest 
quarter of the noi'theast quarter of Section 23, all in Township 85 north of 
Range 10, containing 94 acres, $1,696.49; of Adams, $2,073.40. 

On the same day, the committee wa? directed to report next day on what 
terms immediate possession of the farm could be obtained, and to submit a plan 
of improvement for the same, in order to make it available at the earliest pos- 
sible date. 

The next day the Committee made report, recommending that the Board 
make improvement or addition to the Gilchrist house, and the employment of 
some competent person to take charge of the same ; and further, to purchase of 
Ira Baldwin, who was the occupant at that time, the right of possession at 
$100 ; fourteen acres of corn at $12 per acre, $168.00; and eight tons of hay 
and pile of straw, $32, making a total of $300 : to empower the Committee to 
make improvements at an expense not to exceed $500, and to rent the south 
eighty to responsible parties the following year ; all of which were adopted by 
the Board. This Committee further reported, November 15, that they had 
caused to be erected an additional building at a cost of $725. 



372 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

January 5, 1865, the Committee on Poor was instructed to advertise in the 
Vinton Eagle, for proposals to build a two-story house 22 x 36 feet, to be built 
at the west end of the house already built on the Poor Farm ; and that the 
Committee be authorized, if necessary, to mortgage the Poor Farm to borrow 
money to make the improvements contemplated. 

When the farm came into the possession of the county, J. S. Eppersen was 
employed as Steward or Superintendent, Oct. 16, 1866, a contract was made 
Avith F. W. Bliss to take charge of the Poor Farm at a salary of $800 per an- 
num, to commence March 1, 1867. But on the 15th of January. 1867, the 
Board entered into a contract with J. S. Epperson to keep the farm at a salary 
of $700. Why the Bliss contract was abandoned is not explained by the record. 
It was soon discovered that the support of the poor cost the county more than 
before the farm was purchased. It was an expensive experiment under the 
management it received, says one of the Supervisors, and some members of the 
Board made an effort to obtain an order for its sale. A large portion of the 
stock was sold ; but those v/ho were determined to sell the entire property went 
out of office, and the project was abandoned. Prior to 1871, the farm was man- 
aged on a contract by Hamilton Eppersen, who received $1,200 a year, and for 
that sum boarded not to exceed fifteen inmates. If the number exceeded fifteen, 
he was entitled to additional pay. In 1871, however, this method was aban- 
doned, and Thomas W. Lowe was employed as Steward, at a salary of ^500 a 
year. Mr. Lowe was succeeded by Matthew Brown, and on the 1st of Janu- 
ary, 1878, James P. Mitchell became Steward. 

LOOKING OUT FOR NO. 1. 

July 8, 1863, the Supervisors considered the important question of compen- 
sation for their services in ministering to the families of volunteers whose produ- 
cers and protectors had gone to the front with their lives in their hands to maintain 
the integrity of the Union. After due deliberation, on motion of Mr. J. M. In- 
man, it was voted that the Supervisors draw their pay for visiting the wives of 
soldiers, out of the Soldiers' Relief Fund. 

THE NEW BRIDGE. 

As early as 1863, the bridge at Vinton appears to have needed attention, 
and on the 1st of June, Alessrs. Dysart, Bowe and Robinson Avere appointed a 
Committee "to inquire into the situation of matters pertaining to the Vinton 
bridge. In 1865, the bridge became unsafe, apparently, for on the 6th of 
June, of that year, a license was- granted to Alvin Clark to operate a ferry at 
Vinton. 

September 6, 1865, the Board appropriated $2,000 to be used in re-build- 
ing Vinton bridge, to be drawn only when $8,000 more should be raised for the 
same purpose ; and the next day James F. Young, Esq., was selected as the 
agent of the county, to remove and preserve the old bridge, preparatory to the 
building of a new one. 

The amount specified to be raised (by subscription or otherwise), before the 
appropriation could be made available, was not provided, and after waiting a 
year, on the 8th of January, 1866, the resolution adopted September 6, 1865, 
appropriating $2,000 for a bridge at Vinton, Avas rescinded, and the following 
question submitted to a vote of the people, to be held on the second Tuesday in 
October, 1866 : " Shall the Board of Supervisors of the County of Benton, in 
the State of Iowa, build, erect and construct, on the most approved plan, a 
free bridge across the Cedar River at or near the town of Vinton, in said 




^ VINTON 




"'•■pjfc 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 375 

county, and appropriate of the funds of said county, the sum of $12,000 for 

the same." 

The election resulted in a vote of 1243 for, and 811 against the proposition, 

and, on Jan. 9, 1867, the following resolution was passed: 

Reitolvfd, That a committee of five be appointed by this Board, three of whom shall be mem- 
bers thereof, and the other two citizens of Yinton, to superintend, plan, direct and let the job of 
buildiiio; and completing a good and subst.antial bridge across the Cedar River at Vinton, at a 
cost to Benton County not exceeding $13,500. 

Under the above resolution, Messrs. Traer, Chenowith and Bergen were ap- 
pointed on the part of the Board, and Messrs. J. F. Young and Paul Correll, 
on the part of the citizens of Vinton. 

January 15, 1867, the bridge was located to cross the river at the head of 
Beckett street. The bridge was erected during the season of 1867, by Spaul- 
ding, contractor, and was finished in January, 1868. 

October 17, 1865, by order of the Board of Supervisors, the name of the 
town of Norway was changed to Florence ; but the railroad station, at that 
point, is still called and known as Norway. (See Florence.) 

In October. 1867, James Seeley was appointed jailer ; but the order was 
rescinded in January, 1868. 

CIRCUIT COURT. 

" An Act establishing Circuit and General Term Courts, and to define the 
powers and jurisdiction thereof," approved April 8, 1868, ended the County 
Probate Judge system and made a radical and, many think, an unwise change 
in the mode of conducting important public business. By the terms of the act. 
Circuit Judges were to be elected at the election in October, 1868, and enter 
upon their duties on the 1st day of January, 1869. The act gave to the Circuit 
Court the exclusive jurisdiction of all probate business and also of all appeals 
and writs of error from Justice Courts, Mayors' Courts and all other inferior 
tribunals, either in civil or criminal cases. Benton County was included in 
the First Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District, and after the Judges were 
elected, terms of the court for Benton County were ordered on the first Monday 
in January, the first Monday in May, the third Monday in August and the first 
Monday in November. The first term was adjourned from the first Monday to 
the 19th of January, 1869, by order of the Circuit Judge, Hon. William E. 
Miller, and was duly opened on that day. Present, William E. Miller, Judge; 
Henrv M. Wilson, Sheriff; and B. R. Sherman, Clerk. Judge Miller was 
succeeded by George R. Struble in 1871, who soon resigned, and William J. 
Haddock filled the vacancy. The present Judge, Hon. John McKean, assumed 
the duties of his office in 1872. 

COUNTY AUDITOR. 

The establishment of the Circuit Court terminated the ofiice of County 
Judge as such January 1, 1869, but on the 7th day of April, 1868, an act, 
entitled " An act to provide for the election of County Auditors, and to define 
their powers and duties, and making County Judges ex officio County Audit- 
ors," was approved, which provided that at the general election preceding the 
expiration of the term of office of the present County Judge in any county, 
and every two years thereafter, there should be elected in each organized county 
in the State, a County Auditor, whose term of office should commence on the 
first Monday in January following his election, and who should hold his office 
for the term of two years. By this act the office of County Judge, as such, 
ceased on the 1st day ol January, 1869; but the incumbent of the office at that 



376 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

time was made ex officio County Auditor after that date until an Auditor should 
be elected and qualified. The Auditor was made Clerk of the Board of Super- 
visors, and was required to perform all the duties in relation to the school fund 
and school lands, until then performed by the Clerk of the District Court. The 
Clerk of the District Court and the County Recorder were eligible to the office 
of Auditor, and the election of that officer was fixed in the odd-numbered 
years. 

On the 1st day of January, 1869, George M. Gilchrist was County Judge, 
and became ex officio the first Auditor of Benton County ; but he resigned 
in January, 1869, and was succeeded by J. L. Geddes. At the election 
in October, 1869, Edward M. Evans was elected County Auditor, who entered 
upon the duties of the office on the first Monday in January, 1870. Auditor 
Evans was an efficient officer, and the people of the county have testified their 
appreciation by re-electing him his own successor four times, and he still fills 
the office. 

COUNTY SUPERVISORSHIP ESTABLISHED. 

By ■' An act to amend Article 11 of Chapter 22 of the Revision of 1860, 
approved April 14, 1870, the Board of Supervisors was reduced from one for 
each civil township to twenty in the county, and three to be elected by the people 
of the county in October. These were to serve respectively one, two and 
three years, and after the first election, one Supervisor was to be elected 
annually, to serve three years. 

In October, 1870, James McQuinn, Isaac N. Chenoweth and John Kriapp 
were elected. These gentlemen met at the Court House, in Vinton, January 2, 
1871, organized by choice of James McQuinn, Chairman, and the unwieldy and 
expensive system of Township Supervisor was ended. 

The law provided that the number of County Supervisors might be increased 
to five or seven by a popular vote. The question, " Shall the number of Super- 
visors be increased to seven ? " was submitted to the people and wisely nega- 
tived by a vote of 2,085 noes to 770 ayes. 

INSURANCE. 

The Eden Township Mutual Insurance Company was organized January 
27, 1872, with J. M. Inman as President; S. Potter, Vice President; S. H. 
Dixson, Secretary. Directors : R. M. Wilson, D. Beller, Eden ; James Dick- 
son, Sr., Big Grove ; Paul Correll, Taylor ; J. L. Budd, Canton ; A. L. 
Wyman, Homer. 

In March, 1876, the company had 114 members, and the amount at risk 
was $153,532. 

THE FIRST MURDER TRIAL. 

The first trial for murder committed in this county was in October, 1875, 
although very early in its history there was a trial on change of venue from 
Linn County, and about 1867 another from Tama. It is also said that an 
Irishman named Howard was indicted some years ago for the murder of 
another Irishman in a drunken frolic at Blairstown ; but before he could be 
arrested he was tried for a brutal murder in Des Moines, and after conviction 
was hanged to a lamp-post by an indignant populace. 

In the Spring of 1873, Mrs. Julia Burk, of Norway, died under suspicious 
circumstances, and her husband was indicted for causing her death by brutally 
beating and kicking the poor woman. But, in the expressive language of a 
Benton County official, "he skinned out," and was never brought to trial. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 377 



September 10, 1875, Claus Seick was shot and killed at a dance in a 
saloon at Watkins. Circumstances pointed to Austin Thoman as the perpe- 
trator of the foul murder. He had borrowed a pistol shortly before ; the same 
pistol was found near the scene of the murder, and Thoman was there also. 
He was arrested, and at the October term was indicted for the murder. On 
the 8th day of October he was arraigned, and pleaded "not guilty." On the 
13th a jury was impaneled, and the prisoner appeared for trial by I. M. 
Preston, W. A. Tewksbury and John Van Meter, his counsel. The prosecu- 
tion was conducted by M. P. Smith, District Attorney. The evidence was 
circumstantial, but after two days' hearing, the case was submitted to the jury, 
who returned a verdict of "guilty of murder in the second degree," October 
15th. On the 16th, the defense moved for a new trial, which was overruled by 
the court. Judge Rothrock presiding, by whom the prisoner was sentenced to 
fifteen years in the penitentiary, and to pay the costs of prosecution, taxed at 
$448.19. Thoman was committed to the penitentiary at Anamosa, and after- 
ward made an attempt to escape, but was shot and killed by the guard Mhile 
swimming the river. 

January 5, 1869, the name of Grand Gulf Addition to Vinton was changed 
to Alexander's Addition to Vinton. 

April 6, 1876, It was ordered by the Board that the Auditor be "directed 
to purchase of the city of Vinton, for Benton County, low^a. Lot 8 Block 6, 
original town of Fremont, now called Vinton ; said lot to be used for a jail 
site ; also, that the sura of $600 be appropriated and placed in the Auditor's 
hands to pay for said lot when the title shall be shown as perfect." Pursuant 
to the above order, the Auditor purchased said lot April 18, 1876 for the 
amount specified, $600. The county now owns a site for a jail, if the people 
shall vote the necessary appropriation to build it. 

THE IRON BRIDGE. 

The Avooden bridge at Vinton, built in 1867, had become unsafe for travel in 
1876. When built, the appropriation was insufficient for buildino- stone abut- 
ments, and the ends ot the bridge rested on piles, which had become weakened bv 
decay. On the 7th of April, 1876, the Board of Supervisors made a contract 
with M. Donlan for the construction of north and south abutments under the 
Cedar River bridge. These were built, but the superstructure was pronounced 
unsafe, and a contract was made with the Clinton Bridge Company for the con- 
struction of a superstructure of iron, at a contract price of $14,200, and the 
bridge was completed in that year. An additional pier was built, and the 
bridge cost, including that and the abutments, about $20,000. 

VINTON TOWNSHIP. 

In Board of Supervisors, June 7, 1878, the following resolution was read 
and adopted : 

Whereas, A petition has been presented to the Board asking; that the township of Taylor 
be divided so that that part outside of the incorporated city of Vinion shall constitute "one 
township, and that part inside said corporate limits another; and, 

WiiKREAS, It appears to the Board that the law governing such cases has been complied 
with ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and that the territory lying within 
the lines described as follows, viz.: Commencing at the southeast corner of Section No. (Iti) Six- 
teen, Township (85) Eighty-five north, Range No. (10) Ten u'est of the Fifth Principal Meridian 
thence north to the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of said section, in said township 
and range; thence west to the center of Cedar River; thence up and along the center of the 
said Cedar River to a point directly east of the cenf«r of Section No. (17) Seventeen in said 



378 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

township and range; thence west to the center of said Section No. (17) Seventeen; thence south 
to the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section No. (20) 
Twenty, in said township and range ; thence east to the southeast corner of the northeast 
quarter of the southeast quarter of Section No. (21) Twenty-one, in said township and range; 
thence north to the place of beginning, shall be known as the township of Vinton ; and all of 
said Taylor Township outside of said boundary line be known as Taylor Township. Also, that 
the next general election for said township of Vinton shall be held at the Court House in Vinton, 
and the next general election for said Taylor Township shall be held at the Fair Grounds south 
of Vinton. 

A FIENDISH MUKDER. 

In November, 1874, Carl Allers, a farmer living in Kane Township, Benton 
County, suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. Search was made for 
him at the time, but no traces of the missing man could be discovered. Mean- 
while, his nephew, Fred. Allers, remained on the farm, and after the search was 
abandoned, quietly settled down to w^ork. 

More than three years passed, until in the Spring of 1878, a brother of the 
missing man employed a detective to ascertain his fate, if possible. The detect- 
ive, A. H. Shoemaker, arrived, and quietly commenced work. He soon dis- 
covered circumstances that pointed strongly to the nephew as the murderer of 
his uncle. He was arrested, brought to Vinton and committed to the city cala- 
boose for examination, Avhich Avas set for Thursday, June 6, 1878, before W. 
B. Reynolds, Sr., Justice of the Peace. 

Between the time of the arrest and the day set for examination, the Ger- 
man citizens in Allers' neighborhood \vorked themselves to a degree of excite- 
ment that threatened mischief to the accused. This excitement seemed to be 
much increased by the discovery of several forgeries, said to have been committed 
burglaries, in addition to the foul murder of which the Germans in that section 
were satisfied he was guilty. Some time in the night of Wednesday they came 
to Vinton, a hundred strong, more or less, with the purpose, there seems to be 
no doubt, of meting out swift and condign punishment upon the culprit. Sheriff 
Smith, however, was advised of the movements, prepared for it, and there were 
no outward demonstrations. At the preliminary examination, Nichols & Cooper 
appeared for the State, and Traer & Bunham and Tewksbury & Worthen for 
the defense. Sheriff Smith, the first witness, testified, in substance, that the 
prisoner, Fred. Allers, came to his office with A. H. Shoemaker, May, 28, 
1878, and said he wanted to talk to him (the Sheriff) about his Uncle Carle. 
He said he killed his uncle at his stable, early in the morning of November 25, 
three years ago last Fall, by striking him on the head with a hammer ; that he 
covered the body with straw, near a straw-stack, a short distance from the house ; 
that he then went to Belle Plaine with a load of wheat ; that on his return, 
about 1 o'clock, he dug a hole near where the body had been concealed, and 
buried it, together with his clothing, except a pair of boots, which he (Fred) 
afterward wore out. The motive for killing his uncle he stated to be, that he 
OAved him money, above $200, which he could not pay. 

W. L. Parmater, Deputy Sheriff", testified that on the morning of May 29, 
he was one of a party who went to the premises of Allers, in Kane Township ; 
that he examined the ground indicated by Allers as the place where the body 
of his uncle was buried ; that on digging a few inches from the surface he first 
discovered a small piece of bone ; next, fragments of clothing ; on further dig- 
ging, a part of a satchel, clothing, a watch, scraps of leather, bones, etc., were 
found. 

Dr. C. C. Griffin, one of the party in search of the body, testified to the 
finding of the articles mentioned by the former witness ; he testified also that the 
bones were those of a human being ; among them were the breast bone, collar 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 379 

bone, bones of one arm, bones of the wrist, shoulder-blade and vertebras ; also 
a part of a thigh bone. 

No witnesses were introduced by the defense, no argument made, and the 
fiend was committed to await trial. 

JAIL WANTED. 

June 8, 1878, the Board of Supervisors, deeply impressed with the impor- 
tance of building a substantial jail building on the lot purchased for that purpose, 
adopted the following preamble and resolution : 

Whereas, There is no jail in Benton County or belonging to said county, in which persons 
accused or convicted of crime can be safely kept; and 

Whereas, It is highly important that a good and substantial jail building should be located 
and built at Vinton for ihe use of the county for the purpose a/oresaid, therefore, be it 

Rtsolvid, That a proposition therefor be submitted to the qualified electors of said county at 
the general election for the year 1878, authorizing and empowering the Board of Supervisors of 
said county to contract for and build a jail for the use of said county, to be located at Vinton in 
said county, the cost of building not to exceed the sum of ten thousand dollars ; and also to levy 
a tax, not to exceed two mills on the dollar on the taxable property of said county, in addition to 
the usual levy of taxes, at the next annual period for levying taxes after said proposition has 
been submitted, to pay for the erection of said jail building, and that the whole question, includ- 
ing the sum to be raised and the amount of tax to be levied, be published in the manner provided 
by law, prior to said general election. The proposition printed on ballots shall be as follows, 
to wit : 

Those voting in favor of the proposition, " For^the Jail Proposition and Tax." 

Those voting against the proposition, " Against'the Jail Proposition and Tax." 

THE EGYPT OF BENTON COUNTY\ 

It has been said that the reign of anarchy, confusion and utter disregard 
of law which prevailed in Benton County thirty years ago practically ceased 
about 1854. That is true, in the main, save in one little spot, where, if the fire 
did not fiercely blaze, it smoldered in the embers, and the old-time spirit was never 
entirely obliterated. Strange as it may seem, here, in 1878, history repeats 
itself, and the lawlessness of 1848 is not only repeated, but intensified. This 
little spot, from which the clouds of the " dark ages " have never been entirely 
lifted, is a portion of the eastern part of Benton Township, about three miles 
east of the ancient town of Benton City, and about the same distance north of 
Shellsburg, near the county line. Here, in the dense timber, has always been 
a favorite resort and refuge of a class of disreputable characters, thieves and 
outlaws. It has never been freed from their presence since the first settlement 
of the country, and it may be called the Egypt of Benton County. The 
extensive tract of timber in that region renders it almost impossible for an oflS- 
cer of the law to find and arrest an oifender. 

But for many years after the reign of the horse thieves and Regulators was 
ended, about 1854, but little was known or heard of this neighborhood. The 
smoldering fires of lawlessness would occasionally break into a flame, and the 
community would be startled by some reckless act, until, about ten years ago, 
there seems to liave been trouble among the denizens of that locality, and since 
that time there have been two parties ; and now there are the Regulators, or Vig- 
ilantes, who are watching for the others, whom they call thieves, while the 
thieves are watching for the Regulators. Between them, as, thirty years ago. 
was the case between the Regulators and horse thieves, there is constant wai* 
fare ; and as then, there is a complete disregard for law and civil authority. 

BURNING AND SHOOTING. 

In 1848, it was lynching and flogging. Men suspected of connection with, 
thieves were compelled to "hug trees" while their bare backs were exposed tO' 



380 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

the pitiless blows of the whip, or hickory withe ; but in more modern days, burn- 
ing and shooting have been the order of the day. Scenes of fire and bloodshed 
have been enacted that were a disgrace to civilization. For several years, one 
William Hicks and a ftimily named Jones, had been held in bad repute, and 
suspected of being connected Avith much of the mischief and petty thieving that 
had been going on in that neighborhood for years. Unlike the outlaws of thirty 
years ago, whose principal occupation was stealing horses and passing counter- 
feit money, their successors were in the habit of stealing anything they could get 
their hands upon. Having tried the law as a remedy for these petty outrages, 
and failed, the Regulators determined to take the law into their own hands. 
Anonymous letters were sent to Hicks and Jones, warning them to flee from 
the wrath to come, and leave the country; but without effect. The suspected 
parties continued to live in the neighborhood, and still the petty depredations 
continued, until on Monday night, June 10, 1878, a squad of persons unknown 
visited Hicks' premises and set on fire his two stables and a small frame build- 
ing near the cabin in which he lived. Aroused by the fire, Hicks came out and 
was greeted with a volley of musketry. He was wounded in the head and right 
leg and foot, but "broke" for the brush and made his escape The Vigilantes 
then visited Jones' and fired several volleys at the house, but failing to bring any 
body out, they dispersed. Since that time several suspected persons and fami- 
lies have left. 

On Sunday morning, July 7, 1878, John Mason, who has long sustained a 
bad character, and well known to the officers of the law, was on his way from 
Cedar Rapids to the house of his sister, in Benton Township; when near Mills 
Creek, he became alarmed by something suspicious in the brush, and leaped from 
the buggy ; he was fired upon by a party concealed in the woods, and fell mor- 
tally wounded in the hip before he could reach the shelter of the woods. It is 
said that Millard F. Tracy was about to fire at the fallen man again after he 
fell, but was prevented by Henry Fisher, and Mason was taken to Fisher's 
house where his wounds were dressed, and then he was started off" in a Avagon 
to Tracy's house, accompanied by G. F. McCoy and Charles Hanover. Be- 
tween twelve and one o'clock, Sunday afternoon, the wounded man was lying 
on abed in the southwest corner of the south room in Tracy's dwelling. Han- 
over was sitting on the east side of the room. Tracy and McCoy, it is said, 
were seated at a table on the north side of the north room. At this time a 
party of ruffians, numbering six or seven, it is said, disguised by wearing hoods 
drawn over their heads, and coats turned inside out, appeared at the door of 
the house, which was at the west side of the north room. Tracy and McCoy 
testified that the assassins fired a volley at them as they sat at the table, but did 
not injure them. However this may be, and their testimony is not received 
with implicit credence, the murderers passed into the south room to the bedside 
of Mason, and perforated his body with bullets. Five wounds, at least, any 
one of which would have proved fatal, were found by Dr. Langstroth, of 
Vinton. 

Information that a man had been murdered in Benton Township, as above 
stated, was brought to Vinton in the afternoon, when Sheriff" Smith, Coroner 
Kirkpatrick, Dr. Langstroth, and others started for the scene of blood, and 
found the dead body of the man lying where he had been murdered. The re- 
mains were brought to Vinton, arriving about midnight, and an inquest was 
held in the morning (Monday July 8), the verdict of the Coroner's jury being, 
substantially, that the deceased came to his death at the hands of a party of 
masked men, by wounds inflicted by bullets discharged from revolvers. 



I 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 381 

The body lay exposed to public view on a table in the Court House yard 
for a time, and presented a most horrible and ghastly spectacle. 

It is stated that Mason had several hundred dollars in money in his wallet, 
and a Avatcli in his vest ; the money he took out of the vest pocket and put un- 
der his pillow when he lay down in the bed in Tracy's house ; but after his 
murder, no vest, money or watch could be found. 

For cowardly brutality and cold blooded atrocity, this murder of Mason 
has seldom been equaled in the annals of crime. It was a startling culmina- 
tion of a long-continued carnival of lawlessness, and awakened the citizens of 
the county to the necessity of prompt and energetic measures for the termina- 
tion forever of this terrible state of affairs that has been so long a disgrace to 
the county. Nothing in the history of Indian warfare can exceed in savage 
ferocity this cold-blooded murder of MasOn. The following extract from the 
comments of the newspapers on this horrible affair, will make a fitting close for 
this the latest chapter of Benton county history. 

The good name of Benton County is involved in this matter. Every well- 
disposed citizen is interested in having all concerned in this great crime de- 
tected and punished. It matters not what was the character of Mason ; he was 
as much entitled to the protection of the law as any man in the community. 
It matters not what the character, standing or number of his assassins ; justice 
demands that they be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Mobs and mob 
executions can under no circumstances be encouraged or tolerated. Let no 
pajns or expense be spared to apprehend and bring to punishment these great 
offenders against law and order. 

THE ECLIPSE OF 1869. 

Every inhabitant of Benton County, save those deprived by misfortune of sight, 
had ample opportunity to observe the startling phenomena attending the total 
eclipse of the sun on the afternoon of Aug. 7, 1869, the whole of the county 
being within the line of the totality, or within the belt 156 miles in breadth in 
which the body of the moon completely hid the sun from view. In the absence 
of any local description of the sublime spectacle, recourse is had to an account 
written by the well-known astronomer and graphic writer, E. Colbert, who was 
one of the observers from the station at Des Moines. Nothing was specially 
noticeable during the encroaching motion of the moon, until only a slender crescent 
of sunlight remained, except a diminution of light, giving a pallid cast to objects 
in the far horizon. When the disk of the sun was almost covered and the light 
began to diminish sensibly, a chilliness crept into the air, not like the coolness 
of a Summer evening, but like the biting fingers of a Winter storm. This 
reduction in temperature was almost awful in its swift approach. Birds and 
domestic fowls sought their roosts, dogs and horses manifested much uneasiness 
and in some instances positive terror, and even cattle huddled together in fear 
at the swiftly approaching darkness. 

The corona, as viewed through an excellent glass, was remarkably different 
from all preconceived notions on the subject, and from all previous descriptions, 
both in size and shape. It has always been represented as nearly annular 
(ring formed), of about ec^ual breadth all the way round the edge of the moon, 
and not more than. one-tenth of her apparent diameter. The corona of the 7th 
was exceedingly irregular in its outline, and in some places projected to a dis- 
tance fully half the apparent diameter of the moon, or nearly 500,000 miles. 
The greatest length was almost identical with the direction of the moon's path 
across the face of the sun. which very nearly coincided with the plane of the 



382 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

ecliptic. From the east side a mass of light shot out to a distance of five or 
six digits ; it was about thirty degrees wide at the base, and shaped nearly like 
the remote half of a silver-poplar leaf. Near the moon it shone with an 
almost uniform white light, but within a short space it broke up into brilliant 
rays, almost parallel with each other, and all pointing nearly toward the center. 
Still further out, these rays assumed more of a streaky character, seeming to 
lie against a darker background, and toward the summit they faded away into 
a more diffused and milder light, though still distinct and bright. Near the 
extremity it appeared more like a cumulus cloud, but the central direction of 
the rays was plainly visible. It melted away into the azure background almost 
imperceptibly, but the outline was perfect, except at the very extremity of the 
leaf-shaped mass. On the other side of the disk was a corresponding tongue, 
but less regular, and extending only about two-thirds as far into the void. 
This position was more brilliant near the base than its counterpart, and was 
sharply defined at the very extremity, the rays blending so thickly that it 
required a steady gaze to separate them. The extent of this portion was about 
285,000 miles. One observer saw the light reflected from the moon's edge 
at a distance of 54,000 miles from the sun's body, while the light Avas reflected 
from the other edge at a distance of 74,000 miles. The total width of the 
corona was about 1,600,000 miles. 

The broadest mass of covered light was visible on the left (in the southwest 
quarter). This sprung from an arc of about fifty degrees on the moon's circum- 
ference to a height of three digits, or 234,000 miles. This mass was more 
diffused than either of the others, and separated near the extremity into narrow 
leaflets of light, something like the flame from a thinly spread bed of coals, 
only there was no red, the light being pure white, with a faint coruscation. 
Opposite to this, on the right, was another leaf-spread mass of four digits in 
height, on a basis of tw^enty to twenty-five degrees, and like a parabola in gen- 
eral outline, which was, however, broken up on the outer side into jets. An- 
other broad sheet sprung up on the northeast, toward the zenith, nearly rect- 
angular in shape, and three to four digits high, the upper third part being 
divided irregularly into tongues of light, formed by assemblages of rays. 
Between these large masses the circumference of the lunar orb was filled up by 
radiate lines of brilliant light, extending on an average a digit and a half in 
height, of 125,000 miles from the sun's surface. It was noticeable that this 
continuous band was the narrowest on the lower left-hand side (southwest by 
south), averaging about two-thirds of the width elscAvhere, and was badly broken 
on its entire outline, as if the regularity Avere interfered with by the action of 
the string of bead-like protuberances jutting up through the interior portion of 
its volume. 

The full amount of this irregularity Avas not perceptible AA'ith the naked eye, 
but the general distribution of long and short rays Avas the same. To the 
unaided vision the narrower portions of the corona Avere visible and bright ; but 
the tongue-like extensions faded out into nothingness, Avhereas the telescope 
gave a definite outline all around, except at the summit of the first-named pro- 
trusion. The apparent color of the protuberances Avas a pinkish red. The 
instant that the last film of light had vanished, leaving the sun in utter dark- 
ness, and simultaneously Avith the out-flash of the corona, the line of protuber- 
ances on the south limb burst into vicAV. Soon after the western edge of the 
moon had advanced sufficiently to uncover the protuberances on that side, and 
the four largest remained distinctly visible till the last glimmer of light Avas 
visible, Avhen they vanished with the corona, leaving the world in the deep 



HISTORY OF BENTOX COUNTY. 



383 



darkness of total eclipse. A moment passed, and those occupying elevated 
positions could see the shadow of approaching darkness moving toward them 
swiftly as the ripples are raised on a phicid lake by a Summer breeze, but awful, 
intense and terrible — fearful as a procession of spirits in the lower circle of 
the "Inferno." A few seconds of expectancy and the light Avas gone. It w^as 
an interval of absolute silence and of total darkness ; for the eyes of the observer 
had been contracted by the rays of the sun, and needed two or three seconds to 
dilate sufficiently to distinguish any object whatever. Nothing terrestrial could 
be seen, the darkness was too great; but by looking upward the stars could be 
noticed to creep out, one by one, until over a dozen could be discerned Avith the 
naked eye. 




WAR HISTORY. 



If there is any one thing more than another of which the people of the 
Northern States have reason to be proud, it is of the record they made during 
the dark and bloody days when red-handed rebellion raised its hideous head and 
threatened the life of the nation. When the war was forced upon the country, 
the people were quietly pursuing the even tenor of their ways, doing whatever 
their hands found to do — working the mines, making farms or cultivating those 
already made, erecting homes, founding cities and towns, building shops and 
manufactories — in short, the country was alive with industry and hopes for the 
future. The people were just recovering from the depression and losses incident 
to the financial panic of 1857. The future looked bright and promising, and 
the industrious and patriotic sons and daughters of the Free States were buoyant 
with hope, looking forward to the perfecting of new plans for the insureraent of 
comfort and competence in their declining years ; they little heeded the mutter- 
ings and threatenings of treason's children in the Slave States of the South. 
True sons and descendants of the heroes of the "times that tried men's souls" 
— the struggle for American independence — they never dreamed that there was 
even one so base as to dare attempt the destruction of the Union of their 
fathers — a government baptized with the best blood the world ever knew. 
While immediately surrounded with peace and tranquillity, they paid but little 
attention to the rumored plots and plans of those who lived and grew rich from 
the sweat and toil, blood and flesh, of others — aye, even trafficked in the off- 
spring of their own loins. Nevertheless, the war came with all its attendant 
horrors. 

April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter, at Charleston, South Carolina, Maj. Ander- 
son, tJ. S. A., commandant, was fired upon by rebels in arms. Although 
basest treason, this first act in the bloody reality that followed was looked upon 
as the mere bravado of a few hot-heads — the act of a few fire-eaters whose sec- 
tional bias and freedom and hatred was crazed by the excessive indulgence in 
intoxicating potations. When, a day later, the news was borne along the tele- 
graph wires that Maj. Anderson had been forced to surrender to what had first 
been regarded as a drunken mob, the patriotic people of the North were startled 
from their dreams of the future, from undertakings half completed, and made to 
realize that behind that mob there was a dark, deep and well organized purpose 
to destroy the government, rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins erect 
a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare question their right to hold in 
bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black, or who, per- 
chance, through practices of lustful natures, were half or quarter removed from 
the color that God, for His own purpose, had given them. But they "reckoned 
without their host." Their dreams of the future, their plans for the establish- 
ment of an independent confederacy, were doomed from their inception to sad 
and bitter disappointment. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 385 

Immediately upon the surrender of Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln — 
America's martyr President, who, but a few short weeks before, had taken the 
oath of office as the nation's chief executive — issued a proclamation calling for 
75.000 volunteers for three months. The last word had scarcely been taken 
from the electric wires before the call was filled. Men and money were counted 
out by hundreds and thousands. The people who loved their whole govern- 
ment could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated 
through every heart. The farm, the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, 
the bench, the college, the school house — every calling offered its best men, their 
lives and fortunes in defense of the government's honor and unity. Party lines 
were for the time ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of political heat, 
were forgotten and forgiven, and joining hands in a common cause, they 
repeate the oath of America's soldier-statesman : '"'' By the Great Uternal, the 
Union must and shall be jjreserved ! " 

Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the rebellion. Nor 
were ten times that number. The war went on, and call followed call, until it 
began to look as if there would not be men enough in all the Free States to 
crush out and subdue the monstrous war traitors had inaugurated. But to 
every call for either men or money there was a willing and ready response. 
And it is a boast of the people that, had the supply of men fallen short, there 
were women brave enough, daring enough, patriotic enough, to have offered 
themselves as sacrifices on their country's altar. Such were the impulses, 
motives and actions of the patriotic men of the North, among Avhom the sons of 
Benton County made a conspicuous and praiseworthy record. Of the offerings 
made by these people during the great and final struggle between freedom and 
slavery it is the purpose noAV to write. 

April 14, A. D. 1861, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, 

issued the following : 

PROCLAMATION. 

Whkkeas, The laws of the United States have been and now are violently opposed in sev- 
eral States, by combinations too powerful t« be suppressed in the ordinary way; I therefore call 
for t*lie militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of 75,000, to suppress 
said combinations and execute the laws. I appeal to all loyal citizens to facilitate and aid in 
this effort to maintain the laws and integrity of the perpetuity of the popular government, and 
redress wrongs long enough endured. The first service assigned to the forces, probably, will be 
to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union. Let the 
utmost care be taken, consistent with the object,, to avoid devastation, destruction, interference 
with the property of peaceful citizens in any part of the country, and I hereby command per- 
sons composing the aforesaid combination to disperse within twenty days from date. 

I hereby convene both Houses of Congress for the 4tli day of Jul}' next, to determine upon 
measures for public safety which the interest of the subject demands. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

Wm. H. Sew AV.V), Scci-elari/ of State. President of the United States. 

The gauntlet thrown down by the traitors of the South was accepted — not, 
however, in the spirit with which insolence meets insolence — but with a firm, 
determined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The duty of the President 
was plain, under the Constitution and the laws, and above and beyond all, the 
people from whom political power is derived, demanded the suppression of the 
rebellion, and stood ready to sustain the authority of their representatives and 
executive officers. 

It is impossible for any historian to do full justice to the spirit and 
patriotism of this people in the early days of this gigantic and bloody struggle 
waged by the American people against rebellion, and their liberal and continu- 
ous contributions to maintain the integrity of this glorious Union. It is, 
indeed, a proud record ; for from among them went out brave soldiers and 



386 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

efficient leaders to aid in the grand struggle for the maintenance and perpetuity 
of the Union. 

A union of lakes, a union of lands, 

A union that none can sever; 
A union of hearts, a union of hands — 

The American Union forever. 

Never before in the world's history was witnessed such an uprising of the 
masses, such unanimity of sentiment, such willingness to sacrifice life and 
money on the altar of patriotism. 

When the first companies were being raised, measures were inaugurated and 
carried out to raise money by subscription for the support of the families of the 
volunteers. But there were so many calls for men, and the number and needs 
of these families whose providers had gone to defend the life of the nation, that 
it became an impossibility for private purses, however willing their holders, to 
supply all the demand, and the county authorities made frequent and liberal 
appropriations from the public treasury for that purpose. Private liberality 
still continued. This money was raised in the midst of the excitement of war, 
when the exigencies of the times demanded it, and the generous people never 
thought to inquire how much was given. Aside from the sums appropriated 
by county authority, no account was ever kept. Had there been, the sum 
would now seem almost fabulous. 

UNION MEETING. 

The first grand rally of the people of Benton County after the fall of Fort 
Sumter, was a large and enthusiastic meeting at the Court House on Friday, 
April 19, 1861. John Shane, Esq., was called to the chair, and W. W. Han- 
ford appointed Secretary. A committee was appointed to draft resolutions, con- 
sisting of Messrs. S. P. Vanatta, J. S. Hunt and J. Wetz. While the com- 
mittee were attending to their duty, stirring speeches were made by the Chair- 
man, Russell Jones, Col. G. W. Sells, W. F. Pickerell and J. S. Hunt. The 
committee on resolutions reported the following : 

Where vs, A portion of the people living under the Government of the United States, has 
seen tit to set at naught the authority of the National Government, to take possession of the public 
and other property not rightly in their possession, and has opposed by arms the legally consti- 
tuted authority, and has by unmistakable acts declared an aggressive war against our beloved 
institutions, therefore. 

Resolved, That the people of Vinton as good citizens of the United States, should and do 
regret with sincere feelings the rashness which has driven the Southern people into arms against 
the Government, and the terrible necessity of civil war which has thus been forced upon us. 

Resolved, That as good citizens, it is our solemn and unavoidable duty to sustain and uphold 
the Government and the execution of its laws and the vindication of its authority. 

Resolved, That we will give our devoted attachment, our unwavering contidence and our 
unconditional support to the Government of the United States. 

Resolved, That our hearts .are still loyal to the great principle of constitutional liberty and 
free government, upon which the wisdom of our forefathers erected the temple of the constitu- 
tion, under the shade of wh'ch we have enjoyed so great and so many blessings, and that the 
ruthless hand and traitorous heart that would destroy this beautiful temple, merits from us the 
severest reprobation and the most undaunted opposition. 

Resolved, That if we cannot have union, we will preserve liberty and the Constitution. 

Resolved, That as citizens of Vinton, we hereby pledge ourselves to defray the expenses 
necessary in procuring uniforms and an outfit for a volunteer company to be raised in Benton 
County, to protect the Government of the United Slates, the Constitution and enforce the laws. 

After patriotic speeches by S. P. Vanatta, John McCartney and the declara- 
tion by W. C. Connell that he would head the list for a company in Benton 
County, the resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

A committee of three was appointed, consisting of J. S. Hunt, W. C. Con- 
nell and W. A. Walker to recruit a company, and the meeting adjourned to 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 387 

next Tuesday, 23J. On Saturday, 20tli, a recruiting office was opened at Con- 
nell & Vanatta's law office, and a number enlisted. 

On Tuesday evening the Court House was crowded to overflowing, W. C. 
Connell in the chair, and J. W. Traer, Secretary. The most intense enthusiasm 
prevailed. Earnest and thrilling speeches were made by S. P. Vanatta, C. H. 
Conklin, W. C. Gaston, S. Douglass, Rev. J. M. Rankin, W. C. Smith, and 
the unanimous sentiment was a determination to stand shoulder to shoulder in 
support of the administration and in crushing the rebellion. 

The following resolution proposed by Mr. Vanatta was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That we as citizens of Benton County, Iowa, hereby agree and pledge ourselves to 
support and maintain in a decent and respectable manner — such as :s suitable to their condition 
— the families of all those who may volunteer their services as soldiers in the present war, to 
assist to subdue and put down all traitors and rebels to our Government, and that the families of 
none such shall want for any of the necessities of life so long as we are able to support them there- 
with. 

After the passage of this resolution, several more volunteers enlisted, and the 
company adjourned until Saturday. 

The first man to enlist in the first company of volunteers raised in Benton 
County Avas W. C. Connell, Esq., followed by J. S. Hunt, W. F. Pickerell, M. 
Thompson, W. A Walker, John Dempsey and Edwin Jenks. 

Earlier in the week several young men went to Cedar Rapids to enlist, and 
two — P. Murdick and George Reifenstahl — did enlist in the First Iowa. 

April 25, 1861, the first action taken by the Board of Supervisors in regard 
to the war Avas a resolution presented by John Slattery at the special session of 
the Board, whicli read as follows : 

Whereas, The President of the United States has called upon the several States of the 
Union for volunteers to sustain the honor and integ'ity of the Government against the assaults 
of rebels and traitors who have seized the public property, stolen its money, stormed its forts 
and otherwise insulted the flag of the United States ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, By and with the advice and consent of the Board of Supervisors of Bei.ton County, 
that, in case a company of volunteers is raised within said county, the sum of five hundred 
dollars (?5U()) is hereby appropriated to aid in the equipment of said volunteers; and upon due 
proof furnished to the Clerk of the Board that said company of volunteers has been collected, 
that he is authorized to issue a warrant or warrants to the amount of five hundred dollars for 
the purpose specified. . 

This resolution Avas carried by the following vote : Yeas — Springer, Slat- 
tery, Christie, Stocher, Palmer, Treanor, Kirkpatrick, Dwigans, Robinson, 
Livermore and McQuin — 11. Nays — Rice, Miskimin, Forsyth, Mickey, Gwin, 
Smith, Austin, Lamosee and Inman — 9. 

It is proper to add that those who voted in the negative believed that no 
business could be legally transacted at a special session, other than that for 
which the session Avas called. Hence they voted "No." 

Another public meeting Avas held in the Court House on the 28th, at which 
speeches Avere made by Mr. Geddes, John Slattery, Joseph Dysart, J. S. Hunt 
and W. C. Gaston. 

On Tuesday, April 30, a large and enthusiastic meeting Avas held in 
Big Grove Township. John Ruftcorn presided and J. C. Rhodabeck was 
Secretary. The meeting Avas addressed by Jacob Wetz, W. C. Smith, Dennis 
Kennedy, J. Ruftcorn, J. S. Hunt, H. S. Bailey, S. Mahin, J. C. Rhodabeck 
and Peter Shultz. 

The ladies of Vinton held a meeting on Tuesday, the 30th, for the purpose 
of preparing lint and bandages for the use of volunteers. 

The first company raised in Benton County met in the Court House Satur- 
day afternoon. May 4, took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United 



388 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

States and to obey the call of the Governor, and elected officers as follows : 
Jacob S. Hunt (who had served in the Mexican war), Captain ; William C. 
Connell, First Lieutenant ; William F. Pickerell, Second Lieutenant ; William 
A. Walker, Third Lieutenant; Jacob Wetz, Ensign. The non-commissioned 
officers afterward appointed were : J. A. McClure, Orderly Sergeant ; Nathan 
Rice, Second Sergeant ; David Barnett, Third Sergeant ; John K. Raser, First 
Corporal ; R. H. Kirkpatrick, G. B. Mills, Samuel Oberlander, Corporals ; 
Arke Jenks, Fifer; J. R. Boyd, Drummer; James E. White, Bass Drummer. 
Saturday night, at a meeting in the Ccurt House, the company was reported 
full. 

GRAND UNION RALLY. 

On Wednesday evening. May 1, 1861, a grand Union rally was held at 
the Court House. Dr. W. S. Boyd was President; Fletcher Drummond, Sec- 
retary, and J. C. Traer, W. C. Gaston, Samuel Douglass, John Pyne and John 
Shane, Committee on Resolutions. The resolutions were as follows : 

Where7\s, The news has just been received that a second call for volunteers has been made, 
to the number of eighty-five thousand, by the President of the United States, and 

Whereas, There is a company forming in this place from our own citizens, therefore, 

Resolved, That it is the duty of every loyal citizen of this county to aid said organization 
by every means in their power, either by enlisting or by furnishing the means to enable those 
who are willing to enlist to enable them to leave their ftimilies in comfortable circumstances. 

Resolved That the present threatening aspect of national affairs imperatively calls for some 
immediate steps to be taken by our State authorities to place this State on a war footing. 

Resolved. That we are in f^lvor of an appropriation of $500,000, or a sum sufficient to pur- 
chase the necessary arms, and the passage of a military law which will require every man in the 
State between 18 and 45, who is not disabled by disease, to enroll himself and pei-form military 
duty. 

Resolved, That in the present great and trying time of our country's peril, we believe it to 
be the duty of all good citizens, without distinction of party, sect or creed, to lay aside all differ- 
ences of opinion, and act as one man for the defense and sustenance of the present Administra- 
tion in its noble efforts to suppress insurrections and to put down traitors and rebels. 

The following donations were made : By John Shane, a gold watch, valued 
at $75 ; by Judge Douglass, $100 ; by Dr. Traer, $50 ; by Joseph Dysart, $25 
and flour enough to keep two families one year ; by Dr. Boyd, his professional 
services, gratis, to the ftimilies of all volunteers during their absence. 

The following resolutions were adopted on motion of John Shane : 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to draft a memorial to the Legislature of 
Iowa, and to procure signers' names to the same, requesting that body to enact a law authorizing 
and empowering counties and incorporated towns to make appropriations for the support of the 
families of such as may volunteer in the defense of the Government. 

Resolved, That the Legislature of Iowa be requested to enact a law making it unlawful for 
any execution to issue against any person who volunteers, while he remains in active service. 

Resolved, That a committee of ten be appointed to raise means for the purpose of providing 
for the temporary wants of those who have volunteered. 

The committees ordered by these resolutions were appointed by the chair, as 

follows : 

To draft memorial — W. C Gaston, S. P. Vanatta and Joseph Dysart. 

To provide for families of volunteers — E. Ervin, J. E. Palmer, John Slat- 
tery, J. M. Inman, Rufus Berry, John Parker, S. H. Watson, M. P. Adams, 
J. M. Rankin and John S. Forsyth. 

AT Parker's grove 

a meeting was held on the same evening as the above, for the purpose of waking 
up enthusiasm, and the formation of a company of Home Guards. C. P. Neal 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 389 

was Chairman, and J. L. Budd, Secretary. A Committee on Resolutions was 
appointed, who reported the following : 

AVhereas, a portion of these United States have seceded from the Union, and have further 
engaged in open rebellion against our Government, and are in actual hostilities against our com- 
mon country, by robbing our mints and attacking our forts and arsenals ; 

And Whereas, The Capitol of our nation and other portions of our country are in imminent 
danger, and many points in our own State are measurably defenseless from an attack of our 
enemies ; therefore, 

Resolved, That we hold it to be the sacred duty of every citizen to defend his country from 
the aggressions of the foe. and assist our Government in the maintenance of her laws, and espe- 
cially to defend his home and his family fi'om the assaults of invaders ; 

Resolved, That we, citizens of Benton County, do form ourselves into a military company, 
for the purpose of assisting in the protection of the Government ; and do agree to devote a por- 
tion of our time to military discipline, and to hold ourselves prepared for any emergency that 
may arise. 

Col. Sells, Mr. Vanatta, Rev. R. King and others addressed the meeting, 
and "enthusiasm was waked" indeed. 

AT HICKORY GROVE, 

May 5th, a national flag, prepared by the ladies, Avas raised, amid the enthusi- 
astic cheers of an assembled multitude. A poetic address to the flag, written 
by Isaiah Morris, was read, after which, the people gathered at the school 
house, where I. G. Burnett was called to the chair, George Black appointed 
Secretary, and Amos Dean, Caleb Carter and Isaiah Morris, Committee on 
Resolutions. The committee reported as follows : 

Deeply regretting the necessity which now compels our Government to assume a defensive 
attitude, but fully convinced that such is the fact, be it 

Resolved, That we will sustain the Government at all hazards. 

Resolved, That as we have heretofore, in all our political contests, professed great devotion 
to our Constitution and Flag, now is the time to prove ivho were sincere at heart in their profes- 
sions and who were not. 

Resolved, That we consider old party ties amongthe things that have been, and that there are 
but two parties now in our country, viz.: the Union and Order Party, and the Disunion and 
Anarchy Party. 

Resolved, That we pledge to our country our best efforts to sustain the flag, and to each 
other mutual defense and protection. 

Resolved, That whoever is the friend of the Stars and Stripes, is our friend ; and whoever 
insults our brave old flag, insults us. 

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. Patriotic and thrilling speeches 
were made by A. G. Hanna, S. S. Parks, I. G. Burnett, William Evans, Caleb 
Carter, L. M. Holt and Amos Dean, and a military company of twenty-eight 
men was formed. 

Other patriotic meetings were held in different parts of the county ; but 
those given above are sufficient to show the spirit that animated the people in 
that hour of the nation's peril. 

May 16th, the cloth for the uniforms of the " Benton County Volunteers " 
having arrived, Mary H. Taggart and Margaret E. Shields called upon the 
patriotic ladies of Vinton to meet at Rev. N. C. Robinson's church, on Satur- 
day afternoon, 18th, to see how many would engage in the work of making the 
uniforms. 

May 11th, the citizens of Harrison formed a military company of riflemen, 
called the " Harrison Rangers," for the purpose of acting as a reserve, ready 
at the call of the State authorities to assist in the enforcement of the laws, in 
repelling invasion and supporting the Federal Government ; and on the 18th 
of May, James L. Geddes was elected Captain. A company was organized in 
Eden, also. 



390 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

At the June session the Board of Supervisors, took cognizance of the 
appropriation of $500 ; and on the 6th of June, John Slattery, Stoughton 
Lamoree and Jacob Austin were appointed a special committee to investigate 
the matter of the application of the $500 to the use of the volunteer company, 
and to report the same to the Board October 14, 1861. 

John Slattery, W. F. Kirkpatrick and M. C Smith weie appointed a com- 
mittee to inquire into, and report to this Board at its then present session, " by 
whom, how and for what purposes the money was applied that was voted by 
this Board at its May session for the equipment of the ' Benton County Vol- 
unteers.' " 

DEPARTURE OF THE FIRST COMPANY. 

The time came at last when the Benton County Volunteers were called upon 
to join the armed hosts that were pouring down from the North to battle for the 
Union on the sunny plains of the South. 

On Monday evening, July 8th, the people gathered at the Presbyterian 
Church for the purpose of bidding farewell to the company. John Shane was 
Chairman, and S. H. Watson. Secretary. Speeches were made by Messrs. 
Shane, Shutts, Robinson, Wright, Gaston and others, and a Testament was 
presented to each one of the volunteers. 

On Tuesday morning, the 9th of July, the people of town and county again 
assembled to take a, last look at and to give the parting grasp to somec herished 
husband, father, brother, son or lover. It Avas truly touching to witness the 
demonstrations of affection and of friendship ; to behold the streaming eyes 
and quivering lips of some wife, mother, daughter or sister, who, clinging to 
the object of her love, seemed bent on improving with her affectionate counsels 
and other manifestations of love, each precious moment previous to the com- 
pany's departure. 

At about 11 o'clock, the volunteers were drawn up in front of the Shields 
House, and Mr. B. R. Sherman, who had been designated therefor by the lady 
donors of the flag, appeared, flag in hand, and addressed the company in the 
presence of the vast crowd in the most happy and felicitous manner, and was 
highly appreciated by all present. Lieut. Pickerell eloquently responded to the 
presentation speech in behalf of the company. 

Revolvers were also presented to Capt. Hunt and Lieuts. Pickerell and 
Oberlander, accompanied by excellent speeches from Messrs. Douglass and 
Sells. Judge Douglass donated sixty-four pairs of shoes, following which the 
Captain called the roll, and several persons named thereon failing to respond, 
having squarely "backed out," were justly stigmatized as "traitors" and 
" cowards " by the company. The ceremonies concluded, the company, escorted 
by the Vinton Brass Band, took up their line of march amid the outbursts of 
tears and sobs of the welling hearts to be left behind, for the opposite side of 
the river, where wagons were in waiting to convey them to Independence, from 
whence they were to go by cars to Dubuque, and from thence to Burlington by 
boat, and become Company G, Fifth Iowa Volunteers. 

It is but just to add that Mr. Council, who had been elected First Lieuten- 
ant of the company, was prevented from going by the illness of his wife. 

After the disastrous Ijattle of Bull Run, recruiting was vigorously prose- 
cuted in Benton County. August 3d, the Harrison Rangers, Capt. Geddes, 
paraded in the streets of Vinton and were ordered to rendezvous at Davenport 
as soon as the ranks were full. This company became Company D, Eighth 
Iowa Volunteers. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 391 

Early in September, a cavalry company was organized by choice of John 
Shane, Captain ; James H. Shutts, First Lieutenant ; and William A. Walker, 
Second Lieutenant. 

While as a rule the people of Benton County were generous in the contri- 
bution for the support of the families of the volunteers, there were a few, as is 
to be inferred from the following extract from an article headed " To Whom It 
May Concern," in the Vinton Eagle of October 8, 1861, who did not come to 
time. The Eagle said : 

But of all the accursed meanness extant, that of advising the poor, sickly wife of one of the 

volunteers to take in washing for the support of herself and children, while her husband, her 
only support in this life, is olf like a true man, exposing his life for the general cause, caps the 
climax. The next meanest act is that of doling out a few pounds of flour to a half-starved 
woman with a large family, and at the same time, warning her to be as saving of it as possible. 
Bah ! it makes us fairly sick to have to write about such littleness of soul. Of what avail is it to 
observe a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer to the end that the Almighty will sliower down 
plentiful blessings upon us as a community, unless a stop is put to the daily fasting that is going 
on in our midst ? It will not require a great deal of searching to find volunteers' families who 
are destitute of almost everything but flour, and who have but precious little of that. We do 
not purpose to specify families It is for such men as we have last designated to look them up 
and relieve their wants. 

October 15, 1861, the Benton Guards, Captain Shane, left Vinton for camp 
McClellan, at Davenport, and was made Company G, Thirteenth Iowa. 

In November, the Ladies' Aid Society was organized in Vinton. 

August 6, 1862, a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors was called, 
and a bounty of $15 voted to be paid to each private and non-commissioned 
officer of two volunteer companies of 101 men each, but the raising of the 
money therefor was postponed until the next meeting. 

January 5, 1863, on motion of J. Rice, it was voted to extend aid to all 
families who need the same, whether wives or mothers (who are dependent on 
their sons for support) of soldiers. 

June 8, 1864, the Board appropriated $50 to aid the Soldiers' Home, at 
Clinton. 

October 20, 1864, the Board adopted the following resolution : 

Resolved, That a county order for |25 be presented to each man a resident of Benton County, 
Iowa, who volunteers in a Benton County Company before the 1st day of January, 1864, to serve 
three years or during the war ; said order to be presented to the volunteer, or their order, when 
they are accepted and mustered into the United States service. Provided, Not over 100 men 
enlist, and that the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to issue said orders in 
accordance with this resolution. 

January 1, 1864, a bounty of $100 was voted to each volunteer or drafted 
man in lieu of previous bounties offered by the Board. 

But a single volume would not give sufficient space in which to detail all the 
events pertaining to this part of our work. Suffice it to say that, as long as 
the war continued, money was ready — men were ready. Men of wealth fur- 
nished the former, and the less affluent filled the ranks — furnished the brawn, 
the muscle, the bravery, the sinews of war. Oftentimes, the former furnished 
not only their share of nioney, but shouldered their muskets and followed the 
starry flag, as well. 

Having noticed the financial sacrifices and the readiness of the wealthier part of 
the people to contribute liberally and continuou.sly of their means, we come now 
to the volunteer soldiery. And of these, what can we say ? What vivid words 
can the pen employ that will do justice to their heroic valor, to their unequaled 
and unparalleled bravery and endurance ? Home and home comforts, wives 
and little ones, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, were all given up for life and 
anger on the fields of battle — for exposure, fatigue, disease and death at the 



392 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



point of the bayonet or at the cannon's mouth. But little they recked of all 
these, but boldly and bravely went out with their lives in their hands to meet 
and to conquer the foes of the Union, maintain its supremacy and vindicate its 
honor and integrity. No more fitting tribute to their patriotic valor can be 
offered than a full and complete record, so far as it is possible to make it, 
embracing the names, the terms of enlistment, the battles in which they were 
engaged, and all the minutiie of their military lives. It will be a wreath of 
glory encircling every brow — a precious memento which each and every one of 
them earned in defense of their and Our common country. 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 

TAKEN PRINCIPALLY FROM ADJUTANT GENERAL'S REPORTS. 



ABBREVIATIONS. 



Adjt. 



Art Artillery 

Bat Battle or Battalion 

Col Colonel 

Capt Captain 

Corp Corporal 

Comsy, Commissary 

com commissioned 

cav cavalry 

captd captured 

desrtd deserted 

disab disabled 

disd discharged 

e enlisted 

excd exchanged 

inf infantry 

inv invalid 



Adjutant I. V. I Iowa Volunteer Infantry 



kid killed 

Lient Lieutenant 

Maj Major 

m. o mustered out 

prmtd promoted 

prisr prisoner 

Kegt Regiment 

re-e re-enlisted 

res resigned 

Sergt Sergeant 

trans transferred 

vet.. veteran 

V. B. C Veteran Reserve Corps 

wd wounded 

hon. disd honorably discharged! 



FIFTH INFANTRY. 



The regiment was mustered in at Burlington, July 15, 
1861, and ordered to Keokuk August 2, from which point 
they were sent into Missouri for a few days in pursuit of 
bushwhackers, after which they were sent to St. Louis, 
and from thence ordered to Jeflferson City, Mo. , and from 
there to Boonville, Mo.; thence followed the rebel army 
under Price to Springfield, Mo., and on their return, en- 
camped at Syracuse until the following February, when 
they were moved across the country to St. Louis, and 
thence by transport to Cairo, where they remained a few 
weeks and were transferred to Cape Girardeau They 
were then marched to New Madrid, where they had a 
skirmish with the enemy, and the first man from Cedar 
County, private Wm. Beaver, was killed. After the fall 
of New Madrid, they crossed the Mississippi and marched 
to Tiptonville to intercept and capture rebels, who were 
attempting to escape from Island No. 10. They were 
then ordered back to New Madrid, thence to a point above 
Fort Pillow, on the Mississippi, thence by way of Cairo 
and the Tennessee River to Pittsburg Landing, to take 
part in the operations before Corinth. 

Upon the evacuation of Corinth, they followed the 
rebels to Bienzi,and afterward remained in camp at Clear 
Creek, Rienzi and Jacinto until Sept. 18, 1862, when they 
started for luka, where, on the 19th, they took part in 
the battle of luka, where Co. A went into a fight with 
43 men, and had 27 killed and wounded. It was here 
that the regiment distinguished itself, so that it was com- 
plimented very highly by the Generals commanding. 
The position they held was in support of a battery, which, 
in consequence of a superiority of numbers of the enemy, 
was at one time captured ; but rallying to the rescue, the 



Fifth Regiment retook the battery with the terrible loss 
above mentioned. They returned to Jacinto on the 21st 
of September, thence moved to Corinth to take part in the 
battle at that place. Engaged in the pursuit of the rebels 
after that battle, they remained in camp at Corinth until 
November, when they joined the expedition against 
Vicksburg, going by way of Holly Springs to Oxford, 
thence to Memphis, where they remained in camp until 
Spring of 1863. 

From here they were ordered to Helena, thence in the 
Yazoo Pass expedition. After their return to Helena, 
they moved to Milliken's Bend, and through Louisiana 
to a point below Vicksburg, and thence by gunboat to a 
point below Grand Gulf, Miss.. From here they were 
ordered to Raymond and Jackson, and back to the battle 
of Champion Hill, where CO. A lost ten in killed and 
wounded. 

After this they engaged in the pursuit of the rebels to 
Vicksburg, and took part in the charge on the 22d of 
May. 

They then took their places in the siege of Vicksburg^ 
where they remained until the last of June, when they 
were ordered to Black River, to confront the enemy com- 
ing to the relief of Vicksburg. 

They returned to Vicksburg July 1, and remained in 
camp until Sept. 1, when they were ordered to Helsna for 
the purpose of joining the expedition against Little Rock, 
but were from there ordered to Chattanooga by way of 
Corinth, marching a considerable portion of the distance. 
They were then transferred to the Seventeenth Corps, and 
took part in the battle of Chickamauga, where the regiment 
lost 30 men in killed and wounded, and 8 oflHcers and 
76 men taken prisoners, leaving only 65 men in the regi- 
ment who answered at roll call that evening. They after- 
ward went down the river to Stevenson and Huntsville, 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



393 



Ala., where they remained all Winter. In April, 1864, 
the veterans nf the regiment went home on furloughB, 
and on their return were placed on the railroads to do 
guard duty, being most of the Summer at Kingslon, Ga. 
They pursued the rebel Gen. Wheeler in the last raid to 
the rear of Sherman, in .June, 18G4, traveling during the 
time nearly nine hundred miles, and being three weeks 
without blankets or change of clothing. 

About the last of July, 1864, the non-veterans of the 
regiment were mustered out of service, leaving 180 men, 
who, on application to the War Department, were trans- 
ferred to Fifth Iowa Cavalry, leaving eleven officers with- 
out a command, who were mustered out of service Sept. 
28, l,s64, at Gen. Kilpatrick's headquarters, fifteen miles 
south of Atlanta, Ga. 

Company C. 

Capt. .Tacob S. Hunt, com. 1861, resd. Jan. 14, 1862. 

Capt. Wm. r. I'ickerill, com. 1st lieut. 1861, prnitd. capt. 
Jan . 15, 1862, taken prisoner at Missionary Ridge Nov. 
25, 1863, hon. disd. Dec. 19, 1SG4. 

Second Lieut. Samuel Oberlender, com. 1861, resd. Jan. 
29, 1862. 

Second Lieut. Charles L. Summers, e. as sergt. June 24, 
1861, prmtd. to 1st sergt., then 2d lieut. Feb. 1, 1862, 
read. Sept. 3, 1862. 

Second Lieut. John E. Pangburn, e. as sergt. Jan. 24, 
1861, prmtd. to 1st sergt.. then 2d lieut. Sept. 4, 1862, 
wd. at luka, disd. Nov. 18, 1863. 

Sergt. Edwin Jenks, e June 24, 1861, disd. April 26, 1862, 
disab. 

Sergt. Daniel W. Artist, e. June 24, 1861, kid. in battle 
Champion Hills. 

Sergt. Jacob Wetz, e. June 24,1861, disd. Dec. 18, 1862, 
disab. 

Sergt. Basil H. Martin, e. June 24, 1861, wd. at luka. 

Sergt. Morgan Pratt, e. June 24, 1861, captd. at Chat- 
tanooga. 

Sergt. A. S. Mossman, e. June 24, 1861, wd. at Champion 
Hills, captd. at Missionary Ridge. 

Sergt. William Graham, e. June 15, 1861, captd. at Chat- 
tanooga. 

Sergt. A. Campbell, e. June 24, 1861, wd. at luka, trans, 
to Inv. Corps. 

Corp. W. S. Robbins, e. June 24, 1861. 

Corp. Edw. Cadman, e. June 24, 1861, wd. at Champion 
Hills, disd. Oct. 29, 1862. 

Corp. Lyman H. Starks, e. June 24, 1861. 

Corp. Milton Cox, e. June 15, 1861, disd. Feb. 13, 1862. j 

Corp. H. A. Day, e. June 24, 1861, disd. ' 

Corp. Patrick Downey, e. June 15, 1861, wd. at Champion 
Hills, died at Davenport Dec. 16, 1863. 

Corp. Simeon Wood, e. June 24, 1861, died at Booneville, 
Mo., Nov. 9,1861. 

Corp. Edward D. Cox, e. June 15, 1861, captd. at Chat- 
tanooga. 

Corp. Tliomas Shields, e. June 24, 1861, wd. at Tunnel 
Hill, died at Chattanooga Dec. 14, 1863, wds. 

Corp. Philo D. Wilson, e. June 24, 1861, wd. at Champion 
Hills, captd. at Chattanooga. 

Musician Wm. Miskimmons, e. June 24, 1861. 

Wagoner John Magill, e. Nov. 13, 1861, disd. Oct. 14, 1862, 
disab. 

Brainard, James, e. July 15, 1861. 

Blakely, Edw. C, e. July 15, 1861. 

Baldwin, James, e. July 15, 1861. 

Bain, John, e. March 11, 1861. 

Binder, Benjamin, e. Sept. 6, 1862, kid. in action at Cham- 
pion Hills May 16, 1863. 

Cox, Henry, e. Aug. 15, 1862, captd. at Chattanooga. 

Campbell, Samuel, e. Nov 5, 1861, wd. at Vicksburg, disd. 
Jan. 14, 1864, wds. 

Cox, William, e. Aug. 11, 1862, captd. at Chattanooga. 

Cautonwine, David, e. Aug. 15, 1862, captd. at Chat- 
tanooga. 

Cagley, Jacob, e. Aug. 11, 1862. 

Clark, Wm. F., e. July 15, 1861. 

Cole, S. W., e. July 15, 1861, trans, to Inv. Corps. 

Dermotte, L., e. Julv 15, 1861, captd. at Chattanooga. 

Day, Henry A., e. July 15, 1861. 

Dempsey, John, e. July 16, 1861, trans, to 36 Co. 1st Bat. 
Inv. Corps. 

Ditch, Henry, e. July 15, 1861, kid. in battle luka Sept. 
19, 1862. 

Ditch, David, e. July 15, 1861. 

Downs, Robert J., e. July 15, 1861, wd. at Vicksburg. 

Eisenham, Nicholas, e. July 15, 1861, wd. at Champion 
Hills. 

Frazer, Rufus, e. July 15, 1861, disd. Sept. 18," 1862, disab. 



Gillespie, Stewart, e. July 15, 1861, kid. at Champion Hills 

iMay 16, 1863. 
Hatfield, Wm. W., e. July 15, 1861. 
Hatfield, Lewis S., e. July 15, 1861, captd. at Helena, 

Ark. 
Henderson, John, e. July 15, 1861. 
Houlehan, Robert, e. Aug. 27, 1862. 
Holsey,N. Z., e. Aug. 27, 1862, disd. June 11, 1863. 
King, George, e. Sept. 6, 1862, trans, to Inv. Corps 
Kabrick, Peter, e. July 15, 1861, died April 3, 1862, at St. 

Louis. 
Lane, Isaac, e. July 15, 1861. 
Lebsch, John, e. Aug. 11, 1802. 
Martin, A. W., e. Aug. 7, 1SG2, wd. at Champion Hills. 

' died at Cairo Sept. 19, 1863. 
MiUthews James, e. Aug. 11, 1862. 
Moehan, Augustus, e. Aug. 27, 1862, wd. at Champion 

Hills . 
Mount, Wm. W., e. July 15, 1861. 

McCoy, George B., e. July 15, '61, captd. at Chattanooga. 
Mossman, Harrison, Nov. 5, 1861. 

Meyers, Emanuel, e. July 24, 1801, captd. at Chattanooga. 
Moody, James, e. June 24, 1861. 
Miskimmons, Joseph, e. June 24, 1861, wd. at luka 
Miskimmons, Lewis, e. June 24, 1861. 
Miskimmons, James M., e. Sept. 2^, 1862, wd. at luka 
McLaughlin, Thomas, e. June 24, 1861. 
Norton, Alexander, e. June 24, 1801. 
Onstott, David, e. June 24, 1801. 
Porter, Richard, e. June 24, 1861. 
Pratt, Milo, e. Sept. 6, 1862. 
Stewart, Isaac H., e. June 24, 1861, died at Mt. Vernon 

Ind., July, 1862 ' 

Stewart, Wm., e. June 24, 1861. 
Strawn, S. H., e. June 24, 1861. 
Strawn, Elijah, e. June 24, 1861. 
Scott, James C, e. June 24, 1861. 
Sexton, Thomas, e. June 24, 1861. 
Thompson, M. L., e. June 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 6, 1861 
Thompson, Martin, e. June 24, 1861, captd. at Chat- 

tiinooga. 
Taylor, L. D., e. June 24, 1861. 

Vanht.rii, Arthur, e. June 24, 1861, disd. July, 1862 disab 
Vanhorn, Joseph, e. June 24, 1861, disd. Feb.'19, 62, disab 
Williams, James G., e. June 24, 1861, died Nov. 16 1861 

at Otterville, Mo. ' ' 

AVaitman, .Tohn, e June 24, 1861, died Sept. 27, 1862 of 

w<1r. receive<l at luka. ' 

Webb, John C, e. June 24, 1861. 
AMiite, John, e. June 24, 1861. 

COMPANY UNKNOWN. 

Garton, James A., e. Aug. 21, 1862. 



EIGHTH INFANTRY. 

This regiment was recruited late in the Summer of 
1861, immediately after the battle of Bull Run. The 
regiment was composed of troops enlisted in Clinton 
Scott, Washington, Benton, Linn, Marion, Keokuk, Iowa' 
Mahaska, Monroe and Louisa Counties, and was organized 
at Davenport, in September. Frederick Steele of the reg- 
ular army, was appointed Colonel ; James L. Geddes, a 
brave Scotchman of Benton County, was commissioned 
Lieutenant Colonel, and John C. Fergrison, Major. 

Very soon after its organization and equipment, the 
regiment went to St. Louis; and in about two weeks, it 
moved to Syracuse, where it was attached to the forces 
under Gen. Fremont, about to move agaiust Price in 
Southwestern Missouri. This march was peculiarly severe 
upon raw troops, and the command suflered severely from 
forced marches over bad roads. Almost every camping 
ground became the burial place of soldiers who died from 
exhaustion. The Eiglith Iowa lost heavily. It returned 
to Sedalia near the middh' of November. From this time 
the regiment went into quarters, where it remained with- 
out particular incident until it was ordered to join Gen 
Grant's forces in Tennessee. 

Early in February, 1862, Col. Steele was promoted to be 
Brigadiei General of Volunteers, and Lieut. Col. Geddes 
became Colonel of the Regiment; Maj Ferguson was 
promoted to the Lieutenant Colonelcy, and Capt. Joseph 
Andrews, of Company F, became Major. 

On the 12th of March, 1862, the regiment embarked at 
St. Louis for Pittsburg Landing. Arrived five days after- 
ward, having had three men killed and five wounded 
while steaming up the Tennessee. At Shiloh, April 6th 
the regiment fought heroically. Late in the evening' 



394 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



Col Geddes surrendered his command to the enemy. He 
hud foucbt ten consecutive liours, presenting an unbroken 
front to the enemy, and at last the regiment passed in an 
organized body into captivity. That part not captured 
went into the " Union Brigade,"' and especially distin- 
guished itself at Corinth. • j ♦ a* 
-Parlv in 1SC3, the regiment was reorganized at St. 
Louis and left the first week in April to join the grand 
armv under Grant in the magnificent campaign against 
Vicksbur-. A part of Tattle's Division, the regiment 
took part in the battle of Jackson, and then marched to 
Vicksburg, where it took part in the assault of the 2^d, 
in the silke for thirty days, when it moved to the Big 
B ark with the army of observation. Was with Sherman 
in his movements against Jackson, and took a prominent 
mrt in the pursuit of the rebels to Brandon, in which 
movement Col. Geddes commanded a brigade. Returning 
to Vicksburg, the regiment had a period of rest. Here, 
Lieut Col Ferguson die! of disease. In October, Col. 
Geddes and the regiment moved to Brownsville, under 

^^CrfvlTNovember, moved to Memphis; thence to La 
Grance and PocahonUs, where he remained until or- 
dered to Vicksburg, to join in the Meridian raid Very 
shortly after its return to Vicksburg, a large portion of 
the command having re-enlisted, the regiment went horiie 
on veteran furlough, at the expiration ot which it ^^ent 
to Memphis, where it remained as Provost guard during 
the rest of 1804 and the first two months of 1865. On 
the 21st of August, 186i, Forrest attacked Memphis and 
was repulsed Gens. Washburn and Hurlbut saved from 
rapturTand'the city from sack by Col. Gedde^and his 
brave command. The regiment lost 40 men in this affair. 
The regiment was very popular in Memphis. 

Early in March, 18G.5, the «f i^V"* ^l^^ '^"^^I'^Jtl^^.f!' ^ 
Orleans; thence to Dauphin Island, whence it soon joined 
in the ast general campaign of the war, that against 
Mobile ThI Eighth distinguished itself in the assaul 
on Spanish Fort, where it captured several hundre.l 
prisoners. This was one of the most brilliant movements 
of the war. 

Col Jas. Lorame Geddes, com. capt. Co D, Sept. 23 1861. 

prmtd lieut. col. Sept. 28, 1861 prmtd^ col. Feb. 7 62 

wd and prisr. at battle of Shiloh, resd. June 30, 1865. 

brev. brig. gen. U. S. A. June 5, 1865. 
Lieut Col Andrew Geddes, com. capt. Co. D, Oct. 1, 1861, 

prisr. at battle of Shiloh, prmtd. lieut. col. July 

Fife^Maf^John K. Brown, e. Aug. 14, 1861, Prd- from 
nuisician Co. D, vet. re-e. Jan. 1, 1864, captd. at Mem- 
phis, trans, to colored troops. 

Company B. 

Dunklee, Martin, e. Dec. 12, 1863, died at Helena, Ark., 

March 24, 1864. 
Merritt, Amos, e. Sept. 15, 1861, wd. at bhUoh. 
ATnAdv Tohn e Sept. 15, 1861, wd. at hhiloh. 
MoS: RobtD. e.^Sept.' 15, 1861, kid. at battle of Shiloh, 

Mye&^ard*^!., e. Sept. 15, 1861, disd. Jan. 30, 1862, 

PenroS Wm., e. Sept. 15, 1861, kid. April 6, 1862, at battle 

Rice? John.°e.'Sept. 15, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, re-e. as vet. 

Reese! Wm., e. Nov. 27, 1863, died at Memphis June 26, 

White, Tobias D., e. Sept. 15, 1861, disd. disab. 

Company D. 

Cant Alexander Haroer, e. as sergt. Aug. 14, 1861, prmtd 

ist sergl , then 2d lieut. Dec. 15, 1861, prmtd. Istheut. 

Aprill9,1863, prmtd.^ capt. Nov. 15, 1865 
First Lieut. Jacob L. Tiukham, e. as private Aug. 14 61, 

prmtd 1st sergt. April 19,1863, wd. at Memphis, Aug. 

21 1864 prmtd. 1st lieut. Nov. 15, 1865. 
Second Lieut: John W. McGuire.com. Sept. 23, 1861. resd. 

SergrJohn^Legan, e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. Feb. 25, 1865, 

Sergt' Douglas W. Marsh, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, 

disd Feb 13, 1863. 
Sergt. Robt. M. Forsyth, e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. Feb. 1,'62, 

Sergt.'Tohn Brown, e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. June 9, 1863, 
disab. 



Sergt. Moses A. Ames, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, 

died. 
Segt. W. H. Ostrander, e. Aug. 14, 1861, trans, to 88th U. 

S. col. troops for promotion. 
Sergt. John Montgomery, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at 

Shiloh, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Corp. Samuel B. Jones, e. Aug. 14, 1861, wd. and captd. at 

Shiloh, disd. Feb. 13, 1863, wds. 
Corp. H. C. Montgomery, e. Aug. 14, '61, captd. at Shiloh, 

vet. re-e. Jan, 1, 1864, sergt. 
Corp. R. H. Kirkpatrick, e. Aug. 14, 18G1, wd. and captd. 

at Shiloh, trans, to Invalid Corps. 
Corp. Jas. Gardner, e. Aug. 14, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, died 

June 1, 1862, at Keokuk. 
Corp. Jesse L. Bigley, e. Aug. 14, 1861, wd. at Shiloh and 

Corinth, sergt., vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Corp. Chas. Knapp, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. 

Jan. 1, 1864. 
Corp. Daniel P. Marshal, e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. JIarch 13, 

1862, disab. 
Corp. Samuel Smith, e. Aug. 14, 1861, kid. April 6, 1862, 

at battle of Shiloh. 
Musician Jos. P. Skea, e. Aug. 14, 1861, vet. .Tan. 1, 1864. 
Vi^agciner John Daniels, e. Aug. 14, 1861, dishonorablv 

disd. Feb. 1, 1862. 
Blakeley, L. M., e. Aug. 14, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, kid. at 

Corinth, Oct. 3, 1862. 
Alden, H. L., vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 

Brown, C. W., e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. Feb. 1862, disab. 
Chambers, McHenry, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, 

vet. Jan. 1, 1804 
Churchill, Henry, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, disd. 

Feb. 16,1863. 
Dalloway, W. S., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, disd. 

Feb. 7, 1863, disab. 
Drinkwater, Wm., e. Feb. 10, 1864. 
Dudgeon, Thomas, e. Aug. 14, 1861, died Jan. 7, 1862 at 

Sedalia, Mo. 
Davis, Geo. C, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Dcmpsey, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1861, died Dec. C, 1802, at 

Sedalia, Mo. 
Forsyth, John D., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. 

Jan. 1, 1804. 
Gill, Alfred, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. Jan. 

1, 1864. 
Gardner, Jno. H., e. April 25, 1864. 
Gingery, Daniel, e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. June 13, 1862, 

disab. 
Geaten, George, e. Aug. 14, 1801, captd. at Shiloh, vet. 

Jan. 1, 1864. 
Heath, Jos. T., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. Jan. 

1, 1864. 
Holt, Geo. A., e. Aug. 14, 1861, died near Fairfield, Mo., 

Nov. 13, 1861. 
Hines, Lewis, e. Feb. 1, 1864. 
Hines, Wm. E., e. Aug. 14, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Harper, Alex., e. Feb. 22, 1864, died at Montgomery, Ala., 

Julv 24, 1865. 
Horton, C. T., e. Aug. 14, 1861. 
Harper, Daniel M., e. Feb. 27, 1864, died at Vinton, Jan. 

5, '65. 
Johnson, James, e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. March 16, 1862, 

disab. 
Hendrix, L. T., e. Aug. 14, 1861, wd. at Corinth, vet. Jan. 

1, 1864. 
Kimball, Geo. C, e. Aug 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. 

Jan. 1, 1864, died at Memphis, Oct. 29, 1864. 
McCoy, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1861 , disd. 

Mossman, Thos. J., e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. April 26, 1862, 
I disab. 

Miskimen, H. H., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, disd. 
I Sept. 28, 1864. 

I Moody, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. Jan. 
i 1, 1864. 

1 Meeker, T., e. Aug. 14, 1801, disd. March 13, 1862, disab. 
i Morrison, John, e. Aug. 14, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
I Miller, John Y., e. Aug. 14, 1861, capth. at Shiloh, trans. 
i to Invalid Corps. 

Moorhead, T., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. Jan. 

1, 1864. 
Moody, Absalom, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, died 

Dec. 1, 1863, at Pocohontas, Tenn. 
Pratt, A., e. Jan. 5, 1864, kid. at Tuskegee, Ala., Oct. 23. 

1865, murdered. 
Parsell, John P., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, trans. 

to Invalid Corps. 
Richard, .Samuel M., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, 

vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Revel, Jas. K., e. Feb. 27, 1864. 



i 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



395 



Thomas, Albert, o. Aug. 14, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. 

Jan. 1, 1864. 
Steol, John, vet. Jan. 1,1864, disd. April 5, 186(1, disab. 
rinkham, Jacob L., o. Aug. 14, 1861. captd. at Shiloh. 
Wood, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1861, disd. Jan. 15, 18G2, disab. 

Company F. 

Capt. John C. Konnan. cum. 1st lii'Ut. Co. D, Sept. 23, '61, 
prisr. at battle of Shiloh, prmtd. capt. this Co. April. 
18,1863, disd. Nov. 1, 1864. 

Company C. 

Sergt. John T. Hanna, e. Sept. 3, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, 

disd. for promotion March 17, 1864. 
Sergt. J. W. Hopkins, e. Sept. 3, 1261, captd. at Shiloh, 

vet. Jan. 1, 18t;4, kid. accidentally, March 22, 1864. 
Chamberlain, N. J., e. Sept. 3, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. 

Jan. 1, 1864. 
Greenlee, Thos. F., e. Sept. 3, 1801, captd. at Shiloh. 
Jones, Wm. E., e. Oct. 22, 18G4. 
Smith, Samuel S., e. Sept. 3, 1861, disd. Oct., 1862. 
Wyley, C, e.Oct. 24, 1864. 



TWELFTH INFANTRY. 

The Twelfth Regiment was recruited late in the Sum- 
mer of 1861, and organized at Camp Union, Dubuque, 
Iowa, and mustered into th.e service of the United States 
November 25, 1861, by Capt. Washington, Thirteenth 
United States Infantry. 

The first active service in which the regiment was en- 
gaged was at Fort Donelson, where it was assigned to 
Cook's Brigade of Smith's Division, and was engaged in 
the battles of the 13th, 14th and 15th of February, which 
resulted in the capture of the Fort and its garrison on the 
16th, the enemy surrendering themselves prisoners of war. 
During most of the time, the boys were exposed to a cold 
rain and sleet, and, not being permitted to have any fire, 
suffered very much from cold. 

At Shiloh, the Twelfth was brigaded with the Second, 
Seventh and Fourteenth Iowa regiments, called the Iowa 
Brigade, commanded by Gen. Tuttle, Second Iowa In- 
fantry, Gen. W. H. Wallace commanding the Division, 
and were in position near a field beyond Gen. Hurlbut's 
headquarters. Here it remained in line of battle from 6 
o'clock A. M. until about 4 P. M., during which time the 
enemy made several bold charges, and was repulsed with 
great loss in killed and wounded. 

The Twelfth and Fourteenth being in support of a bat- 
tery, and having no orders to fall back, and not having 
notice that the left had given way, weie allowed to be 
surrounded, and, after several hours' desperate fighting, 
in which three or four regiments contended against the 
whole rebel force, the Twelfth having its commanding 
officer, Col. Woods, severely wounded, with sixteen men 
killed and ninety-seven wounded, with all hopes of retreat 
or succor cut off, was obliged to surrender at 6 o'clock P.M. 
Number of men captured from the regiment, about 400. 

The men of the Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa 
Regiments who were not captured, were organized into 
a regiment called the " Union Brigade," of which regi- 
ment the Twelfth formed Companies E and K. 

The Union Brigade was engaged and took a very prom- 
inent part in the battle of Corinth, October 3d and 4th, 
1862, the Twelfth Iowa losing three killed and twenty- 
five wounded out of eighty men engaged. After pursuing 
the enemy as far as Ripley, Miss., the regiment returned 
to Corinth, where it was engaged in b\iilding fortifica- 
tions, until December 18, 1862, when orders were received 
from the War Department discontinuing the organiza- 
tion known as the Union Brigade, and ordering the men of 
the Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa to proceed to 
Davenport, Iowa, to reorganize their regiments, prisonere 
having been paroled October 18, 1862, and exchanged 
November 10, 1862. 

The detachni<nt of the Twelfth Iowa arrived at Jack- 
son, Tenn., where it was found that Forrest had destroyed 
the railroad from Uniontown and was threatening Jack- 
son. The detachment was at once ordered to the defense 
of the place, and remained four days, when it was ordered 
to open the railroail to Columbus, Ky., which delayed the 
detachment until the 4th of January. It arrived at Co- 
lumbus on that day anil was ordered once more to Daven- 
port, where it arrived on the 7th of January, 1863, and 
from there it was ordered, on the 27th of March, to pro- 
ceed to St. Louis, Mo., there to rejoin the regiment: and 
as soon as organized was ordered to report to Gen. Grant 



in the field, near Vicksburg, Miss., and served during the 
entire siege, participating in all the principal engage- 
ments until the 22d of June, when it was sent to Black 
Kiver, to guard the rear from an attack by .lohnston. 
Vicksburg svirrendered July 4th. 

The Twelfth was engaged in the battle near Tupelo,Mis8., 
on 13th, 14tli and 15th of July, '(i4, losing nine men killed, 
fifty-four wounded and one missing, out of 200 engaged. 

In June, 1861, Companies A and F, numbering fifty-five 
men, under command of Capt. J. R. ('. Hunter, aii<l Com- 
pany A, while stationed at the mouth of White River, 
Ark., were attacked by GdO rebels of Blarmaduke's com- 
mand, about daylight on the 22d of June; but taking 
refuge behind a slight stockade, they repulsed the enemy, 
he leaving twenty killed and mortally wounded on the 
field. The loss of Companies A and F was one killed and 
four wounded. 

The regiment fought bravely in the battle of Nashville, 
and received special mention by brigade and division 
commanders for good service. 

The regiment marched in pursuit of Hood, with the 
army, to Clinton, on the Tennessee River, thence by 
steamer to Eastport, Miss., arriving there on the 7th of 
January, 1805. 

From Eastport, the regiment was ordered to New Or 
leans, then embarked with the forces under Gen. Cauby, 
on the expedition against Mobile; was in the front line 
during the siege of Spanish Fort, which was the last serv- 
ice rendered by the regiment. 

During its service, the gallant Twelfth was in twenty 
three battles, was under fire 112 days, and had ninety-fire 
men killed in battle. 

Company D. 

Second Lieut. Robert W. Hilton, e. as 1st sergt. Sept. 20, 

1861, prmtd. 2d lieut. April 8, 1802, taken prisr. bal>- 

tle Shiloh, took oath of allegiance to Confederate 

States, com. ret. 
Sergt. Howard Pangborn, e. Sept. 24, 1861, wd. and captd 

battle of Shiloh, vet. Dec. 25, 1864. 
Sergt. A. C. Blood, e. Sept. 20, 1861, formerly private Co. 

K, 1st inf., disd. Dec. 18, 1862, disab. 
Corp. James L. Co well, e. Sept. 24, 1861, wd. near Tupelo 
Blackburn, Jos. M., e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. Jan. 30, 1862. 
Barr, Thos., e. Oct. 14, 1861, wd. at Shiloh. 
Cowell, Robert C, e. Sept. 25, 1861, wd. at Shiloh. 
Dubois, Ferdinand, e. Oct. 8, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet 

Jan. 1, 1864. 
Doolittle, W. A., e. Sept. 28, 1861, disd. July 9, '62, disab. 
Ellgen, Harmon, e. Dec. 27, 1863. 
Grass, Harmon, e. Sept. 23, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet 

Dec. 25, 1864. 
Gillchris, W. B., e. Sept. 2.3, 1861, disd. Oct. 14, '62, disab. 
Haradon, Henry, e. Sept, 20, 1861, died Jan. 15, 1862 at 

St. Louis. 
Jacques, John L., e. Sept. 20, 1861, died at St. Louis Jan. 

12, 1802. 
Johnson, Robt. L., e. Oct. 8, 1861, capt. at Shiloh, vet. 

Dec. 25, 1864. 
Lee, John S., e. Sept. 23, 1861, died Jan. 12, 1862, at 

St. Louis. 
Lee, Wm. L., e. Sept. 23, 1861, captd. at Shiloh. 
Luther, Daniel, e. Sept. 28, 1861, kid. at battle of Shiloh. 
Luther, John, e. Sept. 28, 1861, captd. at battle of Shiloh, 

vet. Dec. 25, 1864. 
Lambert, John B., e. Sept. 25, 1861, vet. Dec. 25, 1864. 
Minor, D. W.. e. Sept. 28, 1861. captd. at Shiloh, vet. Dec. 

25, 1864. 
May, John D., e. Sept. 28, 1861, wd. at Corinth and died 

Oct. 19,1862. 
Mather, Uel, e. Sept. 28, '61, died at St. Louis, Jan. 21, '62. 
Scott, Josiah, e. Sept. 28, 1861, captd. at Shiloh, vet. Dec. 

25, 1864. 
Tarpeiiing, .Tames M., e. Oct. 8, 1861, captd. at Shiloh. 
Van Emman, Wm. M., e. Sept. 28, "01, disd. March 29, '62. 



THE THIRTEENTH INFANTRY 

Was recruited nndir the President's proclamation of July 
22, 1§01, and ordered to rendezvous at Camp JlcClellan, 
near Davenport, where the regiment was filled up, com- 
pletely organized and mustered into service Nov. 2, 1861. 
The mustering officer, Capt. Chambers, rejected a few 
men, but when it entered the service there were 899 
names on its rolls. The number was soon increased by 
enlistments to 989. Jlaj. .Mareellus 51. Crocker, of the 
Second Regiment, was commissioned Colonel of the Thir- 



396 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



teeutli. Milton M. Price was Lieutenant Colonel, and 
John Shane, Major. 

Soon after organization, having been supplied with 
clothing, the regimeut was ordered to Benton Barracks, 
Mo., where it remained from November 20th to Decem- 
ber 11th, when it was ordered to report to Gen. Pope, and 
was assigned to garrison duty at Jefferson City, where it 
remained during the Winter. The time was improved 
to the utmost by Col. Crocker and his command. Schools 
of Instruction were instituted for the officers, and regular 
drills for the men. Several hours each day were spent 
in obtaining a thorough knowledge of their duties, and 
every officer and private labored diligently to obtain pro- 
ficiency in the art of war, that they might be ready for 
efficient service when called upon. 

In March, Col. Crocker received orders to report to 
Gen. Grant; and on the 8th of that month, 1862, the reg- 
iment left, by railroad, forSt. Louis, where it embarked for 
Pittsburg Landing, arriving on the 23d. Col. Crocker re- 
ported to Gen. McClernand, commanding First Division, 
and with the Eleventh Iowa and Eighth and Eighteenth 
Illinois, constituted the First Brigade, under Col. Richard 
Oglesby. At Shiloh, on the first day, it was under tire 
for ten consecutive hours, and gallantly sustained the 
reputation of Iowa troops. On that day, Lieut. Col. 
Price and Major Shane were wounded, and the regiment 
lost 24 killed, 139 wounded and 9 missing. A few days 
after the battle of Shiloh the army was reorganized, and 
the Thirteenth was placed in the Sixth Division, and 
attoched to the Third Brigade, composed of the Eleventh, 
Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa Regiments, 
Col. M. M. Crocker commanding, soon becoming known 
as the "Iowa Brigade." About this time, Lieut. Col. 
Price resigned, Maj. Shane was promoted to be Lieutenant 
Colonel, and Capt. G. M. Van Hosen became Major. The 
command participated in the siege of Corinth, and became 
apaitof the garrison at that place when evacuated by 
the rebel forces. 

After remaining at Corinth two months, the regiment 
marched to Bolivar, Tenn., to look after the enemy, but 
returned to Corinth September r2th. 

Its next movement was under Gen. Ord, in a march on 
luka, and returned to Corinth about the 1st of October, 
where it was engaged on the 3d and 4th ; but although 
under heavy artillery fire for some time, its losses were 
light. On Sunday morning, October .5th, the command 
joined in pursuit of the rebels, which was continued to 
Ripley. On its return, the regiment reached Corinth 
October 11th, where it remained three weeks, when it 
joined in the campaign, under Gen. Grant, against Vicks- 
burg, via Holly Springs and Granada. It reached " Yo- 
cana" Creek, when. Holly Springs having been lost, the 
army countermarched to the frontier of Tennessee, and 
arrived at Memphis Jan. 13, 18G3. On the 20th, it em- 
barked on steamers, moving down the river to Duckport, 
La.; but, without disembarking, returned to Milliken's 
Bend, where it remained a fortnight. It then moved to 
Providence and went into camp for two months, working 
much of the time on the Lake Providence Canal. While 
here the army was reorganized, and the Thirteenth 
became a jiart of the First Division, Seventeenth Corps, 
observation, Gen. McPherson commanding. Shortly after. 
Col. Crocker was promoted to be a Brigadier General, 
when Lieut. Col. Shane was commissioned Colonel of the 
regiment. 

During most of the campaign at Vicksburg, the Iowa 
Brigade performed much extra service, involving hard 
labor and calling for tough marching qualities, and ac- 
quired the sobriequet of "Crocker's Grayhounds." It 
was a part of Shennan's army of observation, and July 4 
1863, wz.en Vicksburg was being surrendered to Grant's 
victorious army, the Thirteenth was skirmishing with 
Johnston's rebels, at Big Black River. 

In August, it was engaged with a portion of tha navy 
in wrecking and dismantling gunboats that had been 
sunk by rebel torpedoes in Yazoo River. It also par- 
ticipated in a campaign against Monroe, L i., under Gen. 
Stevenson. September 3d, it went into quarters at Vicks- 
burg;, where it remained four months. From February 4 
to March 4,1864, it was with the forces under Gen. Sher- 
man in the famous raid on Meridian. On its return from 
this raid, most of the men having re-enlisted, it was 
declared a veteran organization, and officers and men 
were given " thirty days in their own State," and were 
homeward bound on the 7th of March. 

April 16th, they were off to the wars again, arriving at 
Huutsville, Ala., May 20th, thence to Ackworth, Ga., 
joining Sherman's army on the 8th of June. Its first 
battle in the Atlanta campaign was at Kenesaw Moun- 
tain, and was almost continuously under fire until .Julj' 



20th, when it took position before Atlanta, three miles 
away. On the 21st, the Iowa Brigade, under Col. Shane, 
lost 226 men in twenty-seven minutes, in a splendid 
assault on a rebel fort. Again engaged on the 22d, and 
suffered severely. On the 28th, gallantly fought, having 
been ordered to reinforce a portion of the line hard 
pressed by the enemy. 

It participated in Sherman's famous march to the 
sea, and a portion of the regiment, under Lieut. Col. 
Kennedy, entered Columbia and hoisted the Stars and 
Stripes on the rebel capitol. 

The Thirteenth, after a long and honorable career, was 
mustered out, paid off and disbanded at Davenport, Iowa, 
July 28 and 29, 1865. 

Col. John Shane, com. maj. Oct.^30, 1861, "wd. at battle of 
Shiloh, prmtd. lieut. col. April 17, 1862, prmtd. col. 
March 13, 1863, m. o. Nov. 9, 1864, term expired. 

Maj. Wm. A. Walker, com. 2d lieut. Co. G Oct. 28, 1861, 
|.rmtd. capt. Oct. 31, 1861, prmtd. maj. March 13, 

1863, kid. in battle near Atlanta July 22, 1864. 

Q. M. Newell C. Keyes, e. as Corp. Co. G Sept. 27, 1861, 
wd. at Shiloh, com. Nov. 11, 1864, from q.m. sergt. 

Bnchen, Wm H., e. Jan. 2, 1864, prmtd. Corp., wd. near 
Atlanta. 

Company E. 

Capt. Borea R. Sherman, e. as sergt. Co. G Sept. 27, 1861, 
prmtd. 2d lieut. Feb 9, 1862, wd. at battle of 
Shiloh, prmtd. capt. April 17, 1862, resd. April 17, '63 

Rice, Moses W., vet. Feb. 19, 1864, wd. at Atlanta Julv 
22, 1864. 

Company C. 

Capt. Chas. E. Putnam, e. as Corp. Sept. 27, 1861, prmtd. 
2d lieut. Oct. 31, 1861, prmtd. 1st lieut. April 19, 1862, 
prmtd. c:ipt. March 13, 1863, resd. Oct. 22, 1864. 

Capt. James E. White, e. in 1861, prmtd. 1st sergt., prmtd. 
2d lieut. April 29, 1863, wd. near Atlanta July 21, 

1864, prmtd. 1st lieut. Oct. 5, 1864, prmtd. capt. Jan. 
1, 1865. 

First Lieut. James H. Shutts, com. Oct. 28, 1861, resd. 
April 18, 1862. 

First Lieut. Geo. F. Ross, e as 1st sergt. Sept. 27, 1861, 
prmtd. 2d lieut. April 19, 1862, wd. at Corinth, prmtd. 
Ist lieut. March 13, 1863, resd. from 2d lieut. April 
28, 1863, on account of wds. received at bat. Corinth. 

Fii-st Lieut. John Ridge, e. as Corp. Sept. 27, 1861, prmtd. 
1st sergt., prmtd. 2d lieut. March 13, 1863, prmtd. Ist 
lieut. April 29, 1863, wd. near Atlanta, Ga., July '.^O, 
and died of wds. at Louisville Oct. 4, 1864. 

First Lieut. John Starkweather, e. as sergt. Sept. 27, 1861, 
prmtd. 1st sergt., then 2d lieut. Oct. 6, 1864, prmtd. 
1st lieut. Jan. 1, 1865, wd. at Atlanta. 

Second Lieut. Henry N. Palmer, e. as private Sept. 27, 

1861, wd. near \tlanta, prmtd sergt., com. 2d lieut. 
June 7, 1865, m. o. as sergt. 

Sergt. Wesley Whipple, e. Sept. 27, 1861, died at Corinth 

July 3, 1862. 
Sergt. Robert B. Durand, e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, 

vet. Jan. 1. 1864, kid near Atlanta Julv 21, 1864. 
Sergt. A. R. Kennedy, e. Sept 27, 1861, disd. July 29, '62. 
Sergt. Frederick Lyman, e. Sept, 27, 1861, prmtd. sergt. 

maj. June 15, 1862, wd. at Corinth. 
Sergt. Ed. P. Forsyth, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, 

wd. near Atlanta, died at Chattanooga Nov. 1, 1864, 

of wds. 
Sergt. Philip Murdock, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, '64. 
Sergt. Charles M. Martin, e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, 

died June 7, 1864. 
Sergt. Orzo Smill, e. Sept. 28, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd., 

kid. in battle near Atlanta July 22, 1864. 
Corp. R. Worthen, e. Sept. 28, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, 

captd. near Atlanta July 22, 1864, 
Corp. John H. Gipe, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, 

captd. near Atlanta. 
Corp. Jos. L. Coppoc, e. Sept. 27, 1861, trans, for promotion 

to capt. Co. D, 8th Louisiana, A. D. 
Corp. D. D. Merchant, e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, vet. 

Jan. 1, 1864, kid. in battle near Atlanta July 21, '64. 
Corp. Robt. L. Clingon, e. Sept. 27, '61, wd. near Atlanta. 
Corp. Wm. H. La Rue, e. Sept. 27, 1861. 
Corp. Wm. Amburn, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, 

wd. near Atlanta, prmtd. 
Corp. Wm. Wilcox, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, 

disd. March 17, 1865, disab. 
Corp. Oscar Kendall, e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Corinth and 

died April 4, 1862. 
Wagoner Samuel Williams, e. Sept. 27, 1861, died June 5, 

1862, at Corinth, Miss. 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



397 



Amburn, J. T., e. Dec. 22, 1863, captd. near Atlanta July 

22, 1864 
Auld, Geo., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Beckley, Edward, e. Sept. 27, 18C.l,disd. Oct. 22, '62, disab. 
Brown, H. J., vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Brown, A. H., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd. near 

Atlanta. 
Bysong, Samuel, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Barker, Kuel, e. Sept. 27, 18G1, vet. Nov. 30, 1863. 
Brollear, Job, e. Sept. 27, 1861, kid. at battle Corinth Oct. 

3, 1S62. 
Bowen, Jai. H., e. Sept. 27, 1861, disd. Oct. •.:2, 1862, disab. 
Buck, W. W., e. Sept. 28, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd. near 

Atlanta. 
Barnum, Wm., e. Sept. 27,1861. 
Black, (ieorge W., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, trans. 

to Marine Brigade April 12, 1863. 
Collin, Wni. H. H., e. March 30,1864, 
Catliu, Lewis L., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Dec. 15, 1863, wd. 

at Falling Creek, N. C, March 21. 1864. 
Cassoll, T. K., e. Dec. 19, 1863, disd. May 23, 1865. 
Clark, Alvin, e. Sept. 27, 1861, disd. Aug. 2, 1863, disab. 
Cuer, John P. 
Dean, F., e. Sept. 27, 1861, died May 17, 1862, on the 

steamer City of Memphis. 
Dean, S. G., e. Sept. 27, 1861, died at Camp Denison, 0., 

May 12, 1862. 
Dart, S. G., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Dec. 15, 1863. 
Day, Thomas G., e. Sept. 28, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, kid. 

near Atlanta Aug. 25, 1364. 
Dearth, Jeremiah, e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, disd. 

June 30, 1862, disab. 
Engledow, S. S., e. Sept. 27, 1861, disd. March 7, 1862. 
Ferrell, Edward, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Fawcett, Wm. H., e. Sept. 27, 1861. 
Greer, James V., e. Jan. 19, 1864, kid. in battle of Atlanta 

July 21, 1864. 
Heller, Joel, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Hayhurst, Elias, e. Feb. 29, 1864, kid. near Atlanta Aug. 

11,1864. 
Hanna, John D., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Hanna, Wm. S., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, also at 

Corinth, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Hallock, Hiram, e. Sept. 37, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, kid. 

near Atlanta July 22, 1864. 
Hussong, James M., vet. Keb.l9, 1864, died at Evansville, 

Ind., July 23, 1864. 
Hull, Jos., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. and missing at Corinth, 

:<upposed to have been kid. 
Hull, Jerome, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd. near 

Atlanta. 
Hull, Henry, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Feb. 19, 1864. 
Hoover, Benton, e. Sept. 27, 1861, kid. near Atlanta July 

21, 1864. 
Howett, Jos., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Corinth, vet. Jan. 

1, 1864. 
Joyce, Jacob, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Jackson, Wm. I., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Shiloh and di.sd. 

Oct. 10, 1862. 
Lowell, Marion, e. Jan. 29, 1864, died at Beaufort, N. C, 

March 18, 1865. 
La Rue, Chambers, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd. 

at Atlanta, trans, to V. B. C. 
Lord, Lewis, h. Dec. 17, 1863, captd. near Atlanta, died 

while a prisr. at AndersonviUe, Sept. 6, 1864. 
Lynch, Jeremiah, e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Vicksburg, vet. 

Jan. 1, 1864. 
McElroy, H. H., e. Sept. 27, 1861, disd. April 27, 1863. 
McCasland, Alex., e. Sept. 27, 1861. 
Marino, Wm. H. H., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Dec. 15, 1863, 

kid. at Yazoo City. 
Millage, James, e. Sept. 27, 1861, died at Corinth July 

26, 1862. 
Martin, S. C, e. Sept. 27, 1861, kid. in battle of Shiloh 

April 6, 1862. 
Pray, Robert J., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. near Atlanta. 
Rodabcck, Wm. S., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Ritchey, J., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Dec. 15, 1863, wd. near 

Atlanta. 
Ridge, Alfred, e. Sept. 27, 1861, disd. Oct. 22, 1862. 
Koyce, Samuel J., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Corinth, died 

Nov. 1, 1862, of wds. 
Roberts, Jos., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, kid. near 

Atlanta July 21, 1863. 
Rickets, W. H., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Schoonover, Jos. 0., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, disd. 

Aug. 23, 1862. 
Sherman, W. B., e. Sept. 28, 1.S61. 
Shields, John C, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 



Sells, George A., e. Dec. 17, 1863, wd. at Atlanta, trans. 

for promotion in the 4th U. S. A. D. May 1, 1865. 
Sims, Dwight, e. Sept. 27, 1861, prmtd. drum major Nov. 

1, 186J, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Shutts, L. E., e. Dec. 25, 1863. 
Simpson, W. J., e. Sept. 27, 1861. 
Smack, Simon, e. Dec. 16, 1863, died at Marietta, Ga , 

Aug. 12, 1864. 
Smock, D. D., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Scmock, Thos. C, e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. at Corinth, disd. 

Nov. 9, 1862, vet. Feb. 12, 1864, captd. near Atlanta. 
Starbuck, John, e. March 7, 1864, died at Savannah, Ga., 

Jan. 21, 1865. 
Skinner, Amasa, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd. 

near Atlanta. 
Turner, Wm., e. Dec. 16, 1863. 
Trayer, J. B., e. Sept. 27, 1.^61, kid. in battle of Corinth 

Oct. 3, 1862. 
Toombs, Daniel, e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Volgamore, J. M., e. Sept. 27, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Wallace, Jas. R., e. Sept. 27, 1861, wd. near Atlanta. 
Walker, S., e. Dec 16, 1863, capt. at Clifton, S. C. 
Williams, W. C, e. Sept. 27, 1861, died at Jefferson City 

Jan. 11, 1862. 
Wilson, James, e. Sept. 28, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864. 

COMPANY UNKNOWN. 

Abbott, S. A., e. Dec. 29, 1863. 
Moore, Jus., e. Jan. 5, 1864. 
Briggle, Jeremiah, Jan. 28, 1864. 
Detwiler, Zenas, e. March 22, 1864. 
Ferrv, F. L., e. Jan. 22, 1864. 
Robe'rtson, .Jas. W., e. Feb. 29, 1864. 
Traer, Isaac A., e. Feb. 29, 1864. 



EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY. 

The Eighteenth was mu=tered into the service August 
5, 6 and 7, 1862, with 875 officers and men, and was almost 
immediately ordered into Missouri, to join Gen. Scho- 
field's command. 

During the following Winter, it was stationed at 
Springfield, and bore a conspicuous part in the battle at 
that place January 7 and 8, 1863. The town was defended 
by a battalion of Missouri militia and the Eighteenth, 
against an army 4,000 strong. The regiment remained 
here for a long time, varied by a chase of the rebel Gen. 
Shelby into Arkansas, thence to Fort Smith. 

In the Spring of 1864, the regiment was attached to 
Gen. Steele's command, and marched to Camden. 

April 13th, was in an engagement near Moscow, thirty 
miles from Camden. 

April 17th, received seven successive and impetuous 
charges from superior numbers, and returned to Camden 
with a loss of seventy-seven men ; returned to Fort 
Smith, and, until it was mustered out, nothing particu- 
larly noteworthy occurred. 

Company H. 

Capt. Jos. Van Metre, com. Aug. 6, 1862, wd. in action 
at Springfield, m. o. Jan. 8, and died of wds. Jan. 
14, 1863. 

Capt. Jesse C. Rhodabeck, e. as sergt. July 5,1862, prmtd. 
sergt. maj., prmtd. 2d lieut. Dhc. 18, 1862, prmtd. Ist 
lieut. Jan. 22, 1863, prmtd. capt. June 6, 1863, honor- 
ably disd. Jan. 28, 1865. 

First Lieut. Jas. A. Kirkpatrick, e. as sergt. July 5, 1862, 
prnud. 1st sergt. then 1st lieut. Jan. 30, 1865. 

Second Lieut. Wm. H. Wood, com. Aug. 6, 1862, resd. 
Nov. 23, 1862. 

Sergt. John H. Reed, e. July 5, 1862, disd. Jan. 29, 1863, 
d'sab. 

Corp. Jolin C. Geddes, e. July 5, 1862, disd. Jan. 29, 1863, 
disab. 

Musician A. A. Oppclt, e. July 19, 1862, disd. Dec. 15, 

1862, disab. 

Wagoner A. L. Puzzell, e. July 7, 1862, captd. at Poison 

Spring, Ark. 
Barnhart, Geo. W., e. July 7, 1862. 
Boughton, W. F., e. July 7, 1862. 

Brannan, Geo., e. July 7, 1862, disd. Jan. .30, 1863, disab. 
Bi-rry, Wm., e. July 7, 1862. 
Barns, Frank, e. July 21, 1862. 
Cue, Benj. F., «>. Julv 21, 1862. 
Enochs, Thos. P., e. July 21, 1862, died Dec. 5, 1862. 
Fisher, Hezekiah, e. July 21, 1862, wd., disd. June 1, 

1863, wds. 



398 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



Hoyt, John, e. July 7, 1862. 

Harris, Wm. S., e. July 7, 1862. 

Harris, Geo., e. July 7, 1862, killed at Springfield, Mo., 

Jan. 8, 1863. 
Isbell, Jas. H., e. July 7, 1862, wd. at Springfield, Mo. 
Jordan, Hugh, e. July 7, 1862. 
Lash, Andrew, e. July 7, 1862. 

Lung, Geo. W., e. July 7, 1862, disd. March 25, '63, disab. 
Martin, Oscar W., e. July 7, 1862, trans, to V. K. C. 
Myers, E. H., e. Julv 7, 1862, wd., disd. at Springfield, 

Mo., April 13, 1863. 
Morris, A. D., e. July 7, 1862. 

SIcGuire, D. T., e. July 7, 1862, disd. Feb. 14, 1863, disab. 
Morris, E. T., e. Jan. 16, 1864. 
Schoonover, Levi W., e. Dec. 16, 1863. 
Smith, Jacob F., e. July 7, '62, wd. at Poison Spring, Ark. 
Sanders, Jno. H., e. .July 7, 1862, disd., disab. 
Shephard, N., e. July 7, 1862, died at Springfield, Mo., 

Nov. 21, 1862. 
Snyder, Jackson, e. July 7, 1862, died Jan. 11, 1863, at St 

Louis. 
Schoonover, G. A., e. July 7, 1862, deserted Aug. 13, 1862. 
Storrs, C. H., e. July 7, 1862. 
Webb, Benton, e. July 7, 1862, disd. Jan. 31, 1863, disab. 



TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized during the Autumn of 
1862. It was made up as follows ; Company A, Capt. W. 
C. Gaston, Benton County ; Company B, Capt. B. W. Wil- 
son, Iowa and Tama ; Company C, Capt. J. W. Carr, Pow- 
esheik ; Company D, Capt. S. P. Vanatta, Benton ; Com- 
pany E, Capt. D. Stewart, Johnson; Company F, Capt. J. 
A. Staley, Tama ; Company G, Capt. Thomas Uillon, Iowa ; 
Company H, Capt. A. Wilson, Poweshiek ; Company I, 
Capt. J. B.Kerr, Iowa; Company K, Capt. John Meyer, 
Jasper. William E. Miller, of Iowa City, was Colonel; 
John Connell, of Toledo, Lieutenant Colonel, and H. B. 
Lynch, of Millersburg, Major. 

The regiment went into camp at Iowa City, where it 
remained several weeks. On the 10th of November, 1862, 
the regiment, numbering 956 rank and file, was mustered 
into the United States' service. November 2d, it was or- 
dered to move to the seat of war, and arrived at Helenat 
Ark., on the 20th, where it encamped in tents for the firs, 
time. Here, in addition to other disease engendered, 
owing to the swampy encampment, the small-pox broke 
out. 

January 11, 1863, it formed a part of Gen. Gorman's 
expedition, which ascended White Eiver to Duvall's 
Bluff. During this expedition, the men suffered severely 
from storms and cold. Returning to Helena, rude Win- 
ter quarters were built, and the sufferings of that Winter 
will never be fully told. In February, the regiment as- 
sisted in removing obstructions from Yazoo Pass. Col. 
Miller resigned in March, succeeded by Lieut. Col. 
Connell. 

April 11th, the Twenty-eighth, which formed a part of 
the Second Brigade, Twelfth Division, Thirteenth Army 
Corps, started on the Vicksburg camj aign, in which the 
regiment participated. It was first under tire at Port 
Gibson, May Ist, where it lost 1 man killed and 16 
wounded, but the brave boys never flinched. At the bat- 
tle of Jackson, on the 16th, the regiment fought like vet- 
erans. Of the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth, Gen. 
Hovey says, "Scarcely UKjre than six months in the serv- 
ice, and yet no troops ever showed more bravery or 
fought with more valor." Here, the regiment lost 22 
killed, 65 wounded and 13 missing. Four companies 
came out without a commissioned officer. 

On the day of the capitulation of Vicksburg, the regi- 
ment received orders to march with three days' rations. 
Death, wounds and sickness had so reduced the regiment 
that only 2,50 men were able to join in the march. Maj. 
Lynch had resigned and had been succeeded by Capt. 
John Meyor. It participated in operations before Jack- 
son, and on the 25th of July, took up its line of march 
for Vicksburg, which place it reached on the 27th. Soon 
after, it was ti-ansferred to the Department of the Gulf, 
and September 13, 1863, moved into Western Louisiana, 
under Gen. Franklin. March 1, 1864, Col. Connell with 
his regiment arrived in New Orleans, and crossing the 
Mississippi, went into camp at Algiers; and a few 
days afterward, moved to Alexandria, to join Banks' Red 
River expedition, in which it participated. At the battle 
of Sabine Cross Roads, the regiment lost 80 officers and 
men; Col. Connell was severely wounded and captured. 
July 22, 1864, the regiment embarked on the " Arago," 



bade farewell to Louisiana, and August 2d, landed at 
Alexandria, Va. Soon .after its arrival it went into camp 
near Tenallytown, whence, after two weeks' rest, it joined 
Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah Valley. Lost 90 men 
at Winchester, where it was in the thickest of the fight. 
Was again engaged at Fisher's Hill, where it captured a 
battery of six guns, a large quantity of amumnition and 
many prisoners, with a loss of only 4 men wounded. It 
participated in the battle of Cedar Creek, in which it 
fought early and late, in the Fourth Brigade of Grover's 
Division. 

January, 1865, it was ordered to Savannah, Ga., where 
it performed garrison duty for several weeks. Re-inforcod 
Gen. Schofield at Newbern, N. C, whore it was assigned 
to the Tenth Corps, and where it remained until Gen. Joe 
Johnston's surrender, when it was ordered back to Savan- 
nah, where, on the last daj' of July, 1865, it was mustered 
out of service ; after which, it proceeded to Davenport, 
Iowa, wh«re it was finally disbanded, in August. 

It is to be said that among all the volunteer regiments 
which composed the Grand Army of the tTnion, not one 
did its duty better than the gallant Twenty-eighth Iowa 
Infantry. 

Aest. Surg. William P. Lathrop, com. Sept. 16, 1862, resd. 
Dec. 16, 1862. 

Company A. 

Capt. Wm. C. Gaston, com. Oct. 10, 1862, resd. Jan. 10, "63. 
Capt. Jas. H. Shutts, com. Ist lieut. Oct. 10, 1862, prmtd 

capt. Jan. 11, 1863, resd. June 9, 1863. 
Capt. Jno. E. Palmer, com. 2d lieut. Oct. 10, 1862, prmtd. 

1st lieut. March 10, 1863, prmtd. capt. June 10, 1863, 

kid. in battle of Opequan, Sept. 19, 1864. 
Capt. John W. McGuire, e. as sergt. April 8, 1862, prmtd. 

1st sergt., prmtd. 2d lieut. May 17, 1863, prmtd. 1st 

lieut. June 10, 1863, prmtd. capt. Sept. 23, 1864. 
First Lieut. Samuel Taggart. e. as Corp. July 28, 1862, wd. 

at Champion Hills, prmtd. sergt., then 2d lieut. .June 

10, 1864, prmtd. 1st lieut. Sept. 23, 18G4, wd. at battle 

of Cedar Creek, Va. 
Second Lieut. John Legan, e. as 1st sergt. Aug. 1, 1862, 

prmtd. 2d lieut. March 10, 1863, kid. battle of Cham- 
pion Hills, May 16, 1863. 
Second Lieut. Abraham Rose, e. as sergt. Aug. 8, 1862, 

prmted, 2d lieut. June 10, 1863, disd. July 14, 1863 as 

1st sergt. 
Second Lieut. Wm. H. Mnrlin, e. as private Aug 8, 1862, 

wd. Cedar Creek, Va., com. 2d lieut. July 18, 1865, m. 

o. as 1st sergt. 
Sergt. Chas. I. Barbour, e. Aug. 8, 1861, disd. July 13, '63, 

disab. 
Sergt A. W. Francis, e. Aug. 9, 1861. 
Sergt. Jos. White, e. Aug. 5, 1861, kid. Sept. 19, 1864, at 

battle of Winchester, Va. 
Corp James Lehew, e. Aug. 10, 18j61, disd. Dec. 8, 1863. 
eorp. E. F. Murphy, e. July 26, 1861, died July 4, 1863 at 

Memphis. 
Corp. Geo. B. Hatfield, e. Aug. 11,1861, disd. March 2, '63. 
Corp. E. Smelser, c. Aug. 4, 1861. 
Corp. Wm. L. Parmeter, e. Aug. 8, 1861, wd. at Champion 

Hills. 
Corp. A. G. Green, e. Aug. 8, 1861, died at Memphis, June 

30, 18G3. 
Corp. A. H. Doane, e. July 31, 1861, wd. at Cedar Creek. 
Corp. E. EIly.son, e. July 21, 1861, died at Helena, Ark., 

March 29, 1863. 
Cor. E. B. Felker, e. Aug. 6, 1861, wd. at Cedar Creek. 
Corp. H. M. Worih, e. Aug. 5, 1861, wd. at Champion Hills, 

Winchester and Cedar Creek, 
Musician Pat. H. Skiffington, e. July 26, 1861. 
Musician Wm. P. McGuire, e. July 12, 1861, died at Car- 

rollton. La., Aug. 28, 1863. 
Anderson, John, e. Aug. 10, 1862, died at St. Louis, Juna 

23, 1863. 
Butterfield, John, e. Aug. 7, 1862. 
Beller, B. H., e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills, 

captd. at Opelousas, La., wd. at Winchester and Cedar 

Creek. 
Booth, Wm. L., e. Aug. 4, 1862, disd. May 31, 1863, disab. 
Bruster, Amos N., e. Aug. 7, 1862, kid. at battle Cham- 
pion Hills, May 16, 1863. 
Bowen, Wm. H., e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills. 
Bowen, David, e. Aug. 8, 1862. 

Boyden, John H., e. Aug. 8, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills. 
Burkhead, Geo. W., e. Aug. 12, 1862. 
Barnet, John, e. Aug. 16, 1862. 
Bruce, Jos. W., e. July 30, 1862. 

Campbell, John A., e. Dec. 23, 1863, wd. at Cedar Creek. 
Culp, C, e. July 26, 1862. 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



399 



Coder. P. 51.. e. Aug. 1, 18G2, wd. at Ohumpion Hills. 
Culp, T., e. Aug. S, lti62, kid. at battle of Cedar Creek, Va., 

Oct. 19, 1864. 
Dodge, E. S., e. Jan. 5, 1864, died. Feb. 1, 1865, disab. 
Dure, J. C, e. Aug. 4, 1802, wd. at Port Gibson, disd. Dec. 

6, 1863, disab. 
Downs, Wm. G., e. Aug. 6, 1862, died at Vicksburg, June 

29, 1863. 
Dickey, W. H., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died at St. Louis, July 16, 

1863. 
Elder Clark, e. Aug. 1, 1862, kid. at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 

1S64. 
Ellis, Benj. F., e. Ang. 9, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills, died 

at Memphis, July 4, 1863. 
Flickenger, F. M., e. July 26, 1862, died at Helena, Ark., 

Feb. 27, 1863. 
Fetherkill, George M., e. Aug. 4, 1862, captd. at Opelou- 

sas, La. 
Francis, Jas. S., e. Aug. 6, 1862. 
Finch, E. D., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Francis, W. W., e. Aug. 4, 1862. 
Partoii, AVni. A., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Gingery, S., e. Feb 26, 1864, kid. Oct. 19, 1864, at Cedar 

Creek, Va. 
Gingry, William A., e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Sabine Cross 

Roads, La. 
Harris, Jas. B., e. July 27, 1862, wd. at Port Gibson, died 

at Benton Barracks, Mo., Aug. 29, 1863. 
Houts, E.G., e. Aug 2, 1862, disd. Aug. 19, 1863, disab. 
Bouts, A. C, e. .\iig. 12, 1862, captd. at Champion Hills, 

wd. and captd. at Sabine Cross Roads, La. 
Hicks, Wm., e. Aug. 7, 1862, disd. Feb. 4, 1863. 
Hibbard, Wm., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Hull, J., e. .\ug. 7, 1862, died at Perkins Landing, La., 

May 16, 1863. 
Heath, M. S., e.Aug. 9, 1862, wd. on stmr. Mississippi River 

and at Cedar Creek, Va. 
Inman, Orville, e. Aug. 7, 1862. 
Jimmerson, J. B., e. Aug. 8, 1862, kid. at Champion Hills, 

May 16, 1863, 
Jackson, Hiram, e. July 26, 1862, died at Keokuk, Aug 

26, 1863. 
Jackson, Wm. M., e. Aug. 3, 1862, died at Helena, Ark., 

Dec. 30, 1862. 
Jones, Jas. M., e. Aug. 10, 1862. 
Jones, Henry, e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Kincer, Wm., e. Aug. 4, 1862. 
Kilpatrick, John M., e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. March 31, 1863, 

disab. 
Kisling. Jos. C, e. Aug. 9, 1862, died Jan. 6, 1863, at Hel- 
ena, Ark. 
Lott, Jas. H., e. Aug. 4, 1862. 

Lopp, A., e. Jan. 5, 1864, kid. at Sabine Cross Roads, La. 
Luther, Geo., e. Aug. 12, 1862. 

Loyd, A. 6., i'. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills. 
Murphy, James M., e. Jan. 5, 1864, wd. at Cedar Creek. 
Meeker, Lyman, e. July 21, 1862. 
Jlickey, John, e. Aug. 3, 1862. 
Mossman, F. H., e. Aug. 9, 1862, kid. at battle Champion 

Hills, May 16,1863. 
Miller, Isaac, e. Aug. 7, 1862, died at Jefferson Barracks, 

Feb. 14,1863. 
McBroom, Thos., e. Aug. 7, 1862, disd. March 6, 1863, disab. 
Myers, Martin, e. Aug. 9, 1862, died at Vicksburg, May 6, 

1863. 
Patrick, Jos. S., e. Aug. 7, 1862, died at Davenport, Iowa, 

Nov. 18, 1862. 
Rice, F. F., e. Jan. 5, 1864, wd. at Cedar Creek, died at 

Martinsburg, A'a., Oct. 28, 1864. 
Rasor, Wm.W., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Remington, Wm., o. July 28, 1862. 
RuckerC, c. July 1, 1862. 
Rnpp, C. D., e. July, 12, 1862. 
Roszell, Jno. S., e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Koszell, Jos. B., e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Sutton, Benj., e. Aug. 4, 1862, kid. at battle Sabine Cross 

Roads, La., April 8, 1864. 
Segrist, Fredk., e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at Memphis, April 1, 

1863. 
Stout, Geo. W., e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Scott, Geo. H., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 

Segrist, Samuel, e. Aug. 17, 1862, trans, to Inv. Corps. 
Terwilliger, Thos., e. Aug. 8, 1862, died on steamer Nash- 
ville, May 20, 1803. 
Taggart, Goo., e. Julv 28, 1862. 

Thompson, Wm., e. July 29, 1862, disd. Dec. 2,1862, disab. 
Thompson, I. N., e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at Jackson, Miss., 

July 20, 1863. 
A'ancleef. R. G., e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Wightman, D., e. July 21, 1862. 



Webb, H. 0., 0. July 29, 1861. 

Whitcraft, Geo., July 31, 1862, died at St. Louis, June 20, 

1863. 
Whitman, Noah, e. Aug. 6, 1862. 
Woods, N. S., e. Aug. 6, 1862. 
Woodruff, A. W., e. July 26, 1862, disd. March 31, 1863,. 

disab. 

Company D. 

Capt. Samuel P. Vanatta, com. Oct. 10, 1862, read. March 

20, 1863. 
Capt. John D. Tliomp.son, com. 1st licut. Oct. 10, 1862, 

prmtd. capt. March 20, 1863, died at Salem, Ind., Aug. 

8, 1863. 

Capt. Henry, M. Wilson, e. as 1st sergt. Aug. 9, 1862, 
prmtd. 2d lieut. Jan. 1, 1863, prmtd. Ist lieut. March 
20, 1863, prmtd. capt. Aug. 9, 1SG3. 

First Lieut. John C. Summers, e. as sergt. Aug. 4, 1862, 
prmtd. 2d lieut. March 20, 1863, prmtd. Ist lieut. Aug. 

9, 1803, wd. at Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864. 
Second Lieut. James R. Kennedy, com. Oct. 10, 1862, read. 

Dec. 26, 1862. 
Second Lieut. William Postlewait, e. as corp. July 28, 

1862, com. 2a lieut. May 26, 1864, m. o. as Ist sergt. 

Sergt. Wm. Geddes, e. Aug. 9, '02, disd. April 11, '03, disab. 

Sergt. A. W. Martin, e. Aug. 9, 1862, captd. at Sabine- 
Cross Roads, La. 

Sergt. James F. Wishard, e. Aug. 8, 1802. 

Sergt. Jos. A. Fawcett, e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Vicksburg, 

and died June 20, 1863. 
Sergt. Wm. Lamphaer, e. Aug. 2, 1862, disd. March 30 

1863, disab. 

Sergt. Wm. S. McDuff, e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Cedar Creek, 

disd. April 20, 1865, wds. 
Corp. A. Stephenson, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Jan. 31, 1863, 

disab. 
Corp. George W. Ferguson, e. Aug. 28, 1862, wd. Cham- 
pion Hills, died at Memphis, June 14, 1863. 
Corp. S. Opfelt, e. Aug. 6, 1862. 

Corp. Harrison Stephens, e. Aug. 15, 1862, wd. at Win- 
chester and Cedar Creek, died Baltimore Nov. 10, "64. 
Corp. Wm. St. Clair, e. Aug. 9, 1802, wd. at Champion 

Hills, disd. Dec. 17, 1863, wds. 
Corp. Edward M. Evans, e. Aug. 14, 1862, wd. at Cedar 

Creek, disd. June 21, 1865, wds. 
Corp. W. W. Wilkinson, e. Aug. 5, 1862, wd. Cedar Creek, 

disd. Jan. 5, 1865, wds. 
Corp. James K. Mitchell, e. Aug. 11, '03, wd. Cedar Creek. 
Corp. Lawrence Harding, e. Aug. 8, 1802, captd. at Sabine 

Cross Roads, La. 
Corp. Wm. W, McCoy, e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Corp. H. H. Greenlee. 
Musician J. F. Tryon, e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Musician J. Jenks, e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Wagoner Jos. F. Thompson, e. Aug. 14, 1862. 
Ashbey, James, e. Aug. 1, 1862, wd. at Cedar Creek. 
Armstrong, John, e. Aug. 1, 1862. 
Arrowhood, Nelson, e. Aug. 9, 1862, died at Helena, Ark., 

Jan. 20, 1863. 
Allarding, H., e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. March 3, 1863, disab. 
Brennon Jno., e. Aug. 5, 1862, wd. at Winchester. 
Barney, Wm., e. Aug. 12, 1802. 
Burton, B., e. Aug. 8, 1802. 
Baldwin, Hiram, e. Aug. 9, 1802, kid. in battle at Sabine 

Cross Koads, La., April 8, 1864. 
Burton, Enos E., e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at Milliken's Bend, 

La. May 3, 1803. 
Bowe, Daniel F., e. Aug. 9, 1802, wd. at Winchester. 
Buttolph, Alfred, e. Aug. 8, 1862, captd. at Sabine Cross 

Roads, La. 
Brown, Wm. H., e. Aug. 11, 1862, wd. .at Cedar Creek, Va. 
Bert, Henry, c. Feb. 25, 1864, died July 19, 1864, at New 

Orleans. 
Brewer, Ira E., e. Aug. 14, 1862. 
Bowe, R. E., e. Feb. 25, 1864. 
Barton, Joseph N., e. Aug. 8, 1862, wd. at Cedar Creek, 

disd. Jan. 20, 1865, wds. 
Carrier, F. L., e. Jan. 5, 1804, kid. at Sabine Cross Roadfr 

La., April 8, 1804. 
Cottrell, Wm., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Collicott, Thomas B., e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Cottrell, A., e. Aug. 9, '62, died Aug. 1, '03, at St. Louis. 
Clark Budd, e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Cedar Creek. 
Carrier, .\. L., e. Feb. 6, 1804, wd. Winchester. 
Crawford, Samuel A., e. Aug. 10, 1802, wd. at Champion 

Hills, died .at Baker's Creek, Miss., May 25, 186;?. 
Cottrell, Isaac, e. Aug. 19, 1802, died at Milliken's Bend, 

La., June 3, 1863. 
Detweler, Elijah, e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Eastman, Harman,e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. July 5, '63, disab' 



400 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



Tee, James M. 

Furnace, Jacob, e. Aug. 1, 1862, wd. at Cedar Creek. 
•Goodwin, Elliott, e. Aug. 6, 1862, disd. June 28, '63, disab. 
Hinkle, H. C, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. April 4, 1863, disab. 
Hampton, Benj. F., e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at New Orleans 

June 22, 1864. 
HoUingsworth, W. L., e. Aug. 8, 1862, wd. at Cedar Creek, 

disd. Jan. 20, 1865, wds. 
Hite N., e. Aug. 9,1862. 
Hodson, Z., e. Aug. 1, 1862. 
Hollister, F. E., e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at Carrollton, La., 

Sept. 9, 1863. 
Howard, H., e. Aug. 4, 1862. 

Haines, Clayton, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Aug. 16, '63, disab. 
Hite, Jacob, e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills, disd. 

July 4, 1864, wds. 
Honeywell, Benj., e. Aug. 14, 1862, captd. at Champion 

Hills, kid. at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864. 
Jones, David, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Jan. 21, 1863, disab. 
Knapp, William, e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Kimball, C. B., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Keller, A. S , e. Aug. 9,1862, captd. at Sabine Cross Beads, 

La. 
Kelley, Jno., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Luton, Jno., e. Jan. 5, 1864, wd. at Winchester. 
Loutzenhizer, John, e. Aug.^9, 1862, died at Helena, Ark., 

March 13, 1863. 
Lock, P. A., e. Dec. 24, 1863, wd. at Winchester, disd. May 

23, 1865, wds. 
Means, W. W., e. Dec. 13, 1863. 
Moore, Emmett. e. Aug. 9, 1862, died June 10, 1863, at 

Helena, Ark. 
McGlade, Francis, e. Aug. 1, 1862. 
Maxson, James, e. Aug. 9, 1862. wd. at Champion Hills, 

died Aug. 10, 1863, at Memphis, wds. 
Maxson, Wm.. e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Newell, Geo. W., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Nance, Alex. e. Aug. 5, 1862, died April 14, 1863, at 

Helena, Ark. 
Park, Alfred, e. Aug. 4, 1862, died at Bolton, Miss., May 

15, 1803. 
Prill, James H., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Prior, Thos., e. Aug. 9, 1862, captd. at Cedar Creek. 
Peck, Wm. M., e. Aug. 7, 1862. 
Bamy, Asa, e. Aug. 1, 1862 
Keggle, David, e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Eailsback, George W., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died on steamer 

D. A. January June 14, 1863. 
Bace, Archibald, e. Aug. 14, 1862. 
Bahauser, Jacob, e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Scott, Sam, e. Dec. 18, 1863, trans, to V. E. C. 
Smith, George S., e. Aug. §, 1862, disd. May 9, 1863, disab. 
Shughart, Jos. R., e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills, 

kid. at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864. 
Summers, Wm. H., e. Aug. 4, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills, 

and died May 18, 1863. 
Stewart, Franklin P., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died at Vinton Sept. 

21, 1864. 
Thompson, John W., e. Aug. 14, 1862. 
Willett, Elisha. e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
WilUbrd, James H., e. Aug. 1, 1862, wd. at Champion 

Hills, died at Baker's Creek May 29, 1863. 
Wood, Eli, e. Aug. 4, 1862, died at Memphis April 7, 1863. 
Wright, Enos, e. Aug. 1, 1862, disd. June 28, 1863, disab. 
Weaver, Levi E., e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills. 
Williams, Geo. W., e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Williams, T. F., e. Aug. 9, 1862, wd. at Winchester, disd. 

May 29, 1865, wds. 
Wright, George W., e. Aug. 5, 1802. 
Wingfleld, C, e. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Wallace, John S., e. Aug. 16, 1862, died at Berwick City, 

La., Dec. 22, 1864. 
Wolf, Elias, e. Dec. 14, 1863. 
Williams, D. C, e. Aug. 16, 1862, wd. at Champion Hills, 

and died at Memphis June 14, 1863. 
York, James, e Aug. 1, 1862. 

COMPANY UNKNOWN. 

Miller, John A., e. Dec. 26, 1863. 
Mahin, J. W., e. Jan. 16, 1864. 



FORTIETH INFANTRY. 

This, the last of the three-years regiments, was not, 
however, the last to leave the State. It was composed of 
four companies from Marion Cuunty, two fiom Jasper and 
one each from Poweshiek, Mahaska, Keokuk and Benton, 
and was mustered into service, 900 strong, November 15, 
1862. John A. Garret, of Newton, was Colonel ; Samuel 



F. Cooper, of Grinnell, Lieutenant Colonel, and Sherman 

G. Smith, of Newton, Major. 

The regiment was armed December 16th, and loft the 
next day. arriving at Columbus, Ky., on the night of the 
18th, where it remained during the Winter. In May, 

1863, the regiment was ordered to join the army operat- 
ing against Vicksburg, of which it formed a part of 
"Kimball's Provisional Division," Sixteenth Army Corps. 
Disembarking at Satartia, on the Yazoo River, on the 
7th of June marched, to Haines' Bluff, where they re- 
mained a week, and then moved to Snyder's Bluft, where 
the regiment remained until the cipitulation of Vicks- 
burg. 

On the 23d of July, embarked for Helena, Ark., where 
it arrived on the 26th and took part in Gen. Steele's ex- 
pedition against Little Rock. Bloved from Little Rock as 
a part of the Third Brigade, Third Division, March .23, 

1864. April 3(1, was engaged in a heavy skirmish near 
Okolona. April 10th, bore an honorable part in the bat- 
tle of Prairie d' Anne. Was conspicuous for its gallantry 
at the battle of Jenkins' FeiTy. About the middle of 
Januarj', 1865, the regiment moved up the river to Darda- 
nelles, but soon returned. 

About the middle of February, Col. Garrett was or- 
dered to report to Gen. Cyrus Bassey in command of the 
District of Fort Smith, and saw no more of active serv- 
ice. August 2, 1865, it was mustered out of service, and 
the ne.xt day started for Iowa, arriving at Davenport on 
the loth, and finally disbanded August 16, 1865. 

Company K. 

Capt. George W. Sells, com. Nov. 15, '62,resd. Nov. 28,'64. 
First Lieut. Jacob R. Christie, com. Nov. 15, 1862, resd. 

Sept. 16, 1864. 
Second Lieut. William K. Harding, com. Nov. 15, 1862, 

disd. March 1, 1864. 
Sergt. Luke Feran, e. Aug. 17, 1862. 
Sergt. R C. Bare, wd. at Jenkins' Ferry, Ark., and died at 

Camden Sspt. 20, 1864. 
Sergt. Eli Troxel, e. Aug. 21, 1862. 
Sergt. A. W. Eddy, e. Aug. 13, 1862, trans, to V. R. V. May 

0, 1864. 
Sergt. H. Robinson, e. Aug. 21, 1862. 
Corp. I, H. French, e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans to V. R. C 

Aug. 10, 1864. 
Corp. M. McElroy, e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Corp. A. J. Ferguson, e. Aug. 11 1862. 
Corp. A. Robertson, e. Aug. 20, 1862. 
Corp. F. Hull. e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd, Nov. 24, 1863, disab. 
Corp. Hiram Miner, e. Aug. 15, 1802. 
Corp. H. E. Christie, e. Aug. 5, 1862. 
Wagoner H. A. Bunton, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died at Little 

Rock Oct. 22, 1864. 
Anderson, Marion, e. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Anderson, William, e. .\ug. 13, 1862. 
Atcheson, Jesse, e. Aug. 16, 1862, died at Paducah, Ky., 

Aug. 28, 1863. 
Adams, Ira A. e. Aug. 21. 1862, died at Duvall's Bluff Sept. 

3, 1863. 
Burkhead, John W., e. Jan. 5, 1864, wd. at Jenkins' Ferry, 

Ark. 
Burk, John, e. Aug. 12, 1862. 

Brubaker, Elias, e. Sept. 26, 1862, disd. July 15, '64, disab. 
Burrett, E. 6., e. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Baldwin, Joseph, e. Aug. 10, '62, disd. July 21, '63, disab. 
Black, James J., e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Cassady, William. 
Daniels, William, e. Aug. 12, 1862. 
Daugherty, M. A., e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Elliott, G. W. e. Jan. 2, 1864. 
Ferguson, John S., e. Aug. U, 1862. 
Fuller, Alfred, e. Aug. 20, 1862. 
Gault, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Gillchrist, James, e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at St. Louis Oct. 

12,1863. 
Goon, Elias, e. Aug. 20, 1862, disd. Jan. 30, 1863, disab. 
Gephart, Joseph, e. Aug. 7, 1862. 

Gillett, C. H., e. Aut;. 12, 1862, disd. Aug. 30, 1863, disab. 
Hopkins, D. W., e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Holliday, A. J., e. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Hagan, James, e. Aug. 12, 1802, wd. at Jenkins' Ferrv, 

Ark. 
Hodge, George W., e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Haines, Henry, e. Aug. 15, 1802, died at Iowa City Nov. 

24, 1862. 
Harper, E. R., e. Aug. 12, 1862. 
Howe, A. J., e. Aug. 15, 1862, trans, to Inv. Corps Jan. 15, 

1804. 
laman, George E., e. Jan. 5, 1864. 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



401 



Johnston, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Kiihn, Peter, e. Aug. 12, 1862. 

Kelley, James, e. Aug. 12, 1862. 

Ketterman, L. J., e. Aug. 16, 1862, died on steamer City 

of Memphis Oct. 4, 1863. 
Langliam, W. D., e. Jlurch 30, 1864. 
Lash, Joseph R., e. Aug. 10, 1862, died at Little Rock 

April 9, 1864. 
Lee, Isaac, e. Aug. 30, 1862, wd. and captd. at Jenkins' 

Ferry, Ark., died May 27, 1864. 
Livingston, Robert, e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Livingston, .Vndv, e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
MiUer, C. E., e. Jan. 2, 1864, died Aug. 3, 1864, at Little 

Rock. 
Morford, Isaac, e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at Helena, Ark., Dec. 

30, 1863. 
McDowell, Ale.\., e. Aug. 22, 1862, died at St. Louis Nov. 

30, 1863. 
Parker, Henry E., e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Patrick, D., e. Aug. 15, 1862, wd. and captd. at Jenkins' 

Ferry, died at Camdtn, .\rk., Nov. 24, 1864. 
Patterson, James R., e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Pelton, 0. Shea, e. Aug. 16, 1802. 
Rohinson. D. K., e. Aug. 15, 1862. 

St. Peters, Alex., e. Aug. 17, 1862, disd. Dec. 21, '63, disab. 
Steele, George H., o. Aug. 21, 1862. 
Thompson, Marquis, e. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Thomas, John B., e. Aug. 15, 1862, died at Iowa City Nov. 

5, 1862. 
Todd, R. M., e. Aug. 5, 1862, disd. July 12, 1863, di.sab. 
Wood, P. J., e. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Wood, William H., e. Aug. 8, 1862. 



FORTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. 
Company C. 

Capt. Joo. H. Shields, com. June 4, 1864. 

Sergt. John C. Porter, e. May 21, 1864. 

Sergt. 'as. B. Locke, e. May 21, 1864. 

Sergt. Silas R. Osgood, e. May 21. 1864. 

Corp. Wm. Holladay, e. May 30, 1864. 

Corp. Wm. G. Goodwin, e. May 21, 1864. 

Corp. Jas. M. Tarpenning, e. May 21, 1SG4. 

Corp. Jno. W. Eckman, e. May 21, 1864. 

Musician Wm. Wood, e May 21, 1864. 

Adams, Augustus, e. .Tune 21, 1864 

Andrews, Geo., e. May 24, 1864. 

Burger, Jas. L., e. Mav 21, 1864. 

Barker, Jas. W., e. May 21, 1864. 

Boles, Irvin S., e. May 21, 1864 

Boody, J. K., e. May 21, 1862. 

Brown, A. R.. e. May 21, 1864, died. 

Brown, Geo. T., e. May 30, 1864. 

Burnett, I. J., e. May 30, 1864. 

Brain, Jas., e. May 30, 1864. 

Crawford, Jas. J., e. May 21, 1864. 

Coovet, A. N., e. Mav 21, 1864. 

Davis, Wm. P., e. May 23, 1864. 

Dvke, E. B., e. May 21, 1864. 

Eison, A. M., e. May 21, 1864. 

Ervin, Z. B., e. May 25, 1864. 

Fawcett, Jno. A., e. May 21, 1864, died Sept. 28, 1864, at 

Keokuk. 
Fullenwider, W. H., e. May 21, 1864. 
Fawcett, A. H., e. May 21, 1864. 
Goodwin, Jno. N., e. Blay 21. 1864. 
Good, Jno. W., e. May 24, 1864. 
Geddos, Jno. C, e. May 21, 1864. 
Greer, John F.. e. May 20, 1864. 
Haines, Alfred, e. Mav 21, 1864. 
Hanna. A. G., e. Mav"21, 1864. 
Jones, G. \V., e. May 21, 1864. 
Kensey, S., e. May 21, 1864. 
Kendall, Lawrence, e. May 21, 1864. 
Kerns, Thomas, e. May 30, 1864, died Sept. 22, 1864, at 

Davenport. 
Louderbach, H. T., e. May 21, 1864. 
Maynard, Wm., e. May 25, 1864. 
Jlorris, Isaiah, e. May 30, 1864. 
Matthews, A. J., e. May 21, 1864. 
Moody, John, e. May 21, 1864. 
Mcskimen, J. M., e.'Mav 21, 1864. 
Porter, Jas. R., e. Mav 21, 1864. 
Peek, Henry, e. May 30, 1864. 
Pavev, Thoinis, e Mav 21, 1864. 
Stookev. M. F., e. May 21, 1864. 
Smith, Silas A., e. Blav 21, 1864. 



Wood, W., e. May 21, 1864, died July 25, 1864, at Helena 

Ark. 
Young, Hulet, e. Mav 12, 1864. 
Dobbins, A. N., e. June 4, 1864. 

Company K. 

Fay, H. W., e. May 21, 1864. 



FIFTH VETERAN CAVALRY. 

The Fifth Cavalry, better known as " Curtis' Horse," 
was organized at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., Decem- 
ber 20, 1861. It was composed of various detachments 
and companies from the Western States. It did very effi- 
cient service, the details of which cannot here be given, 
as the regiment was constantly moving, mostly by com- 
panies or battalions, scouting, foraging, purs\iing- or har- 
assing the enemy; and, while not participating often as 
a regiment in large battles, it was cunstiintly having 
smaller battles. The principal engagements participated 
in were the second battle of Fort Donelson, wliere the 
Fifth Cavalry followed the retreating enemy, charged and 
routed them ; several engagements against Wheeler's cav- 
alry at Wartrace, Duck River Bridge, Sugar Creek, and 
against Roddy's cavalry in several minor engagements. 

The Fifth became veterans Fel)ruary 4, and went honiL', 
to report at Davenport March 5th. They returned to 
Nashville, Tenn., and thence proceeded on a most active 
campaign, tearing up railroads and hurninc bridges in 
the enemy's rear, and annoying and crippling them in 
every possible way. Finally, at a place called Newnan, 
in Georgia, they, with the Eighth Indiana, were sur- 
rounded by the consolidateil cavalry forces of Wheeler, 
Roddy, Jackson, Hume and Ro's, and compelled to cut 
their way out, every man for himself, in which way they 
reached our lines, .\fter this, with but a handful of 
men, the Fifth was assigned to Kilpatrick's command, 
and operated almost day and night in the vicinity of 
Atlanta; and, after going to Louisville, Ky , and getting 
fresh horses, they entered into another active campaign, 
between Nashville and Athens, having several important 
engagements with the enemy; and went home, at thi- 
end of the war, with a record of whicli every man can 
justly feel proud. 

Company I. 

Sergt. David C. Onstott, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 

5th inf 
Sergt. Jas. C. Scott, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Corp. Jos. M. Meskimans, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from "Co. G, 

5th inf. 
Brainard, Jas., >-et., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Blakely. E. C, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf., wd., 

disd. Sept. 1, 1805. 
Baldwin, Jas., vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf 
Clark, Wm. F., vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Cox, Wm. A., from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Cox, Henry, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Cantonwine, David, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Ditch, David, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, oth inf 
Hatfield, L. S., vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Hayek, Geo. vet., Jan. 5. 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Johnson, Jas., vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Meskimons, Jas. M., vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf., 

disd., term expired. 
Moody, Jas., vet., Jan. 5, 1804, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Meskimons, Lewis, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Porter, Richard, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from (Jo. G, 5th inf., 

killed at Columbus, Ga., April 16, 1865. 
Bobbins, W. 0., vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Stewart, Wm. F., vet., Feb. 0, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Stewart, Elijah, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. 6, 5th inf. 
Starks, L. H., vet., .Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
Taylor, L. D., vet., Feb. 6, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 
White. John, vet., Jan. 5, 1864, from Co. G, 5th inf. 



SIXTH CAVALRY. 

The Sixth Cavalry wjis recruited in 1862, and wassnt 
to Minnesota immediately after being mounted and 
drilled, where it marched under Gen. Sully against the 
Indians. During August, 1863, three companies of the 
Sixth, under command of Maj. House, while on detached 
service, undertook to held a camp of 1,500 Indians until 
word could be sent to the main force, but this proved to 
be almost too large a job for the men ; for the Indians 



402 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



were breaking away just as Gen. Sully came up with Col. 
D. S. Wilson at the head of the Sixth and Col. Furnas in 
command of the Second Nebraska. The battle began 
instantly, two companies of the Sixth going through the 
camp, and Col. Furnas joining Maj. House. The engage- 
ment lasted till after dark, when the bugles sounded the 
recall. The Indians fled during the night, leaving every- 
thing but their ponies and arms behind. The next day 
(5th), the command destro3'ed half a million pounds of 
dried meat, three hundred lodges, and other valuable 
property. Over a hundred dead Indians were found on 
the field. July 28, 1864, the Sixth had a hand in the en- 
gagement with the Indians at Tahkahokutah, where the 
Indians occupied a secure position on some steep and 
rocky bluffs partly covered with timber. The Indians 
threw out mounted skirmishing parties eight or ten miles 
in advance of this position, which were driven back to 
the bluffs. The Indians were then shelled out of their 
position in the rocks and forced to retreat with consider- 
able loss. August 8th, the regiment, which had camped 
the previous night on the Little Missouri, had a skirmish 
with a heavy force of Indians, and on the following day 
got a chance to charge them a distance of over two miles, 
killing a considerable number. The regiment remained 
in Dakotah until Winter, bivouacked at Sioux City until 
Spring, and was mustered out in October, 1865. 



Company H. 



1862, 



Capt. Jeptha M. "Van Meter, e. as sergt. Sept. 22, 
prmtd. comy. sergt., then capt. July 13, 1865. 

Sergt. Wm. W. Davis, e. Sept. 15, 1862, kid. Sept. 3, 1863, 
at White Stone Hill, D. T. 

Farrier A. Merchant, e. Sept. 15, 1862. 

Farrier J. W. Davis, e. Sept. 24, 1862. 

Conley, Wm., e. Sept. 22, 1862. 

Dummett, W. H., e. Sept. 24, 1862. 

Dummett, W. K., e. Sept. 26, 1862, kid. at battle of White 
Stone Hill, D. T. 

Stickney, Julius, e. Oct. 10, 1862. 

Company I. 

Corp. Milo N. Higgins, e. Sept. 24, 1862, died at White 
Stone Hill, D. T., Sept. 4, 1862, wds. 

Company K. 

Johnson, Lantz, e. Oct. 31, 1862. 
Harper, D. C, e. Oct. 31, 1862. 

UNKNOWN. 

Campbell, Sam'l, e. Oct. 26, 1864. 
Castine, Jacob, e. Oct. 26, 1864. 
Ireland, Jacob, e. Oct. 26, 1864. 
Neel, G. W., e. Oct. 24, 1864. 
Kichardeon, C, e. Oct. 26, 1864. 
Sullivan, C. E., e. Oct. 29, 1864. 
Steward, 0. H., e. Oct. 29, 1864. 



SEVENTH CAVALRY. 

This regiment was organized at " Camp Hendershott," 
Davenport, in the Summer of 1863, and ordered to duty 
against the Indians in Nebraska, Dakotah, Colorado and 
Kansas. Portions of the regiment were engaged in the 
battles of White Stone Hill, Tahkahokutah, Bad Lands, 
Little Blue Julesburg, Mud Springs, Rush Creek, Horse 
Creek, Cow Creek, and other engagements, in which the 
brave Iowa boys fought gallantly. The battle of Jules- 
burg, Colorado, was fought by Company F, under Capt. 
O'Brien. The Indians in large numbers had attacked a 
train. Capt. O'Brien marched to its assistance, and the 
batte continued during the day. The company lost 
thirteen killed, and the Indians lost tifty-five. The regi- 
ment remained on the plains fighting Indians until 1866. 

Company C. 

Arlist, A. S., e. May 25, 1863. 
Cotton, Isaac, e. May 10, 1863. 
Collicott, Seth, e. June 1, 1863. 
Jemerson, D. M., e. May 25, 1863. 
McGuire, D. T., e. May 10, 1863. 
Meeker, Thaddeus, e. June 1, 1863. 
Randall, John, e. May 25, 1863. 
Underwood, J. N., e. June 1, 1863. 



Company H. 

Capt. John H. Brooks, com. .luly 13, 1863, dismissed Jan. 
7, 1864. 

Second Lieut. E. M. Hutchings, e. as sergt., prmtd. 2d 
lieut. July 10, 1804. 

Alair, H. A., e. June 10, 1863, died at Fort Kearney, Jan. 
26, 1864. 

Bowen, J. W., e. May 10, 1863, kid. at Smoky Hill Cross- 
ing, Kan , by Indians, Aug. 16, 1864. 

Burke, Thomas, e. June 12, 1863, deserted July 15, 1863. 

Henderson, George, e. May 25, 1863. 

Jones, R. E., e. May 10, 1863. 

Pitts, W. H., e. May 10,1863. 

Shoemaker, James, e. May 10, 1863. 

Stewart, William, e. May 10, 1863. 

Taylor, Chesley, e. June 16, 1863. 

UN ASSIGNED. 

Hinsdale, C. M., e. Oct. 21, 1864. 
Martin, J. A., e. Nov. 7, 1864. 



NINTH CAVALRY. 

This regiment. Col. Matthew M. Trumbull, was the last 
of the three-year regiments recruited in Iowa .It was or- 
ganized at Davenport, November 30, 1863, and ordered to 
Arkansas, where it remained performing heavy scouting, 
guard and garrison duty until the close of the war. 

Company C. 

Sergt. Edward McGuire, e. July 29, 1863. 
Corp. Jacob J. Sanders, e. Aug. 29, 1863. 
Teamster Peter B. Greenlee, e. June 25, 1863, died at 

Vinton ©ct. 23, 1864. 
Trumpeter J. L. Moore, e. June 25, 1863. 
Bruce, C. L., e. Aug. 10, 1863. 
Brown, Huston, e. Sept. 5, 1803. 
Durand, F., e. July 25, 1863, died March 26, 1864, at St. 

Louis. 
Harris, B. F., e. July 4, 1863. 
Kennedy. C, e. Aug. 8, 1863. 
Mather, J. W., e. July 2, 1863. 
Shaul, A. E., e. Aug. 8, 1863. 
Stecce, William, e. Aug. 2, 1863, died Jan. 15, 1865, at 

Alton, 111. 
Urny, E. M., e. July 13, 1863, disd. April 26, 1864. 
Young, W. T., e. July 7, 1863. 



MLSCELLANEOUS. 
First Infantry. 

Blood, Alvin C, e. April 24, 1861, re-e. 12th infantry as 

sergt. Co. D, m. o. Aug. 25, 1861. 
Murdock, Philip, e. April 24, 1861, m. o. Aug. 25, 1861. 
Starkweather, Jno., e. April 24, 1861, m. o. Aug. 25, 1861. 

Second Infantry. 

Burdick, Geo. D., e. Feb. 25, 1864, kid. Aug. 14, 1864, ir> 

action at Atlanta. 
Eckerman, Geo. S., e. Feb. 29, 1864, wd. Aug. 5, 1864, m. 

o. July 12, 1865. 
Mather, F. W., e. Feb. 30, 1864, died July 28, 1864. 
Thompson, R. E., e. Feb. 5, 1864, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Welsh, L. L., e. Feb. 20, 1864, died July 18, 1804. in 

hospital. 
Sergt. Frank Evans, e. June 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 4, 1864, m. 

o. July 12, 1865. 
Corp. F. Seick, e. June 8, 18G1, vet. Jan. 4, 1864, m. o. 

July 12, 1865. 
Boyd, Jno. R , e. Dec. 10, 1863, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Peppers, Wm. L., e. June 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 4, 1864, m. o. 

July 12, 1865. 
Raser, John, e. June 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 4, 1864, m. o. July 

12, 1865. 
Graves, A. W., e. Feb. 6, 1864, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Larrue, Thos. P., e. Feb. 18, 1864, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Merchant, J. B., e. Feb. 20, 1864, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Montgomery, M., e. Feb. 13, 1864, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Nicholson, I., e. Feb. 11,1864, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Sowders, J. W., e. Feb. 28. 1864, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Turner, L., e. Feb. 14, 1864, wd. Aug. 30, 1864, m. o. July 

12, 1865. 
Thompson, R. E., e. Feb. 5, 1864, m. o. .Tuly 12, 1865. 
Williams, E. C, e. Feb. 25, 1864, m. o. July 12, 1865. 
Eckerman, M. G., e. Feb. 12, 1864, m. o. July 5, 1864. 
Eckerman, Geo. S., e. Feb 29 1864, wd. Aug. 5, 1864, m. 

o. July 12, 1865 



WAR RECORD OF BENTON COUNTY. 



403 



Third Infantry. 

Musician Jdo. R. Boyd, e. May 20, 1801, ni. o. July, 18(54. 
Barnes, Benj. R., e. May 20, 1861, trans, to heavy art. as 

com. sergt. 
Dolph, Richard C, e. May 20, 18G1, wd. at Blue Mills 

S' pt 17, 1861, m. 0. July 18, 1804. 
Evans, Frank, e. May 20, 1861, wd. at Shiloh April 6, 1862, 

prmtd. Corp., m. o. July 18, 1864. 
Baser, Jno. J., e. Mav 20, I'SOl, m. o. July 18, 1864. 
Seick, Ferdinand, e. May 20, 1861, wd. at Blue Mills Sept. 

17, 1861, m. O.July 18, 1864. 
Wallev, Thos. B., e. May 20, 1861, wd. at Blue Mills, died. 

Au2. 21, 1862. 
White, Jas. E., e. May 20, 1861, wd. at Blue Mills, trans. 

to 13th infantry, Jan. 1, 1862, ni. o. July 21, 1865. 

Ninth Infantry. 

First Lieut. Nathan Rice, e. as sergt. Aug. 3, 1861, prmtd. 
2d lieut. Sept. 2. 1861, prmtd. 1st lieut. Jan. 29, 1862, 
killed in battle Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862. 

Ninirod, A. Green, vet. Jan. 1, 1804, m. o. July 18, 1865. 

Hooker, Adam, e. Feb. 26, 1864, m. o. July 18, 1865. 

Sterns, Frederick, e. Feb. 21, 1804, m. o. July 18, 1865. 

Eleventh Infantry. 

Fluharty, Bennett, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. July 9, 1862. 

Fourteenth Infantry. 

Frarey, Goo. W., e. March 3, 1802, in. o. Nov. 16, 1804. 
Corp. Wm C. Uafer, e. Oct. 9,1861, m. o. Nov. 16, 1864. 
Arbuthnot, Daniel, e. Oct. 9, 1861, disd. Feb. 16, 1862. 

disab. 
Heath, Wm., e. Oct. 9, 1861, missing at Shiloh, died April 

15, 1864, from wds. 

Laree, James M., e. Oct 29, 1861, captd. April 6, 1862, m. 

o. Nov. 16, 1864. 
McCIaury, Edmund, e. Oct. 9, 1861, died Oct. 18, 1862, at 

Toledo, Iowa. 
Williams, John D., e. Oct. 9, 1861, prisr. at Shiloh, died 

May 27, 1862, at Macon, Ga. 
Frazey, Geo. W., e. March 3, 1862, from Co. F, m. o. Nov. 

16, 1864. 

Sixteenth Infantry. 

Second Lieut. Charles Geddes, e. as private Feb. 25, 1862' 

prmtd. Corp., then 1st sergt., com. 2d lieut. June 5) 

1865, m. o. as 1st sergt. July 19, 1865. 
Davis, George C, e. Feb. 7, 1802, m. o. July 19, 1865. 
Porter, Robert H., e. Feb. 25, 1862, vet. Feb. 25, 1864, m. 

o. July 19, 1865. 
White, Isom, e. Feb. 25, 1862, vet. Feb. 25, 1864, m. o. July 

19, 1865. 
Turner, George, e. Feb. 25, 1862, vet. Feb. 25, 1864, m. o. 

July 19, 1805. 
Bates, Kimball, e. Jan. 5, 1864, m. o. July 19, 1865. 
McMurphy, R. L., e. Jan. 5. 1864, captd. July 22, 1864, m. 

o. Julv 19, 1865. 
Price, M. W., e. Jan. 5, 1864, kid. July 22, 1864. 
Riiff, Wm., e. Jan. 5, 1804, died Aug. 10, 1864. 
Reid, R. R., e. Dec. 26, 1803, m. o. July 19, 1805. 
Turner, C. H., e. Jan. 5, 1864, disd. Aug., 1862. 
Corr, John, e. Oct. 27, 1864, m. o. July 19, 1865. 

Twentieth infantry. 

Chaplain Richard King, com. Dec. 15, 1864, m. o. July 

8, 1865. ^ 

McGuire, William W., e. Aug. 1, 1862, disd. Feb. 3, 1863, 

disab. 
Ross, Jacob H., e. Aug. 2, 1862, m. o. July 8, 1865. 
Staves, Anthony, e. July 28, 1862, disd. Feb. 20, 1863, 

disab. 
Corp. Geo. C. Miller, e. June 25, 1862, from Co. K, Ist inf., 

m. o. July 8, 1865. 
Fisher, Alfred, e. Jan. 14, 1804, m. o. July 8, 1865. 
Ven Eman, Wm. M., e. Dec. 11, 1803, m. o. July 8, 1865. 
Barnwell, John A., e. Oct. 27, 1804, m. o. July 8, 1865. 

Twenty- Fourth Infantry. 

Carmon, A. J., e. Oct. 31, 1864, m. o. July 17, 1805. 
Barnard, Jas. W., e. Aug. 15, 1802, disd. March 15, 1864, 

for wds. 
Cue, Lewis, e. Aug. 18, 1862, died May 20, 1863, wds 
Delany, Wm., e. Aug. 21, 1862, captd. Oct. 19, 1804, m. o. 

July 17, 1865. 



Evans, Wm. J., e. Aug. 12, 1862, disd. March 9, 1863, 

disab. 
Houghton, L. L., e. Aug. 20, 1862, trans. May 15, 1864, to 

Invalid Corps. 
Park, S. S., e. Aug. 19, 1862, m. o. July 17, 1865. 
Rincliart, Jacob, o. Jan. 5, 1804, m. o. July 17, 1805. 
Sheldon, John N., e. Aug. 15, 1862, m. o. July 17, 1805. 
Turpenning, D., e. Jan. 5, 1804, m. o. Julv 17, 1865. 
Thomas, S. H., e. Aug. 18,1802, m. o. July 17, 1805. 
Worth, M. H., e. Aug. 12, 1862, died April 3, 1803. 
Knouf, Geo., e. Aug. 15, 1862, m. o. July 17, 1865. 
Taylor, Jas. M., e. Aug. 9, 1862, m. o. July 17, 1865. 

Thirty-first Infantry. 

Coffland, Geo. W., o. March 30, 1804, m. ... June 27, 1865. 

Thirty-second Infantry. 

Shipnian, J. B., e. Jan. 4, 1864, died .Tune 12, 1804, at 

Memphis. 
Shjpman, Jas. V., e. Jan. 4, 1804, m. o Aug. 24, 1865. 

Thirty-seventh Infantry. 

Second Lieut. Stephen D. Kedfield, .•. as 1st sergt. Sept. 1, 

1862, prmtd. 2d. lieut. May 4, 1863. 
Sergt. Geo. W. Perkins, e. Aug! 30, 1862. 
Averill, David, e. Sept. 13, 1862. 
Bliss, Nathan, e. Sept. 6, 1862. 
CoUicutt, Wm., e. Oct. 12, 1862. 
Chase, Jas., e. Sept. 13, 1802, died March 28, 1863. 
Gates, Loring, e. Sept. 3, 1802, died Aug. 23, 1803. 
Haines, James, e. Sept. 6, 1862, died at St. Louis, Mo., 

Jan. 24, 1863. 
Hull, Elijah, e. Sept. 6, 1862, disd. May 18, 1804, disab. 
Jones, Wm,, e. Sept. 3, 1802, disd. May 8, 1803, disab. 
Lindsey, Robt. S., e. Oct. 8, 1862. 
McCoy, Geo., e. Oct. 9, 1862, disd. Feb. 24, 1865. 
Randall, Elwood, e. Sept. 0, 1802, died May 1, 1863, wds. 
Shoemaker, Michael, e. Sept. 3, 1862, died Feb. 10, 1864. 
Terry, Geo., e. Sept. 26, 1862, died July 10, 1864. 

Forty-Fourth Infantry, 

Howe, Chas. M., e. May 0, 1804, m. o. Sept. lo, 1804. 
Smith, Edwin, e. May 4, 1864, m. o. Sept. 15, 1864. 

Forty-sixth Infantry. 

Seeley, Jas., e. June 10, 1804, m. o. Sept. 15, 1804. 

First Infantry, A. D. 

(00 U. S. Vols. A. D). 

First Lieut. Daniel D. Smock, prmtd. from private Co. G, 
13th vet. inf., m. o. Oct. 15, 1805. 

First Cavalry. 

Evans, L. H., e. July 18, 1801, m. o.Feb. 15, 1866. 

Second Cavalry. 

Fisk, J. H., e. Jan. 5, 1804, disd. March 8, 1865, disab. 
Fisk, Thaddeus, e. Jan. 5, 1804, m. o. Sept. 19, 1805. 
Fleming, Marshall, e. Feb. 3, 1804, wd. Dec. 15, 1804, m. o. 

Sept. 19, 1805. 
Dikeman, Abram, e. .Tan. 21, 1864, m. o. Sept. 19, 1865. 
Second Lieut. Columbus P. French, e. as private .\ug. 14, 

1861, prmtd. corp., then q. m. sergt., com. 2d lieut. 
May 10, 1805, m. o. as 1st sergt. Sept. 19, 1865, 

Corp. Aaron B. Springer, e. Aug. 20, 1861, kid. June 4, 

1862, in skirmish. 

Hedrick, Nathaniel, e. Aug. 14, 1861, vet. Mtrch 1, 1864, 

m. o. Sept. 19, 1805. 
Arbuthnot, Jas., e. Feb. 3, 1864, m. o. Sept. 19, 1865. 
Bacon, W. A., e. Feb. 3, 1864, m. o. Sept. 19, 1865. 
Compton, E. M., e. Fob. 3, 1804, m. o. Sept. 19, 1865. 
Georgia, F. E., e. Oct. 18, 1804, m. o. Sept. 19. 1865. 
Lowe, D. M., e. Feb. 3, 1864, kid. Dec. 15, 1864. 
McQuin, B., e. Sept. 1, 1864, m. o. Sept. 19, 1865. 
Springer, E. B., e. Sept. 1, 1864, died July 15, 1865. 
Younglove, Sanford, e. Sept. 15, 1864, m. o. Sept. 19, 1865. 
Leonard, Joshua, e. Aug. 29, 1862, m. o. Sept. 19, 1865. 

Third Cavalry. 

Baker, Lemon, e. Feb. 24, 1864, m. o., Aug. 9, 1865. 
Hatfield, Jacob, e. Feb. 27, 1864, m. o. Aug. 9, 1865. 
Johnson, John, e. Feb. 29, 1864, died Sept. 22, 1864, at 
Memphis. 



404 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 



Putnam, W. S., e. Feb. 20, 186t, m. o. Aug. 9, 1865. 
Smith, Carey, e. Feb. 20, 1864, m. o. Aug. 9, 1865. 
Thomas, John, e. Feb. 2, 1864, m. o. Aug. 9, 1865. 
Stephens, John, e. Nov. 3, 1862, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, disd. 

Sept. 1, 1865. 
Kimball, H. S., e. Feb. 22, 1864. ni. o. Aug. 9, 1865. 
McQuald, A. E., e. Oct. 1, 1862, died Jan. 27, 1863. 
Abram, Lambert, vet., Jan. 1, 1864, m. o. Aug. 9, 1865. 

Fourth Cavalry. 

Lieut. Col. Thomas Doummond, com. Dec. 24, 1861, resd. 

June 3, 1862. 
Capt. Eugene R. Jones, e. as sergt. maj., prmtd. 1st lieut. 

May 31, 1864, prmtd. capt. Oct. 27, 1864, kid. at 

Selina Ala., April 2, 1865. 



Logan, L. T., e. Nov. 13, 1861, m. o. Aug. 10, 1865. 

Thirty-Fifth Missouri Infantry. 

Burnett, G. G., e. Aug. 19, 1862, prmtd. corp, Jan. 1, 1863. 



Third Battery. 

Dolph, E. M., e. Dec. 22, 1863, m. o. Oct. 3, 1865. 

Dearth, G. W., wd. at Pea Ridge, disd. for prm. Sept. 8, 

1862, m. o. Oct. 3, 1865. 
Haun, David, m. o. Oct. 3, 1865. 
Lendisay, Jas., m. o.Oct. 3, 1865. 



For four years and more, the notes of the fife and drum and bugle and the 
tramp of armed hosts were continually heard, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 
from the Gulf of Mexico to British North America, and the clash of arms was 
borne northward on every breeze from the sunny but blood-drenched plains of 
the South. For four years and more, "grim-visaged war" had waved its crim- 
son banners over the fair fabric the Fathers had erected, in a vain endeavor to 
hurl it from its foundations. In this terrible and gigantic struggle Benton 
had borne its full part, and many a brave volunteer from its beautiful prairies 
had laid down his life on the battle field or starved to death in the rebel 
slaughter pens at Andersonville and Macon. 

But now Sherman and his "brave boys in blue" had made their memorable 
and historic march to the sea, Lee had surrendered to the victorious army of 
the Union under Grant, the war was ended, peace restored, the Union preserved 
in its integrity, and the patriotic sons of Benton who were spared to witness 
the final victory of the armies of the Union returned to their homes to receive 
grand ovations and tributes of honor from friends and neighbors who had 
eagerly and jealously and anxiously watched and followed them wherever the 
varying fortunes of war had called them. 

Exchanging their soldiers' uniforms for citizens' dress, most of them fell 
back to their old avocations — on the farm, in the mines, at the forge, the bench, 
in the shop, in the office, or at whatever else their hands found to do. Their 
noble deeds, in the hour of their country's peril, are now and always will be dear 
to the hearts of the people whom they so faithfully served. Brave men are 
always honored, and no class of citizens are entitled to greater respect than the 
brave volunteers of Benton County ; not simply because they were soldiers, but 
because, in their association with their fellow-men, their walk is upright and 
their character and honesty without reproach. 

Their country first, their glory and their pride ; 
Land of their hopes — land where their fathers died ; 
When in the right, they'll keep their honor bright; 
When in the wrong, they'll die to set it right. 

The wondrous deeds of daring and glorious acliievements of the Army of the 
Union, during the great war of the rebellion, will always be dearly cherished 
by all patriotic hearts. But there were scenes, incidents and accidents, the 
memory of which will shade with sadness the bright reflections engendered by 
the contemplation of a heroism, devotion and sacrifice the like of which the 
■world never saw before. But the memory of those who fell in the stupendous 
struggle is still familiar to the present people of Benton County ; but fifty years 
hence, when the fathers and mothers of to-day shall have passed on to their 
eternal home, they will be remembered by posterity more as matters of tradition 
than of absolute written history. 



II 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 405 

Forty-seven members of Company G, Thirteenth Infantry, returned home 
on veteran furlough March 18, 1864. The same evening, a meeting of citizens 
of Vinton was hekl at the Court House for the purpose of arranging for a formal 
reception to the boys who had re-enlisted for the war. Ten large committees 
were selected to make arrangements commensurate with the importance of the 
occasion. 

On the 25th, the surviving members of Company D, Eighth Infantry, 
arrived, and these heroes were of course included in the list of honored guests. 
The reception was held at the Court House, which was packed to its full 
capacity. Judge C. H. Conklin made the address of welcome, which was fitly 
responded to by Cols. Geddes and Shaw in behalf of the veterans. Musicwas 
furnished by Prof Price and his band, and the following song was given by 
Mr. Chapin : 

Roll the drum, fire the gun, 
Make the welkin ring ; 
Set the bonfires burning 
For the soldiers returning 

Home, sweet home. 

See, they come I mothers run. 
Wives and sweethearts all ; 
Oh ! how the heart goes throbbing 
To see the blue-coats bobbing 
Home, sweet home. 

Welcome, boys I welcome, boys ! 
Welcome back to your home I 
Long have we waited to meet you, 
And we are happy to greet you 
Home, sweet home. 

Rally all, great and small, 
Give our brave boys a cheer, 
AVho for the Union are fighting, 
And sending the rebels a-kiting, 
Home, dismal home. 

Drop a tear, comrades dear. 
For our brothers absent now ; 
Who have gone from the din of battle, 
Where the loud cannons rattle, 
Home, heavenly home. 

When in peace, wars shall cease. 
And Freedom take her stand. 
With the Star-Spangled Banner o'er us, 
^ We'll sing that happy old chorus, 

"Home, sweet home." 

The dinner was served at the Tremont House, nearly every township in the 
county having contributed toward the bountiful table. Elijah Evans oflBciated 
as almoner, and under his skillful stewardship nearly five hundred persons sat 
down to the banquet. 

The last hour of the reunion was an unhappy one, for by a premature dis- 
charge of cannon Alexander Shields lost his eye-sight. 

April 27th, a dinner was given at the Tremont House to the members of 
the Third, Eifth and Twelfth regiments, then at home on furlough. 

HOME TO STAY. 

October 5, 1865, was celebrated by the people of Benton County, at 
Vinton, with elaborate ceremonies. The war was over, and it was due to the 



406 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

soldiers sent out from Benton that some token of appreciation should be extend- 
ed them ere they doffed their uniforms and became once more identified in their 
old occupations. 

A procession of the veterans was formed at 11 o'clock, in front of the 
Court House Square, under the direction of Gen. J. L. Geddes and Col. John 
Shane, headed by the Vinton Sax-Horn Band, and marched to the school 
house, in front of which the speeches were made. The address of welcome 
was made by Judge Conklin, and the response by Gen. Geddes, who, among 
other glowing sentences, said of the men he had commanded: 

They return to you again, with victory perched on their battle-torn banners. They have 
nobly accomplished the end for which they fought. They have assisted in removing the foul 
stain of slavery from the otherwise spotless escutcheon of our country, and in demonstrating the 
great fact that this " Union must and shall be preserved." As American citizens, they do not 
call the great North their country, with its teeming millions of busy population, its thronging 
workshops, and immense marine ; not the great West, with its vast prairies and green savannas, 
its not^le rivers and ocean lakes, which carry on their bosoms food for a world ; not the South, 
with its fields of mimic snow, its rich plantations and temperate clime ; not of these separately 
are they citizens. No ! They are American citizens, under which proud name is embraced the 
North and the South, the East and the West, from the Atlantic shore to the Pacific coast, from 
the Great Lakes to the Gulf— one country, one flag, " one and indivisible." 

The two hundred veterans then marched back to the Court House Square, 
where the different maneuvers of dress parade were executed. 

Dinner was then served in the Square, which was shared by about two 
thousand people. 

At the southwest corner of the Square a triumphal arch had been erected, 
on one side of which were the words "Vicksburg," "luka," "Welcome Home, 
Boys in Blue," " Shiloh," "Wilson's Creek;" and upon the other, "Thomas," 
"Meade," "Honor to the Fallen Brave," "Grant," "Sherman." Another 
arch stood over the south steps of the Court House, suitably decorated, and 
bearing two soiled and tattered battle-flags. 

The holiday closed with a display of fire-works in the evening, and as the 

veterans sought their several homes, they saw once more, in recollection, the 

glistening tents pitched along the Cumberland, the Tennessee, and on the 

mountain ranges overlooking Atlanta. Once more the awful battle field 

appeared, but softened by months of absence, and recalled their fallen com- 

rads, where 

On Fame's eternal camping ground 

Their silent tents are spread, 
A.nd Glory guards, with solemn round, 

The bivouac of the dead. 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 

It is hardly possible to give a perfectly accurate list of the officers of Ben- 
ton County. There is no record of the election in 1848, and from 1852 to 
1863, the records have either never been kept or have been lost. But from all 
sources of information accessible the following list has been compiled, which 
will probably be found very nearly correct : 

County Commissioners. — 1846 (April to August) — Edwin B. Spencer, 
Stedman Penrose and Samuel K. Parker. 1846-7 — Samuel M. Lockhart, 
Charles Cantonwine and L. F. North. 1847-8 — Samuel M. Lockhart, L. F. 
North and Thomas Way. 1848-9 — Samuel M. Lockhart, Thomas Way and 
L. F. North. 1849-50— Samuel M. Lockhart, Thomas Way and L. F. North. 
1850-1 — Samuel M, Lockhart, L. F. North, James Rice. 






Pf^l^CIPfiL TILFOFiD/C/DEJVIY 



VINTON 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 409 

Commissioners CTtrA:.— David S. Pratt, 1846-8; Elias H. Keyes, 1848-9; 
W. R. Johnson, 1849-50; James T. Beckett, 1850-1; Geo. W. Vardaman, 
1851. (Office abolished in 1851.) 

County Surveyors. — I. D. Simison, April to August, 1846 ; Francis Rigaud, 
1846-7; I. D. Simison, 1847-51; Newell Colby, resigned May 1, 1856; 
Wesley Whipple, 1856; Peter B. Smith, 1862-7; James A. Brown, 1868-77; 
G. W. Smith, 1877. 

School Fund Commissioners. — John Royal, 1847-8; Elias H. Keyes, 
1848-50; James F. Beckett, 1850-2; Irwin D. Simison; Jacob S. Hunt, 
1855. (Office abolished in 1858.) 

Clerk of Courts.— \Ym. J. Berry, 1846; J. R. Pratt, 1846-7; Irwin D. 
Simison, 1847-50; C. W. Buffum, 1850-1; G. W. V^andaman, 1851-2; James 
C. Traer, 1852-4; David Robb, 1854, resigned April 21, 1856; W. C. Stan- 
berry, 1856; James Chapin, 1856-66; Buren R. Sherman, 1867-74; H. E. 
Warner, 1875. 

S/ien'ff's. — John Royal. April to August, 1846; James DoAvns, 1846-7; 
John Royal, 1847-8-0; Cyrus C. Charles, 1849-52; William Remington. 
1853-7; Elmyrrh Howard, 1857-9; A. H. Sebern, 1860-3; Ezra Bigelow, 
1864-7; Henry M. Wilson, 1868-73; Peter S. Smith, 1874. 

Prosecuting Attorneys. — James Mitchell, 1846-7; Samuel Lockhart, 
1847-8; John Alexander, 1848-50; I. M. Preston; Normam W. Isbel; 
James Harlan, 1852; John Alexander, 1854; Edwin Humphreville, 1856—8. 

Recorders — Irwin D. Simison, 1846 (April to August) ; Lester W, Hayes, 
1846-7. 

Treasurers and Collectors — Beal Dorsey, 1846 (April to August) ; S. L. 
Morse, 1846-7. 

Treasurers and Recorders — David S. Pratt. 1847-8-9 ; Joseph Rouse, 
1849 ; James Johnson, 1849-53 ; James Chapin, 1853 ; W. R. Johnson, 1853 ; 
J. W. Filkins, 1855 ; Alexander Runyon, James H. Shutts. 

Treasurers — James H. Shutts, 1865-6 ; S. A. Marine, 1870-73 ; Othniel 
Home, 1874-7 ; Philip M. Coder, 1878. 

Recorders — Milton P. Adams, 1865 ; Frederick Lyman, 1866-8 ; Philip 
M. Coder, 1869-72 ; James W. Smock, 1873. 

Auditor — Edward M. Evans, 1870. 

Suiter intendents of Schools — J. Dysart, 1858 ; L. M. Holt, 1864-5 ; Amos 
N. Dean, 1866-9 ; H. M. Hoon, 1870-73 ; S. T. Shortress, 1874-5 ; Miss 
Salina Blackburn, 1876. 

Judges of Probate — Jonathan R. Pratt, April to August, 1846 ; James 
M. Denison, 1846-7 ; James Mitchell, March to August, 1847 ; David S. 
Pratt, 1847-9 ; John Alexander, 1849-51 (office abolished 1851). 

County Judges — John S. Forsyth, 1851-5 ; Samuel Douglass, 1855-9 ; 
John Treanor, 1860-61 ; John McCartney, 1862 ; Buren R. Sherman, 1864-7 ; 
George M. Gilchrist, 1868-9 ; J. L. Geddes, June, 1869-70 (office abolished 
1869). 

District Judges — James P. Carleton, 1847-8 and 1851-3 ; William Smvth, 
1854-6 ; Isaac Cook, 1857-8 ; William L. Miller, 1859-61 ; Norman W.* Is- 
bel, 1862-3; James Bart, 1864; C. H. Conklin, 1865; N. M. Hubbard, 
1866 ; James M. Rothrock, 1867-75 ; John Shane, 1876. 

Circuit Judges — William E. Miller, 1869-70 ; Geo. R. Struble, 1871, re- 
signed ; William J. Haddock, 1871 ; John McKean, 1872. 



410 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

SUPERVISORS (township SYSTEM). 

For 1861 — James McQuin, Chairman ; James Rice, Jacob Springer, H. 
Gwin, Samuel Miskinim, W. F. Kirkpatrick, John Slattery, Wm, C. Smith, 
J. M. Inman, John F. Forsyth, Joab Austin, J. R. Christie, B. R. Dwigans, 
E. W. Stocker, D. A. Robinson, S. G. Livermore, Martin Mickey, Stoughton 
Lamoree, George L. Palmer, George Treanor. 

For 1862— James McQuin, Chairman ; H. Gwin, W. F. Kirkpatrick, W. 

C. Smith, Joab Austin, B. R. Dwigans, D. A. Robinson, S. G. Livermore, 
Stoughton Lamoree, J. M. Inman, Jacob Springer, James Rice, William Helm, 
William Wallace, George Treanor, Samuel Miskinim, John Slattery, Martin 
Mickey, John Ruffcorn and C. W. Stocker. 

For 1863 — James McQuin, Chairman ; Jacob Springer, J. G. Burnett, H. 
Guinn, Simpson Welles, D. A.' Robinson, M. Mickey, E. W. Stocker, J. M. 
Inman, S. Miskinnin, John Buffam, W. C. Smith, James Rice, John Slattery. 
Joseph Dysart, Wm. Helm, George Treanor, Russell Bowe, Thomas Gillett and 
William Wallace. 

For 1864 — James McQuin, Chairman ; Jacob Springer, George Bergen, 
John L. Burke, Douglass W. Marsh, Michael Smith, W. F. Kirkpatrick, James 
Rice, E. W. Stocker, Dickson Johnson, S. B. Corning, John Treanor, W. C. 
Smith, J. M. Inman, T. Gillett, S. T. Wells, I. G. Burnett, D. A. Robinson, 
H. Guinn, R. Bowe. 

For 1865 — James McQuin, Chairman ; W, C. Smith, W. F. Kirkpatrick, 
John Knapp, Henry A. Shaffer, W. S. Snow, H. Sheldon, Alex. Runyon, D. 
A. Robinson, Alexander Johnson, John Treanor, D. W. Marsh, James Rice, 
Jacob Springer, George Bergen, M. Smith, E. W. Stocker, J. L. Burke, S. B, 
Corning. ^ 

For 1866 — James McQuin, Chairman ; John Treanor, Jacob Springer, 
George Bergen, D. Johnson, James Rice, M. Smith, J. L. Burke, N. Hawley, 
A. Beaman, William Wallace, W. C. Smith, W. S. Snow, H. Sheldon, D. A. 
Robinson, Alex. Johnson, W. F. Kirkpatrick, John Knapp, Alex, Runyon, H 
A. Shaffer. 

For 1867 — James McQuin, Chairman ; W. F. Kirkpatrick, Amos Dean, 
John Knapp, E. Trueblood, W. C. Pogue, C. L. Summers, S. McGranahan, 
Isaac N. Chenoweth, Thomas Lewis, Thomas Ryan, John Treaner, W. Wallace, 

D. Johnson, J. Rice, J. Springer, George Bergen, J. L. Burke, A. Beaman, 
N. Hawley. 

For 1868 — James McQuin, Chairman ; Jacob Springer, E. G. Brown, J. L. 
Cobb, J. M. Van Meter, Samuel Mahin, Nelson Hawley, John B. Reeve, 
James Rice, George Buchan, David McNie, A. J. Wyckoff. Amos Dean, C. L. 
Summers, S. McGranahan, W. F. Kirkpatrick, W. C. Pogue, Thomas Lewis, 
John Knapp, I. N. Chenoweth. 

For 1869— E. G. Brown, Chairman ; D. L. Webb, J. Blackman, J. M. 
Inman, W. A. Tanner, C. L. Summers, W. W. Hamilton, D. B. Ramsdell, A. 
W. Burnison, David Landon, A. D. Ryan, David McNie, J. L. Cobb, S. 
Mahin, James Rice, J. B. Reeve, Jacob Springer, A. J. Wyckoff, George 
Buchan, N. Hawley. 

For 1870 — E. G. Brown, Chairman ; Amos Dean, John L. Burke, David 
McNie, L. Brooks, H. T. Elliott, A. H. Heldenbrand, J. T. Ravenscroft, J. R. 
Christie, J. T. Austin, M. Smyth, S. M. Dinlkin, C. M. Summers, J. M. 
Inman, D. L. Webb, D. B. Ramsdell, A. W. Burnison, W. A. Tanner, W. W. 
Hamilton, J. Blackman. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 411 

SUPERVISORS (county SYSTEM). 

For 1871 — James McQuin, Chairman ; Isaac N. Chenoweth, John Knapp. 

For 1872— Same. 

For 1873 — John Knapp, Chairman ; I. N. Chenoweth, E. W. Stocker. 

For 1874 — John Knapp, Chairman ; I. N. Chenoweth, H. Guinn. 

For 1875 — I. N. Chenoweth, Chairman ; H. Guinn, Nelson Hawley. 

For 1876 — I. N. Chenoweth, Chairman ; N. Hawley, H. Guinn. 

For 1877 — N. Hawley, Chairman ; A. A.. Wentz, William F. Atkinson. 

For 1878 — A. A. Wentz, Chairman ; W. F. Atkinson, N. Hawley. 

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 

Senate. — George McCoy, 1856-9 ; Thomas Drummond, 1860-1 ; Joseph 
Dysart, 1862-3; William B. King, 1864-7; James Chapin, 1868-71 ; John 
Shane, 1872-7 ; John D. Nichols, 1878. 

House. — Thomas Drummond, 1858-9 ; James McQuin, 1860-8 ; Alex 
ander Runyon, 1864-7 ; John W. Traer, 1868-71 ; Eli M. Stedman, 1872-5 " 
S. C. Burnet, 1874-5 ; E. S. Johnson, 1876-7-8 ; John McCartney, 1876-7-8= 

THIRD CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 

James C. Traer, 1857. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first schools taught in Benton County were private or subscription 
schools. Their accommodations, as may be readily supposed, were not o-ood. 
Sometimes they were taught in small log houses erected for the purpose. Stoves 
and such heating apparatus as are in use now were unknown. A mud and 
stick chimney in one end of the building, with earthern hearth, with a fire-place 
wide enough and deep enough to take in a four feet back log, and smaller wood 
to match, served for warming purposes in Winter and a kind of conservatory in 
Summer. For windows, part of a log was cut out in either side, and maybe a 
few panes of eight by ten glass set in, or, just as likely as not, the aperture would 
be covered over with greased paper. Writing benches were made of wide planks, 
or, maybe, puncheons resting on pins or arms driven into two-inch auger holes 
bored into the logs beneath the windows. Seats were made out of thick planks 
or puncheons ; flooring was made of the same kind of stufi". Everything was 
rude and plain, but many of America's greatest men have gone out from just 
such school houses to grapple with the world and make a name for themselves 
and names that come to be an honor to their country. In other cases, private 
rooms and parts of private houses were utilized as school houses, but the furni- 
ture was just as plain. 

But all these things are changed now. A log school house in Iowa is a 
rarity. Their places are filled with handsome frame or brick structures. The 
rude furniture has also given way, and the old school books, the " Popular 
Reader," the "English Reader" (the finest literary compilation ever known in 
Americanschools), and" Webster's Elementary Spelling Book," are superseded 
by others of greater pretensions. The old spelling classes and spelling matches 
have followed the old school houses, until they are remembered only in name. 
Of her school system Iowa can justly boast. It has sent out a large number of 
representative men whose names are as fiimiliar to the nation as they are in the 
histories of the counties and neighborhoods in which they once lived. While the 



412 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

State has extended such fostering care to the interests of education, the several 
counties have been no less zealous and Avatchful in the management of this vital 
interest. And Benton County forms no exception to the rule. The school 
houses and their furnishings are in full keeping with the spirit of the law that 
provides for their maintenance and support. The teachers rank high among 
the other thousands of teachers in the State, and the several County Super- 
intendents, since the office of Superintendent was made a part of the school 
svstem, have been chosen with especial reference to their fitness for the position. 
It is impossible to find correct reports of educational matters in this county 
prior to 1858, when the Seventh General Assembly passed "An Act for the 
Public Instruction of the State of Iowa," and organized the present school 
system By this act, which went into force March 20, 1858, each civil town- 
ship was made a school district, and the number of districts and district officers 
was thus greatly reduced. By the same act, the office of County Superin- 
tendent of Schools was created, and appropriations made in aid of Teachers' 
Institutes. 

WAYS AND MEANS. 

Some of the townships in Benton County were among the first in Iowa to 
adopt the plan of forcing non-resident land owners to assist in building school 
houses. When a sub -district was organized, it was usually found to be an 
economical scheme to attach several sections of land owned by parties living in 
the East, and the Assessor would value it almost as high as improved land. 
When a new district Avas organized the wild land would be included in its 
bounds, and so on, till perhaps it would be made to help build three or four 
school houses. 

One non-resident, named Eastman, who had several tracts in Kane, came 
to see it in 1856 or 1857, and complained to a resident of that township that 
he had paid taxes enough, he thought, to build two or three school houses. 
The settler thereupon instructed him as to the method pursued with regard to 
organizing school districts ; and furthermore told him that sometimes the people 
changed their minds after the tax was levied, and Avould borrow the money 
back instead of building. 

One instance is mentioned where a keen Yankee organized a school district 
and employed his wife to teach the school at a fine salary, the only pupil in the 
district being their own child. This is regarded, however, by the historian as 
somewhat apocryphal. 

INSTITUTES. 

A Teachers' Association was organized at Vinton, in 1857, which held two 
or three meetings and then died out. 

The first Teachers' Institute ever held in Benton County began its session 
on Monday, Aug. 29, 1859. Prof. D. F. Wells, Amos Dean and Dr. J. L. 
Enos gave the addresses. An Association was formed, with Julius Stevens as 
President, Miss Kiddoo and James Irving, Vice President; A. E. McQuaid, 
Secretary ; J. Austin, Treasurer. Those attending were : Salina Blackburn, 
Frances Scott, Mary A. Brooks, Margaret C. Jenks, Jane L. Wilson, Flora 
Wilson, Mary L. Shutts, Jane Hudson, Anna Matthews, Sarah Meskinens. 
Mrs. Ann Reed, Mary Spafford, Ann Brown, Margaret Pyne, Salina Heddin, 
Mary Kirkpatrick, Sarah Simson, Jennie Kiddoo, Maria Dickenson, Ellen 
Boyden, Mary Ann McCamron, Daniel Wood, Andrew Martin, Amos Rogers, 
James Hellar, W. C. Parmeter, L. Clingham, John F. Pyne, Nathan Rice, N. 
C. Keys, W. C. Connell, A. C. McQuaid, Goorge L. States, F. D. Dean, S. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 413 

Stickney, R. L. Rowe, J. S. Eberhart, A. Eberhart, M. Hartwell, G. B. Gill, 
J. L. Davis, S. Wood, J. K, Thompson, B. F. Page, Amos N. Dean, Joel J. 
Long, Sherman Tracy, Syreno 0. Eaton, Jacob Austin, A. J. Dickinson, S. 
Rowe, David Martin. 

Eighty teachers attended the second session of the Institute, which was 
held at Vinton, in September, 1860. 

From this time forward annual meetings have been held, which are always 
well attended by teachers, who are behind none in acquirements and competency 
to teach. 

The instructors at the Normal Institute for 1878, held at Vinton, were L. 
T. Weld, of Cresco ; VV. H. Sisson, of Eldora ; J. McCarty, of Blairstown ; 
W. H. Brinkerhoff, of Shellsburg ; Mrs. N. M. Rich, and T. Tobin. Ad- 
dresses were given by J. L. Pickard, President of the Iowa University ; H. 
Sabin, President of the State Teachers' Association, and others. The enroll- 
ment of teachers in attendance on the third dav was 146. 

The first Superintendent of schools was Joseph Dysart in 1858 ; but there 
are no records in the office to show the progress of the educational interests of 
the county. Miss Salina Blackburn, in her last annual I'eport to the State 
Superintendent, said : 

I have used every available means to secure correct data for this report ; but I find upon 
comparison, that the amount " on hand " as reported last year, in many instances, does not cor- 
respond wiih the same item this year. But I have no means of determining which statement is 
erroneous. With three legal divisions of the school fund, and the frequent changes of school 
ofiBcers, it is simply impossible to make a correct financial report. 

Quite a number of school houses have been erected during the past year, most of them after 
improved plans, and all of them seated with good patent seats. Many of the old buildings have 
been repaired, and the old seats replaced by new and comfortable ones. 

A course of study was prepared and submitted to the people and teachers about a year ago. 
It met with quite general favor. I think its best result has been a tendency toward uniformity 
of work among teachers. 

A system of monthly reports by teachers has been adopted, which not only pro^es a valuable 
aid in supervision, but is a great incentive to excellence in punctuality and attendance. 

From Miss Blackburn's report for 1877, the following table is compiled : 

Number of district townships 10 

Number of independent districts 99 

Number of sub-districts 86 

Total number of districts 185 

Number of ungraded schools 179 

Number of graded schools 5 

Average number of months taught 7.33 

Number of male teachers 121 

Numbea of female teachers 243 

Average compensation per month to male leachers $33.90 

Average compensation per month to female teachers 27.50 

Number of male pupils between 5 and 21 years of age 4,921 

Number of female pupils between 5 and 21 years of age 4,467 

Number of pupils enrolled 6,990 

Total average attendance 4,194 

Average cost of tuition for each pupil per month §1.35 

Number of frame school houses 183 

Number of brick school houses 3 

Number of stone school houses 2 

Total value of school buildings §133,051 

Total value of apparatus 1,841 

Number of volumes in libraries 194 

SCHOOL HOUSE FDND. 

Total receipts during the year 820,712.51 

Paid for school houses and sites 12,652.09 

Paid on bonds and interest 1,813,98 

Amount on hand 5,715.64 



414 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

CONTINGENT FUND. 

Total receipts during the year $23,834.10 

Paid for rent of school houses 77.00 

Paid for repairing school houses 3,372.68 

Paid for fuel , 3,865.40 

Paid secretaries 848.55 

Paid treasurers 959.35 

Paid for records and apparatus 457.09 

Paid for various purposes 8,064.17 

Amount on hand 6,489.86 

teachers' fund. 

Total receipts |74,231.02 

Paid teachers 48,889,22 

Amount on hand 25,341.80 

Number of professional certificates issued 4 

Number of first grade certificates issued 138 

Number of second grade certificates issued 211 

Number of third grade certificates issued 

Total number of certificates issued 353 

Number of applicants rejected 118 

Numberof applicants examined 399 

Average age of male applicants 20 

Average age of female applicants 18 

Number of teachers who have had no experience 52 

Number of teachers who have taught less than one year 72 

Number of schools visited by County Superintendent 163 

Number of visits made during the year 171 

Appeals 2 

Amount received by County Superintendent for services from October 1, 

1876 to October 1, 1877 $846.00 

Number of private schools 4 

Number of teachers employed in same 9 

Number of pupils attending 235 

IRVING institute. 

This academy was founded in A. D. 1862, by Rev. A. A. Sawin, formerly of 
Massachusetts, a Baptist minister of eminent ability, of high refinement and 
thorough scholarship. 

The funds for the erection of the buildings, amounting to between $5,000 
and $6,000, were chiefly raised in the vicinity by subscriptions in land, money, 
materials and labor. The largest donors were Levi Marsh, $1,050 ; George S. 
Williams, $370 ; J. M. Yount, $300 ; Andrew Hale, $290 ; S. W. Hutton, 
$275; T. G. Arbuthnot, $170; Martin Smith, $150; Samuel Miles, $120; 
I. R. Compton, $120 ; E. Thompson, $100. Levi Marsh was, by the subscrib- 
ers, appointed Trustee. 

A. A. Sawin entered into bonds to maintain a high school for ten years, or 
refund to those who had donated real estate. 

The school was opened in Marsh Hall, in the Spring of 1862. In 1863, 
Mr. Sawin moved the school into a frame building, erected by himself on the 
institute grounds. 

The foundation of the brick building was laid in the Spring of 1863, and 
everything pertaining to the enterprise was prospering finely, when the small- 
pox broke out in the neighborhood and Eld. Sawin was called suddenly to finish 
his fondly chosen work on earth. 

Mrs. Sawin, and her brother, Lauren A. Scott, A. B., of Vermont, agreed 
to fulfill the contract made by Rev. Mr. Sawin, the subscribers being anxious 
for the continuance of the school. 

The responsibility of collecting the funds and superintending the building 
now devolved upon L. Marsh, Trustee. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 415 

A substantial and commodious building was erected and completed, and the 
school continued by Mr. A. Scott and Mrs. Sawin. 

In 1865, Eld. Whitman leased the buildings, and for several years he and 
his -wife kept a good school. 

Again Mrs. Sawin and Mr. Scott took charge and continued the school until 
1872.. 

At that time. Prof. J. G. Craven, A. M., became Principal and proprietor, 
and, assisted by various members of his family, has since conducted the school. 
Prof C. began teaching in 1840, graduated in Miami University in 1845, was, 
during thirteen consecutive years, successfully engaged as Principal of a high 
school in Indiana, and has taught in various places in Minnesota and Iowa, and, 
probably, has prepared a gnater number of young gentleman and ladies for 
teaching and for college than any other teacher in Benton County. 

Superintendent Shortiss had rejected 40 per cent, of applicants for certifi- 
cates until he held an examination in Irving. Eleven of the pupils of the In- 
stitute were examined, two received first-class certificates and nine second-class. 

Supt. Sterrett, of Tama County says, " The uniform success and ability 
with which the pupils of Irving Institute have taught in the schools of this 
county, prove that they have had thorough and careful training." 

The pupils of this school, who have gone to college or to the State Univer- 
sity, have uniformly taken high positions in their classes. 

Beauty of location, thoroughness of instruction, the low rate of board and 
tuition, the absence of saloons and places of vice are strongly in favor of Irving 
Institute. 

BLAIRSTOWN ACADEMY. 

The original projectors and most liberal contributors to the institution bear- 
ing the above name, were Rev. George Herring, Uriah Keck, Henry Miller, 
Caleb Carter, Isaiah Morris, G. B. Crandall, Henry Bell, Amos Dean, and Jas. 
Brain. 

The first Board of Trustees was composed as follows : Rev. George Her- 
ring, Uriah Keck, Henry Miller, James Brain, Rev. W. J. Hahn, and G. B. 
Crandall. 

Four acres of ground were procured in the southeast part of the town 
for a building site, in 1868, and the construction of the building was begun 
in the Spring of 1868. The structure, which is 75x90 feet in size, and two 
stories high, was inclosed and roofed during the Summer. The building, which 
had cost $4,200, was formally dedicated to the cause of education October 1, 
1872, Amos Dean, Esq., of Blairstown. making, a suitable address on the occa- 
sion, followed by remarks from Rev. Mr. Shoutz, of Tipton, his theme being 
" Christian Education." 

The first term began about the same time, with Rev. W. J. Hahn, an Evan- 
gelical minister, as Principal, and Loyd Fording as Assistant. 

It can only be stated in a general way, that the attendance at the first term 
was excellent, but this bright augury of success was only illusory. 

A considerable indebtedness had been left on the building, and the Evangel- 
ical Society, which had assumed the oversight of the school, proved to be unwill- 
ing or unable to relieve the incubus of debt. Accordingly, the Sheriff" became 
the custodian of the property, and it was sold to W. S. Shon. in 1870, who 
owned it about a year, during which time no school was held. 

In 1872, Rev. Mr. Raile, of the Classis of the Reformed Presbyterian 
Church, bought the property in behalf of that body, and the building was 



416 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

remodeled at a cost of about $3,000. Rev. Mr. Raile remained at the head of 
the school till 1875, when he withdrew, and was succeeded by Profs. Faulk and 
Martin, who conducted the school for about a year, but with indifferent success. 

Growing weary of a property that was proving burdensome to them, the 
Classis, in 1876, disposed of the building and grounds to Prof John McCarty, 
under whose skillful and business-like management, the Academy has steadily 
grown in favor and prospered as well. The attendance during the Winter term 
of 1877-8 was 76. 

It is a pleasure to be able to state that the utmost cordiality of feeling exists 
between the people of Blairstown and the Principal of the Academy. With 
this important help to support him, it is safe to predict prosperity to the school 
while it remains under his control. 

Prof. McCarty was born and partly educated in Ireland. He completed 
his studies in Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, in Ncav York State, wherein he 
taught for a year before coming West. He was Principal of the public schools 
of Vinton three years, before taking charge of the academy, and left the Vin- 
ton schools much improved by his administrative ability. 

Four teachers assist Prof McCarty in the Academy : Mrs. Perthemia 
McCarty, Preceptress ; John Janss, German and Telegraphy ; Miss Mary 
A. French, Vocal and Instrumental Music ; Mrs. Elsie Spier, Instrumental 
Music. 

The following testimonial, given to Prof McCarty in 1877, by citizens of 

Blairstown, indicates the esteem in which the Academy is held by those who are 

best acquainted with its management : 

The undersigned, residents of Blairstown and vicinity, take pleasure in giving their testi" 
mony to the satisfactory success with which Prof. McCarty and his excellent wife have conducted 
the academy under their proprietorship and management during the past year. And we would 
recommend the institution as worthy the patronage of such parents as desire to give their sons 
and daughters an education to fit them for the various spheres of usefulness that lie open before 
them in our growing country. The patrons and friends of the school cheerfully accord to Prof, 
and Mrs. McCarty the merit of first class educators. And we have no hesitancy in saying that 
all pupils entrusted to their guardianship will not fail to receive thorough instruction in all 
branches of learning they may pursue, and proper care for their good morals. 

TILFORD ACADEMY. 

In the Summer of 1858, an effort was made by the people of Vinton to 
secure an institution of learning in their midst, it being understood that the 
Presbytery of Iowa were looking for a site for a college. Cedar Rapids had got 
a little ahead in the race, and Parsons' Academy was located there. 

The people of Vinton were not quite disposed to abandon the project en- 
tirely, for in September, 1858, a meeting of the stockholders of the Vinton 
Collegiate Institute was held, at which time Rev. N. C Robinson, President ; 
Joseph Dysart, Secretary ; Trustees, John E. Palmer, David B. Keys, J. C. 
Traer, John S. Tilford, Dr. H. B. Clingan, Joseph Young and John Shane. 

The second term began November 30. In the prospectus, the announcement 
was made that instruction would be given in algebra, geometry, surveying and 
bookkeeping. 

A. C. Williams was the Principal of the school, which was continued a 
term or two longer, but the stockholders became indifferent to the enterprise, 
and no attempt was made to erect a building. Nothing further was done toward 
founding an advanced school until the Winter of 1870-71, when Mr. J. S. 
Tilford, who had a heavy mortgage on the grounds of the Agricultural Society, 
proposed to donate the grounds to be occupied by an educational institution. 
Some negotiation had already taken place with Mr. Tobin, and in March, the 



1 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 417 

arrangement was consummated by the Trustees of the Agricultural Society 
uniting in a deed tranferring the grounds owned by them to Mr. Tobin, on the 
condition that he would build thereon and conduct an academy for the term of 
five years. 

The foundation was completed in May, and 525 trees had been set in the 
grounds. So rapidly was the work prosecuted, that the dedicatory exercises 
were held on Saturday evening July 30, Rev. S. A. Knapp giving the address 
on that auspicious occasion. 

At the close of the dedicatory exercises, which included a chorus from the 
oratorio of ''Creation," and prayer by Rev. G. W. Brindell, Mr. White, the 
master-builder, presented the keys of the building to Prof. Tobin in a few fitting 
words, the latter accepting the trust in a graceful address. 

The dimensions of the building are 32 x 48 feet ; the basement has a height 
of 10 feet; the first story, 11 feet; the second story, 12 feet and the third 
stoay, 9 feet seven inches. In the first story is the main hall, a room 32 x 40 
feet, lighted by eight large windows. In the second story is another room of the 
same dimensions as the one below. The music-room and studio are in the 
third story. The exterior appearance of the building is very pleasing, the 
third story being a mansard, and a high belfry surmounting the edifice. 

The subsequent progress of Tilford Academy is noted in Mr. Tobin 's 
biography, in another place, to which the reader is referred. 

THE PRESS. 

The Vinton Eagle. — January 10, 1855, number one of volume one of the 
Vinton Eagle made its appearance. It was published by Lyman & Co., Fred- 
erick Lyman, editor; Stanley C. Foster was the "Co." Its motto: "Inde- 
pendent in everything;" its price, $1.50 in advance. It was a six-column 
quarto. The editor, in his salutatory says : " After realizing innumerable, un- 
expected, vexatious delays of time, and a consequent waste of money ; after 
shifting from pillar to post for want of better Winter quarters, liable at every 
turn to be cut loose and turned adrift from our temporary moorings, we have at 
last been successful in securing, three-fourths of a mile from town, an excellent, 
though temporary halting-place, by which arrangement we have actually stolen 
time sufficient to 'catch breath,' and, by close application during the hours of 
daylight (our office is transformed into a church and lodge-room evenings), suc- 
ceeded in presenting to the public this first, but imperfect, specimen of an 
Eagle. * * * We shall more than fulfill all former promises embodied in 
our prospectus, by excluding from our columns either Democratic, Whig or 
Abolition lies and bombast." 

The second volume commenced with Lyman & Traer, editors and publishers, 
but the partnership only lasted for a short time ; it was dissolved February 1 3, 
185G, when W. W. Hanford purchased Lyman's interest and assumed the 
editorial and business management. August 6th, J. C. Traer withdrew from 
the concern, and Mr. Lyman took some interest in the office, it is not quite 
clear what. February 4, 1857, Messrs. Hanford & Lyman disposed of the 
Eagle to Stoughton & Dysart, both citizens of Vinton. June 13th, Mr. 
Stoughton vacated his half of the tripod to Thomas Drummond. August 29th, 
Mr. Hanford returned to the office, and Mr. Dysart withdrew. Soon after, 
Mr. Drummond became editor, and remained for about three years. Mr. Han- 
ford continued most of the time as sole owner, until January 1, 1871, when J. 
W. Rich purchased the interest which he still retains. In 1876, Bernard 
Murphy, who had learned his trade in the Eagle office, purchased Mr. Han- 



418 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

ford's interest. The Eagle, it is seen, has existed for twenty-two years, and 
has been a sound concern since its first establishment. It has been a Repub- 
lican in politics, except during its fii'st year. 

Benton County Democrat — This paper was ushered into existence October 
2, 1856, with D. B. Pyne as publisher; Nathan Bass, political editor; and 
James Wood as local editor. But soon after, the paper collapsed ; for of the 
thousand dollars that had been promised to pay for the material nothing had 
been paid, and of the 200 subscribers, only forty had paid their subscriptions, 
while Judge Douglass, who had been active in soliciting Mr. Pyne to start the 
paper, was "hedging" by giving a large share of his patronage to the Eagle. 
Pyne held the material till toward Spring, when he started the paper again, but 
soon after sold the office to James Fowler and Henry Price. July 3, 1859, 
Price took his share of a big tax list and withdrew. May 21, 1859, Fowler 
sold the concern to John Alexander and I. Van Metre, who conducted it with 
much ability. Van Metre doing the editorial work. August 11, 1859, Alexan- 
der sold his share to D. B. Pyne. 

This was in the heat of a bitter political canvass, during the progress of 
which a pugilistic encounter took place between Van Metre and Drummond, in 
which the latter is said to have been worsted. Just prior to election, the Demo- 
crat occupied a whole page in reciting the wrong-doing of the Republicans, as 
viewed from the opposition stand-point. In the article is a spirited cartoon of 
a messenger started for Marengo, riding face backward on a mule. But spunk 
and sarcasm could not save the election, and October 20th the editor "threw 
up the sponge," remarking that '' events have transpired," etc. A nearly com- 
plete file of the Democrat has been preserved at the Eagle office, and those who 
were active in politics twenty years ago, will find much to interest and amuse 
them by turning over its pages for an hour. 

Belle Plaine Transcript. — This paper was established about the middle of 
December, 1866 by N. C. Weiting. It was a folio sheet, with seven columns to 
the page, and was Republican in politics. February 14, 1867, he sold the 
office to W. W. Yarhan and William Nixon. A few months afterward, the 
concern passed into the hands of S. S. Farrington, who improved the paper very 
much in the local department. March 4, 1869, Mr. Farrington disposed of 
the Transcript to D. H. Frost, who had formerly been a partner in the owner- 
ship of the Vinton Eagle. Mr. Frost changed the name of the paper to the 
Belle Plaine Union. The paper has ever since remained under the exclusive 
management of Mr. Frost, who has the deserved reputation of being one of 
best informed and most finished political writers in the State. The Union has 
a good circulation in Southern Benton, and in Tama, Iowa and Powesheik 
Counties. The Union is Republican in politics. 

Belle Plaine Review. — This journal was established by S. S. Farrington, 
October 9, 1874. For a few weeks he had a partner, but the latter soon retired 
leaving Mr. Farrington sole owner. The Review is a five-column quarto paper, 
and has done an excellent business since its beo-innino;. Mr. Farrington is 
still the proprietor. The paper is Republican in politics. 

Blairstown Indejyendent. — The Herald was th'e first paper established at 
Blairstown. The first number was issued about March 1, 1869, by W. H. 
Wheeler, the paper being printed, however, at the People's Journal office, at 
Vinton. It is remembered that Mr. Wheeler and the publisher of the Journal 
differed diametrically as to the propriety of sending ex-Gov. Stone to Congress 
in 1870, much space being occupied in the Herald by matter that Mr. Wheeler 
could not indorse. The Herald ran along about a year, when it was suspended 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 419 

by Mr. Wheeler's removal from the place. The Independent was established 
by S. P. Grover, about Jan. 1, 1876, who soon after transferred it to L. H. 
Barnes, who did not develop into a thorough-paced financier. He failed. J. P. 
Wallace soon after bought the property, which has proved to be a good invest- 
ment in his hands. The paper is a five-column quarto sheet, and enjoys the 
respect of its patrons. 

People's Journal. — The early history of this paper is somewhat out of the 
ordinary run. The Benton County Neivs was first published at Vinton, early 
in the Spring of 1865, by Frank & Weed, who conducted it for about one 
year, when they failed and the office passed into the hands of James Wood, 
Trustee. In May or June, 1868, one Berry, who had gone to Pike's Peak, 
some years before, and there acquired a competence, came back to Benton 
County desiring above all things to go to the Legislature. He arranged for the 
purchase of the dormant News, and it was revived as a Democratic paper and 
called the Standard. Berry got his nomination without difficulty, and. although 
he made an energetic canvass and ran ahead of his ticket, he did not attain the 
object of his ambition. The next year he went to Kansas, and when last heard 
of, he was a member of the Legislature of that State, and in a position to dic- 
tate terms to would-be United States Senators. The Standard, with J. F. 
Pyne as publisher, floated six months, when it was sold to Alfred H. and 
George Bro^'n, who began the publication of the People's Journal, an eight- 
column folio paper, Republican in politics, which made its appearance Decem- 
ber 19, 1868. In 1871, it was changed to a six-column quarto and a semi- 
weekly established, which was continued for about two years, most of the time 
with A. H. Brown as sole proprietor. This gentleman had sacrificed an arm 
in the service of his country and adopted editorial work as a vocation. The 
paper proved to be a successful venture under his control. April 1, 1872, he 
disposed of the concern to C. R. Wilkinson & Co., and removed to Nebraska. 
The People's Journal has grown steadily in business and popularity in the hands 
(if its present owners, who have approved themselves as first-rate managers. 

loioa Fine Stock Gazette. — This monthly journal, whose object is indicated 
by its name, was established by C. R. Wilkinson & Co., in July, 1874, and 
proved to be a success from the first number. It was sold to a Cedar Rapids 
firm a year or two afterwar>l, and is now published in that city. 

Benton County Herald. — This paper, which was established by J. F. Pyne 
& Sons, July 2, 1878, has met with gratifying success so far. It is Democratic 
in politics, the only paper of that faith in Benton County, which ought to aftbrd 
a paying field for a venture of this kind. The paper is an eight-column folio 
sheet, and is published Wednesdays, at Vinton. 

Bible Truth Depot. — This establishment (at Vinton) is engaged in the 
printing and distribution of tracts and religious pamphlets, and has been organ- 
ized two years. A large variety of tracts have been published, and the num- 
ber is being constantly increased. T. 0. Loiseaux haschargeof the office work. 
Paul J. Loiseaux is business manager. 

POST OFFICES IX BENTON COUNTY AND DATES OF THEIR ESTABLISHMENT. 

The first offices established in Benton County were : 
Vinton, established October 1, 1846 ; Stephen Holcomb, Postmaster. 
Marysville, established September 21, 1848 ; John S. Forsyth, Postmaster. 
Potato Hill, established October 20, 1851 ; Loyal F. North, Postmaster ; 
changed to Beulah, November 5, 1852. 

Burk, established October 31, 1853 ; Lewis W. Bryson, Postmaster. 



420 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Benton City, established December 15, 1854 ; Wm. C. Stanberry, Post- 
master. 

Taylor's Grove, established January 31, 1854 ; Geo. T. Hendricks, Post- 
master; discontinued August 26, 1863. 

Gwinnville, established February 29, 1856 ; John E. S. Gwinn, Postmaster ; 
changed to Belle Plaine, August 6, 1862. 

Linwood, established August 30, 1856 ; Anson T. Wilkins, Postmaster ; 
discontinued May 19, 1863. 

Shellsburg, established November 24, 1856 ; David Robb, Postmaster. 

Woods, established July 30, 1857 ; Geo. W. Young, Postmaster ; discon- 
tinued September 5, 1863. 

Pickaway, established September 1, 1857 ; Isaac T. Van Metre, Post- 
master ; discontinued February 27, 1865. 

Urbanna, established November 27, 1857 ; Wm, W. Bartholomew, Post- 
master. 

Williams, established June 19, 1858; John Tanner, Postmaster ; discon- 
tinued March 23, 1865. 

Unity, established June 19, 1858. 

Gomersal, established November 13, 1858 ; J. Emrick Flickinger, Post- 
master ; discontinued May 24, 1864. 

Daggett, established December 1, 1860 ; John F. Daggett, Postmaster ; 
discontinued October 17, 1862. 

London, established January 17, 1861 ; Levi Gassett, Postmaster ; changed 
to Robin, April 9, 1864. 

Blairstown, established July 21. 1862 ; Leonard E. Watrous, Postmaster. 

Buckeye, established July 28, 1862 ; Joseph H. Carry, Postmaster. 

Mount Auburn, established February 16, 1865 ; Thos. D. Lewis, Post- 
master. 

Florence, established October 2, 1866 ; Wm. F. Atkinson, Postmaster. 

Luzerne, established August 2, 1870 ; Matthew L. Nismonger, Postmaster. 

Paul, established February 9, 1870 ; John Anson, Postmaster 

Spencer Grove, established September 10, 1867 ; Abner N. Spencer, Post- 
master. 

Summers, established February 8, 1872 ; Christian Dobel, Postmaster ; 
discontinued Oct. 22, 1874. 

Garrison, established December 12, 1873 ; Edward M. Lewis, Postmaster. 

Watkins, established December 15, 1873 ; Chas. G. Turner, Postmaster. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 

The first meeting to organize the Benton County Agricultural Society was 
held June 13, 1857 ; W. F. Kirkpatrick was made Chairman of the meeting, 
and Joseph Dysart, Secretary. A committee of six, composed of W. F. Kirk- 
pati'ick, John Alexander, Jacob S. Hunt, Albert Vannice, P. Adams and 
Joseph Dysart, was appointed to draw up constitution and by-laws, and to 
report the same on the 20th. The proceedings came to nothing, however, for 
no further action was taken, owing, probably, to the intense political excite- 
ment prevailing at Vinton for a year or so before and after the association was 
formed. 

Better luck attended the next eifort, for the Benton County Agricultural 
and Mechanical Society was organized in June, 1859, with J. H. Shutts as 
Secretary. Grounds were procured near Vinton, and fitted up for the first 
fair, which was held October 13 and 14. A very creditable display was made, 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 421 

especially of horses .and cattle; and in the ladies' department the showing was 
excellent. On the 14th, officers were elected for the ensuing year, as follows : 
I. N. Chenoweth, President ; G. F. Traer, W. C. Wiley, Vice Presidents ; J. 
H. Shutts, Secretary ; W. A. Guinn, Treasurer. 

The receipts of the Society during the first year were : Memberships, 
$219.00 ; admission fees, $76.83 ; sundries, $3.27. The expenditures were 
$380.38, of which $62.00 went for premiums. 

The first fair was held back of the Asylum grounds. 

The second fair of the Society was held in October, 1860. The total 
receipts, including $200 from the State, were $489.86, the amount paid for 
premiums was $161.30. 

The Society went out of existence in March, 1871, the officers uniting in a 
deed of the Society's interest in the grounds to Professor Tobin. 

Soon after, the A^inton Driving Park Association was formed, which suc- 
ceeded for a year or two, when it died the death of its predecessors, and gave 
way for the existing society — the Benton County Agricultural Association — the 
present officers of which are : J. C. Traer, President ; H. T. Smock, Vice 
President ; W. T. Van Horn, Secretary ; P. M. Watson, Treasurer ; J. E. 
Cobbey, John Beebe, J. H. McDaniel, S. A. Knapp and G. H. Potter, Direct- 
ors . Capt. S. H. Dixon, Chief Marshal. 

BELLE PLAINE UNION AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The association with the above title was organized at Belle Plaine in 1867, 
with E. G. Brown as President : and a verv successful fair was held in the Fall 
of that year. 

At the annual meeting of the Society, held in January, 1869, the cost of 
the grounds and fence was reported at $2,933.86, with an outstanding indebt- 
edness of $2,136.52. protected by the reserve on stock subscriptions of 
$2,732.05. 

A floral hall, 20x60 feet in size, was built for the fair of 1871. 

MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

The Benton County Medical Society held a preliminary meeting for the 
purpose of organization, at Vinton, January 26, 1871, which was attended by 
Drs. Wagner, of Blairstown ; Lewis, of Florence ; Horton, of Shellsburg ; 
Lathroy, Boyd, Meredith, Griffin, Clingun and Bergen, of Vinton. A com- 
mittee having been appointed to frame constitution and by-laws, the Society 
adjourned till February 16. 

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 

This organization was introduced into Iowa in 1870, and in the next two 
years spread into almost every county in the State. In addition to the Granges 
established at Belle Plaine and at Blairstown, which have been mentioned else- 
where, other bodies were established in nearly every township, some of which 
are given herewith : 

Ploiv Handle. — Organized at Vinton, March 17, 1871, with W. B. Rey- 
nolds as Master; John Knapp, Lecturer; S. A. Knapp, Overseer; A. Kile, 
Steward ; A. M. King, Assistant Steward ; E. M. Steadman, Chaplain ; J. P. 
Matthews, Treasurer ; George Bergen, Secretary ; John Shane, Gate Keeper ; 
Mrs. M. H. Knapp, Lady Assistant Steward ; Mrs. L. Reynolds, Ceres ; Miss 
Bessie Whitlock, Pomona ; Mrs. E. L. Slason, Flora. 

Homer Grange. — Organized in Homer Township, July 2, 1872, with E. 
Haat as Master; M. T. Houghton, Overseer; James Findley, Steward; James 



422 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

King, Assistant Steward; G. W. Copley, Secretary; N. S. Hoon, Treasurer; 
H. W. Gruwell, Chaplain; John Cupid, Lecturer; A. Wiles, Gate Keeper; 
Mrs. Louisa Houghton, Flora; Mrs. J, G. ITutting, Ceres; Mrs. E. Stamp, 
Pomona; Mrs. C. Bennett, Lady Assistant Steward. 

Lone Tree Grange. — Organized in Homer Township July 3, 1872, with P. 
Vandyke, Master; J. T. Hershey, Secretary; C. 0. Byam, Overseer; John 
Johnson, Treasurer; Amos Lord, Lecturer; H. P. Sebern, Chaplain; William 
Morgan, Steward ; James Hinkley, Assistant Steward ; Milton Johnson, Gate 
Keeper ; Miss Alice Sebern, Ceres ; Mrs. Eliza Johnson, Flora ; Mrs. Van- 
dyke, Pomona ; Miss Sallie Sebern, Lady Assistant Steward. 

Eden Center. — Organized February 5, 1873. J. M. Hill, Master ; John 
T. Fairgrave, Secretary. 

Canton Center. — Organized February 17, 1873. Nathaniel Dice, Master; 
J. T. Robbins, Secretary. 

Bruce. — Organized February 18, 1873. T. J. Sloan, Master; J. B. 
Stuart, Secretary. 

In 1872, James McDaniel, of Big Grove, was made County Deputy, and 
in the following year a County Council was formed. 

The Order reached the summit of its growth and usefulness in 1874, and 
during the Winter of that year it proved a most efficacious means of collectin 
and forwarding supplies to the destitute population on the frontiers of Nebrask"' 
and Dakotah, whose crops had been devoured by grasshoppers. The people o*' 
Benton County, in common with the whole of Central and Eastern Iowa, coK 
lected of their abundance, both of food and clothing, to preserve the lives o- 
the settlers in the settlements beyond the Mississippi River ; and a very large^ 
part of the present prosperity of Western Nebraska and Southern Dakotah is 
due to the generous sentiment for brothers in distress manifested by the farmers 
in Iowa during the Winter of 1874-5. 

If the part taken by the Patrons of Husbandry, during that Winter, in 
loading hundreds of freight cars with the means of support for the. sufferers 
further west, were all that Order had ever accomplished, its mission would be 
fully approved at the final settlement of accounts of the human race. 

It must be stated, however, that the Order is now in a languishing condition, 
many subordinate Granges having surrendered their charters, and most of those 
yet active are only so on the records of the State Grange. The causes for this 
condition of things lie just below the surface, and can be easily stated. 

In the first place, many persons with crude and shallow ideas, but with 
nimble tongues, obtained admission to the Order immediately after its forma- 
tion. Some of these had been unsuccessful in politics, and hailed the organi- 
zation as a means for their own advancement to positions of profit, and perhaps 
of plunder. These sought to drag the Order into politics, believing that the 
rapidly growing society could take and hold the balance of power as against the 
two great political parties. Others sought to make the Grange a means for dis- 
seminating crude ideas of reform in politics, finance and business. These peo- 
ple were honest enough and meant well. 

The sober American sense of the membership of the Order was proof, how- 
ever, against the schemes of the politicians who had sought an entrance within 
its gates with such ardor ; and, except in a few instances, the members maintainad 
their former political relations, and so the place-hunters fell off, much to the 
advantage of the society. 

In business matters, the Grange failed to accomplish what it set out to do. 
The various ventures into which Granger capital was invited, were nearly all 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 423 

set on foot before the panic of 1873, and the stores and other enterprises found 
themselves doing business against a falling market. Had they made the differ- 
ence between the buying and selling prices larger most of these ventures would 
have proved reasonably successful ; but as a rule, the capital was largely en- 
croached upon or entirely absorbed in the hard years of 1874 and 1875. 
These business houses, and more especially those engaged in selling farm 
machinery, were met with the most unrelenting opposition from those who were 
already in trade : and, having long experience as well as ample capital, were in 
a situation to sell at figures that the Grangers could not successfully compete 
with. 

The Grange Store at Belle Plaine, however, having been carefully managed 
from the start, has proved a decided success in the hands of its projectors, and 
is a notable contrast to the numerous stores started by the Order in Iowa, only 
a few of which now do business. 

As an educational force the Order has been of great value. Those who have 
lost money in the business enterprises in which they have invested, have an 
experience that will be useful hereafter. The frequent meetings, relieving the 
monotony and loneliness of farm life, have been of immense benefit to the mem- 
bers, who have exchanged many valuable ideas with each other, some of which have 
been put in practice, whereby better crops have been raised, and labor-saving 
devices have been introduced, to the pecuniary benefit of thousands of members 
of the Order. For this reason alone the meetings should be constantly held, n 
order that a broader intelligence shall be secured ; and to further this end, a 
system should be devised whereby each Grange can establish a small library ; 
and when it has been studied, let it be exchanged for the books of a neighboring 
Grange. 

BLIND ASYLUM. 

On page 197 of this volume will be found some account of the origin of this 
noble charity and of its removal to Vinton, through the liberality of the citi- 
zens of that town, who contributed $5,000 for the purchase of grounds and the 
construction of the building. 

There are about one hundred and thirty pupil inmates of the Asylum, two 
being from Wyoming Territory and one from Dakotah, the remainder being resi- 
dents of Iowa. 

The musical department is the leading feature in the educational depart- 
ment, and special attention is given to vocal, piano and organ instructions, and 
also to voice culture and harmony. 

The following is a summary of the number of pupils in the musical depart- 
ment : In piano music, 80 ; organ, 14 ; voice culture, 4 ; clarionet, 3 ; horns, 
7 ; tiute, 8 ; violins, 28 ; violincello, 3 ; orchestra, 21 ; vocal music, 96 ; har- 
mony, 39 ; New York Point System, 23. 

Some of the moi'e advanced students act as assistant instructors upon the 
piano and organ, and are thus the better qualified for the profession of teaching. 

In the Industrial Department, broom-making is the principal trade taught. 
This trade for the blind has many advantages ; it is easily learned, the material 
used is cheap and easily procured, and the machinery employed is inexpensive, 
and brooms being an absolute necessity will always be in demand. 

Instruction is also given in the manufacture of mattresses ; but this depart- 
ment is of necessity limited from the fact that there is but a limited demand for 
this article of manufacture in this locality. It has been maintained thus far 
without any expense to the State. 



424 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Special attention is given to bead-work, crocheting, knitting and other fancy 
work, and in these many of the young ladies become quite proficient. This 
branch of their education will not only serve to occupy spare time and relieve 
the tedium of life, but may also be made a source of profit. 

Fifty-five young ladies are being instructed in this department. 

Instruction is also given on the sewing machine. By patient and persever- 
ing efforts on the part of the teacher in this department, the young ladies learn 
to manage the machine with great facility, and to manufacture articles of dress 
with as much taste and beauty as those who have the use of their eyes. 

As many of the pupils are clothed at public expense, the Principal utilizes 
this department in the manufacture of shirts for the young men and dresses for 
the young ladies. Hand sewing is also taught. 

The following persons compose the Faculty : Principal, Rev. Robert Caroth- 
ers, A. M. ; Matron, Mrs. Emeline E. Carothers ; Teachers : Thomas F. 
McCune, A. B., Penmanship, Grammar, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Rhet- 
oric, Logic, Mental Philosophy; Miss Grace A. Hill, Grammar, Literature, 
English and American ; History, Ancient and Modern ; Astronomy ; Mrs. C. 
A. Spencer, Moral Philosophy, Physiology, Physical Geography, Botany, Ge- 
ology ; Miss Mary Baker. Mathematics ; Miss C. R. Miller, Intermediate ; 
Miss Lorana Mattice, Second Primary ; Miss A. M. McCutcheon, First Pri- 
mary ; S. 0. Spencer, Musical Director ; T. S. Slaughter, Orchestra, Violin, 
Piano. 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 

May 18, 1873, Thomas Noland, a lad of 18, living in Kane township, was 
killed by the horse he was riding. The horse ran against a cow, throwing No- 
land to the ground, when the horse stumbled and fell upon him, breaking his 
neck, 

A. Manuel, a German peddler, commited suicide at Big Grove, September 
30, 1876, by firing a revolver at his breast. He had a small property, and no 
cause was apparent for self-destruction. 

Judge William C. Smith died at his home in Union township, March 28, 
1877, at the ripe age of 70 years. Judge Smith, before removing to Iowa, had 
been for a time a room-mate of Horace Greeley, and once in jest promised 
Greeley he would vote for him for President some day, a promise that he fulfilled 
the Fall before his death, 

VINTON, 

the county seat and principal town of Benton county, is a flourishing town 
containing about 3,000 inhabitants. It is situated on the west bank of the 
Cedar River (south bank at this point), and occupies the only really fine position 
for a good town on the Cedar in Benton county. It is on a high bottom that 
never overflows, and the prairie gradually rises from the bank southward, and 
affords beautiful sites for residences. The timber on the opposite side is nearly 
two miles in width. Nature has done much for this spot, and the good taste 
displayed by the citizens of the city in the construction of their homes and ar- 
rangement of their grounds, renders it one of the most attractive and beautiful 
towns to be found in Iowa — "The Beautiful Land," 

As far back as 1843, a grove of cedar lined the river bank where Vinton 
now stand, many of the trees being tall, straight and free from knots. These 
trees were cut down by an adventurous spirit of the name of Thompson, and 
by him rafted to St. Louis, where they brought a very large price. "Cedar" 



.^^m- 

'*?«>-'' 





M 



VINTON 




HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 425 

Johnson the next year had a logging camp farther up the stream, and in 1845. 
James Newell cut a raft in Black Hawk County, which about exhausted that 
valuable timber. Other parties had ascended the river before Thompson for the 
purpose of logging, one of whom was Dyer, a misshapen, hump-backed creature, 
who could neither read nor write. 

The town of Fremont, noAv Vinton, was laid out in Lots 5, 6 and 7, of west 
half of Section 16, Township 85, Range 10, November 24, 1849, James Leve- 
rich, proprietor, Irwin D. Siraison, surveyor, and the plat was recorded Novem- 
ber 29, 1849. The first settler on the original plat was Chancy Leverich,* who 
came in 1845, and built a cabin near the river ; he remained here a year or 
two and sold to Gideon B. White, or "G. Billy," as he was familiarly known, 
by whom the claim was sold to James Leverich, 

Much of the early history of Vinton is necessarily a part of the history of 
the county, and will be found in the general history, so that brief allusion are 
all that will be necessary here. 

In April, 1849, when the question of removing the county seat from North- 
port or Vinton, to a point nearer the river, was submitted to the people, the 
only building on the original town plat, was the log cabin and grocery, built by 
Chancy Leverich, in 1845. 

Mr. James F. Beckett and his family, settled here in the Spring or Summer 
of 1849, and H. R. Sanders, Beckett's son-in-law, built a house on the street 
n orth of the Court House Square, during that Summer ; it was a frame house. 
The only log building so far as is known, ever erected on the town plat was 
that built by Chancy Leverich, in 1845-G. The saw-mill erected on Mud 
Creek in 1849, by John Royal and C. C. Charles, supplied the lumber for the 
first houses in Fremont. The third building was erected on Beckett street, by 
J. R. Beckett, son of James F. Among those Avho settled in the new town in 
1849-50-1, were Dr. J. C. Traer, Dr. C. W. BufFum, Cyrus C. Charles, Har- 
rison Bristol, John Alexander, James Crow, W. C. Stanberry, J, S. Tilford, 
and others. 

THE FIRST SERMON. 

The first Court House of which mention has been made elsewhere, was also 
the first School House and Church. In it was held the first religious services 
held in Fremont, on the second Sunday in August, 1850, by Rev. Dr. Wood, 
of Iowa City. The building was yet unfinished, and the floors had not been 
laid, nor were there any windows or doors, except the openings left for them ; 
a rude platform of puncheons laid across the sleepers on one end was constructed 
for the minister, while the little congregation sat on the floor timbers with their 
feet on the ground. 

THE FIRST STORE. 

The first store if it may be called such, was a sort of grocery and saloon, by 
Chancy Leverich, in 1848, A year or two later, Cyrus C. Charles opened a 
little shop, and kept a few goods ; the first stock of goods however, of any ac- 
count, was opened in the Spring of 1852, in the lower story of the Court House, 
by Russell Jones, as agent or partner for Greene & Brothers, of Cedar Rapids. 

THE FIRST BLACKSMITH 

was James Wood, a native of England, who visited the place in 1849. When 
he arrived here, seeing no signs of the town, he inquired of a man he met how 

*Chancy Leverich was in West Union, Fayette County, in 1850-1 ; built the Leverich House on the present site 
of the Descent House, in that town in 1851. He then went to Clermont whore he remained a while, and then went 
to Minnesota, where it is said ho laid out the town of Austin, and was killed in a drunken brawl in a saloon in that 
town, about 1854. H 



426 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

far it was to Fremont, and was very much surprised when he was informed that 
he was then standing on the public square. The shell of the Court House was 
then standing, but he thought it was intended for a barn. Mr. Wood returned 
to the place in 1850, and established himself as a blacksmith, building his shop 
near the river, on a lot at the foot of what is now Beckett street. The lot was 
donated to him by Mr. Beckett, and he purchased the lot adjoining it for $2.50. 

THE FIRST POST OFFICE. 

The first post office in Benton county was established at Northport- Vinton, 
October 1, 1846, called Vinton, and Stephen Holcomb was appointed Post- 
master. In 1850, a mail route was established between Cedar Rapids and 
Cedar Falls, via Fremont, and July 4,, of that year, a post office was established, 
and J. L. Beckett appointed Postmaster. The contract for carrying the mail 
was awarded to David King, of Kingston, now a part of Cedar Rapids, and 
Greenbury Luck carried the mail once a week for four years. The mail for 
Cedar Rapids arrived here on Friday. About 1853, another mail route was 
established from Quasqueton to Vinton, over which the mail was transported 
once a Aveek, arriving at Vinton every Wednesday, and leaving every Thursday 
morning. 

FIRST BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS. 

John H. Kelsey and Mary A. Webb, married March 10, 1853, and Mar- 
quis D. L. Webb and Mary J. Beckett, married April 5, T853, were among 
the first if not the first marriages in Fremont. 

The first births were those of James W. Sanders, born Mai-ch 25, 1850, and 
William M. Traer, born May 25, 1850. 

The first death in town was that of Samuel Rosebury, in the Spring of 1851, 
and the second that of James F. Beckett, in November of the same year. 

FIRST SCHOOL. 

The first school in Fremont was taught in the old Court House in the Fall 
and Winter of 1852-53, by George Parish. The house was burned before the 
term closed. The next Summer, Miss Jennie Chapin taught school in a little 
brick building on Main street, known as Alexander's office. A school house 
was built that Summer, and in the Fall, Mrs. Fellows taught the first school 
in it. 

The United Brethren Church was organized here about 1853, probably by 
Rev. William Stiles, and in 1854, through its Trustees, James Richie, James 
Crowe and William Ludlow, purchased of James Crowe a building on Jefferson 
street, for $725 (the building is now occupied by Mr. Baumer), and held serv- 
ices therein until about 1858, when it ceased to exist. Rev. Mr. Newman was 
the last preacher. 

SETTLERS WERE WELCOMED — SPECULATORS TOLD TO PASS ON. 

W hen immigration to the town was fairly begun, it is said that as soon as a 
man arrived he was accosted with the familiar frontier whoop and questioned 
closely as to his business. If he proved to be a speculator, he was kindly but 
firmly told that he had better pass on. If, however, he asked to become a per- 
manent settler, he received the well-known frontier welcome. What that was, 
only those who have experienced it know Avhat genuine hospitality is. Every- 
thing the hard-fisted, large-hearted pioneer had was at the service of his guest 
— his house, his money, food, horses, wagon, everything, and he was treated as 
one of the family. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 427 



TWO HUNDRED. 

In 1854, the town contained, by actual count, two hundred inhabitants, 
Mrs. Beckett being the " census taker." 

FIRST CELEBRATION. 

The first celebration of Independence Day at Vinton was in 1852, which 
was attended by fifty persons, the whole country-side turning out in force. The 
observances were held in a building erected by Thomas Pound for a store. Mr. 
Rice was President of the Day, and W. C. Stanberry, Vice President. John 
H. Kelsey read the Declaration of Independence, and suitable sentiments were 
responded to by others. 

An amusing circumstance occurred during the speeches. Stanberry had 
some time before kissed a German woman named White, whose face was neitlier 
comely nor clean. Greenbury Luck, the mail carrier, was extremely tight, and 
every little while would break in on the speaking to propose three cheers for 
the man who had "kissed the Dutch woman." The hit was irresistible; and 
after Greenbury had called for applause two or three times, Stanberry, in abso- 
lute despair, was compelled to leave the room until his persecutor got too sleepy 
to remember him. 

A dinner was served by the women present. The meat was supplied by 
Mr. Vardeman, who had killed a sheep for the occasion. Mr. Pound had 
brought some lemons from Dubuque, which formed the basis for lemonade, and 
Dr. Traer furnished some "pop." 

A few got patriotically tight in the afternoon, but kept within the bounds 
of decorum. Indeed, in spite of the temperance sentiment now prevailing, the 
-historian is of the belief that the pioneers of Benton County had a right to 
taste a little whisky at their celebration of the seventy-seventh flight of the Amer- 
ican Eagle. 

THE FIRST PAPER. 

The Vinton Eagle", a small six-column paper, made its first appearance on 
Wednesday, January 10, 1855, with Frederick Lyman, Editor. Althouofh it 
is not an historical number, there are some matters of interest to be gleaned from 
its columns. 

On Saturday, January 6, 1855, the Western Stage Company established a 
tri-weekly line of stages between Vinton and Cedar Rapids, and Mr. Lyman 
pointedly asks, " What has become of the tri-weekly Mail that we so earnestly 
petitioned for months ago ? " 

From the advertising columns it appears that Vinton Lodge of A., F. & A. M., 
held its regular meetings " Saturday evenings before the full moon." Vinton 
Lodge, No. 32, I. 0. of G. T., met every Friday evening. W. E. Smith, W. 
C. T.; James Wood, W\ S. 

James Wood advertised "lands for sale." John J. Tyler, late from 
Europe, advertised that he intended to carry on the business of plastering, lav- 
ing stone, brick, etc. Taggart & Douglass wanted 1,000 saw logs at the Vin- 
ton Steam Mill. J. C. Traer was the druggist. Green & Jones kept a general 
stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, crockery, etc.; Elijah Evans, 
dry goods, hardware, drugs and medicines, etc.; Brubaker & Catlin, dry goods, 
hats, caps, clothing, etc. D. B. Keys, also, had a general assortment. The Il- 
linois House, by J. B. Webb, and the Howard House, by John H. Shields, were 
the hotels. 



428 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

John M. Gantry's legal card was first on the first page ; James Crow, 
County Surveyor, General Land Agent and Justice of the Peace, followed in 
the same column ; John Weare was running a weekly line of stages between 
Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls, with " Lawrence " for driver. 

In No. 2 of the Eagle is a brief description of Vinton, which is prefaced by 
the editor as follows : " Not being in possession of the necessary statistical 
information, having called in vain upon a few of the older residents to furnish 
us with facts and figures, we shall merely give our conclusions drawn from 
observation during four weeks' residence in this town." He then proceeds to 
give his " conclusions." " The town proper is of only three years' growth, and 
contains upward of 500 inhabitants, who came from all parts of the United 
States, but mostly from Indiana and Ohio. A slight sprinkling of Yankees, a 
few Dutchmen, one or two Englishmen and a convayniant number of Irish com- 
pletes the catalogue." 

One good school house is completed and occupied with 100 scholars. The 
school was ably conducted by two teachers, but Mr. Lyman had not yet learned 
their names. Two churches (Presbyterian and Methodist) and a fine Court 
House were under contemplation. There were three hotels and one steam saw- 
mill, of "mammoth dimensions but limited machinery at present." 

VINTON PRICE CURRENT. 

Vinton, January 17, 1855. 
Beef, per pound, 4 to 5 cents ; butter, per pound, 20 cents; beans, white, per bushel, $1.00: 
chickens, per pair, 20 cents ; corn, per bushel, 25 cents; corn meal, per bushel, 45 cents; eggs, 
per dozen, 12^ cents ; flour, per barrel, $7.00; ham, per pound, 6 cents ; lard, per pound, 8 
cents; oats, per bushel, 25 cents ; potatoes, per bushel, 50 cents ; pork, per hundred, §3.50; 
shoulders, per pound, 4 cents ; wheat, per bushel, 75 cents; wood, per cord, !^2.00. 

The second term of Mrs. Fellows' school for girls commenced in Vinton 
October 1, 1855. 

September 20, 1856, Everett Keys, of the firm of D. B. & E. Keys, lost 
his life at the saw-mill, northeast of Vinton, owned by the firm. He was 
watching the motion of the circular saw, and, being asked by one of the men 
to assist in lifting a board off the carriage-way, he stepped forward to lift it, 
when it caught on the saw, swung round and threw him against it. One leg 
was instantly severed from the body and the other badly mangled. Medical 
help was procured as soon as possible, but he lived only two hours. He was 
buried by the members of Vinton Lodge, No. 83, I. 0. 0. F., of which he was 
a member. 

The Vinton Cemetery Company was organized October 30, 1858, with S. 
D. Redfield as President ; Charles M. Hare, Secretary ; John S. Tilford, 
Treasurer; W. C. Smith, R. Kennedy, J. E. Palmer, J. F. Young and Joseph 
Dysart, Directors. 

E. Humphreville, who had been a citizen of Benton County since 1855, 
died in Herkimer County, N, Y., on the 13th of April, 1859, of consumption. 

The bridge at Vinton was first crossed by a wagon and team June 27, 1857. 
This important improvement was accomplished by a stock company, formed in 
November, 1856, composed of J. C. Traer, J. E. Palmer, J. W. Filkins, John 
Mason, J. S. Hunt and others. The structure, which was erected by Kelly & 
McCoy, cost $8,500. The entire length was 462 feet, resting on eight piers, 
each pier being composed of sixteen piles, each pile driven into the river bed a 
distance of twelve feet. The piers were protected by solidly-constructed 
breakers. The transverse floor timbers were twenty feet lono;, giving a clear 
width of sixteen feet. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 429 

Vinton (as described in the Eagle of September ITtli), in 1859, had four- 
teen houses engaged in general trade, one banking house, two insurance 
agencies, eight attorneys, five physicians, one dentist, twenty-five builders, two 
furniture shops, one milliner, three blacksmith shops, one plow factory, one 
harness shop, one tailor, three shoe shops, one jeweler, four hotels, a stage office, 
two butcher shops, two livery stables, three secret societies, two printing offices, 
one female seminary, five religious organizations, one steam saw-mill and one 
ferry. Eighty-five buildings had been erected in the preceding twelve months, 
and nineteen were at that time in process of construction. 

FLOURING MILLS. 

The establishment known as the Vinton Mills was erected in the Fall of 
1857, by J. F. & W. H. Young, at a cost of about $20,000. It is run by 
steam, and has three four-foot buhrs. 

The Eagle Mills, owned by Durand & Kimball, were built in 1869 or 1870. 

In 1861, the population of Vinton, by census taken in September, was 
1,010 ; 477 males and 533 females. 

A "Young Men's Christian Association" was formed December 21, 1867, 
with S. A. Knapp as President ; B. R. Sherman, Vice President ; S. H. 
Watson, Treasurer; J. W. Bar, Secretary; H. M. Hoon, Librarian ; B. R. 
Sherman, S. Williams, James Wood, Alex. Sanderson, Geo. Pierce, Directors. 
A small library was soon afterward procured, most of the books of which are 
still preserved, and are kept at the Herald office. Perhaps it would be a good 
plan to turn the library over to the Reform Club, lately organized, by which 
society it could be made the basis for a library worthy of the town. 

RAILROAD AT LAST. 

The people of Vinton had sought for more than fifteen years, and that al- 
most without ceasing, to obtain a road through the county seat ; but every pro- 
ject failed of accomplishment until 1865, when an organization was effected at 
Cedar Rapids, called the Cedar Rapids & St. Paul Company, which promised 
to build a road through Benton County by way of Vinton for the sum of 
$75,000, and the further donation of the county's swamp lands, worth some 
$15,000 more. In 1868, the franchise of the company and the grading that 
had been done became the property of the Burlington & Cedar Rapids Com- 
pany, which gave renewed vitality to the enterprise. The officers of the Bur- 
lington Company at that time were : George Green, President ; Charles Ma- 
son, Vice President ; R. M. Green, Secretary ; J. W. Traer, General Agent. 
In the hands of these energetic men the road was completed from Cedar Rapids 
to Cedar Falls about New Year's, 1870. 

The first train arrived at Vinton Dec. 12, 1869, and the occasion was cele- 
brated by a banquet at the Asylum on the 21st. A large number of guests 
from Cedar Rapids attended. 

In 1873, what is now known as the Dakota Divison of this road was begun 
at Vinton, and constructed to Traer in Tama County. It has since been ex- 
tended into Grundy County, and during 1878 will cross the Iowa Division of 
the Illinois Central. 

The Burlington system of roads has thus placed Vinton in position to thriye 
for many years ; and the coming of the locomotive has produced a marked change 
in the appearance of the town. Rows of brick buildings, filled with goods and 
thronged with customers, daily bear witness of the happy emancipation of the 
town from the irregular movements of little steamboats, the insufficiency of 
stage coaches and freight wagons. 



430 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 



HOTELS. 



The first hotel in Vinton was a small frame building opposite the Court 
House, followed by the "Black Bear." The next in order was the Howard 
House ; then the Shields House, built by Catlin, who kept it about two years, 
when J. H. Shields bought the property, and remained as its landlord till 1868, 
when he was succeeded by Mr. Starkweather. 

In 1856, Jones & Bristol, two enterprising citizens, built an addition to their 
hrick store, and on the 23d of July in that year opened the " Fremont House." 
This was for many years a noted hotel, and many a ball supper has been pi*o- 
vided in its dining-room, as well as formal dinners, when the best and bravest 
of the Benton boys were departing for the front, and to welcome them home. 
Mr. Ralyeawas for a time the landlord of this hotel, and in 1856 Eliphalet How 
ard took possession. 

The Ralyea House was erected in 1874, under the personal supervision of 
Mr. Ralyea himself, who thereby obtained a first-rate building at a comparatively 
reasonable cost. The building is three stories high, with basement. The third 
story is a mansard. The building is finished in the very best manner inside, 
and the furniture and carpets are of the best. There are but few hotels in Iowa 
that equal the Ralyea as a home for the traveling public, and none that surpass 
it. This gentleman's able management as a hotel keeper well deserves a word of 
commendation, and the future landlords of Benton County will do well by their 
guests to imitate his management. 

July 9, 1878, Charles Casena was thrown from a horse into the river, at 
the foot of Washington street, and drowned, in the same place where Milton 
Gerbrich and the one-armed colporteur were drowned a year or two since. 
Charley came to Vinton about ten years ago in company with a band of Italian 
minstrels, and was induced to leave the company, and was cared for by James 
Chapin for a few years. Since then he has made a bad record for himself. 

MUNICIPAL. 

The town council of Vinton met for the first time August 9, 1869, it being 
composed of the following gentlemen : Mayor, James Wood ; Paul Correll, 
M Donelan, Cornelius Ellis, John Gihnorer Nathan Hays, J. A. McDaniel, D 
Stick and H. H. Sterling, Trustees ; W. F. Kirkpatrick was elected City Clerk. 

Ordinance No. 1 was "An ordinance fixing the bounds of Wards." 

Ordinance No. 2, " An ordinance defining and punishing misdemeanors." 

Sept. 6, 1869, W. F. Kirkpatrick resigned the oSice of City Clerk, and A. 
A. Wentz was appointed to fill vacancy. Mr. Brown was appointed City En- 
gineer at a salary of ^4 per day. 

Robert St. Clair was City Solicitor, but resigned Sept. 24, 1869 ; George 
M. Gilchrist was appointed, Oct. 1st, to fill vacancy. 

1870 — Mayor, James Wood ; Treasurer, Wm. W. Hanford ; Solicitor, 
George M. Gilchrist ; City Assessor, Levi S. Miller ; Marshal, Ezra Bigelow, 
Trustees, J. L. Tinkham, J. F. Young, 1st Ward ; N. Hays, M. Donelan. 
2d Ward ; Wm. A. Gwinn, John Gilmore, 3d Ward ; C. Ellis, R. N. Young, 
4tli Ward. A. A. Wentz appointed City Clerk, and James A. Brown, En- 
gineer. 

June 10, 1870, Aid. Gilmore and Aid. Donelan were appointed to attend 
to matters relating to a city jail. 

July 1, 1870, Special Committee on Jail reported county jail not for sale 
at that time. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 431 

Sept. 16, 1870, on motion of Aid. Ellis, the Finance Committee were in- 
structed to look after ground on which to build a city jail. 

On motion of Aid. R. N. Young;, a committee consistino; of Aldermen 
Ellis and Hays was appointed to draw a plan for a city jail. 

1871— Mayor, J. C. Tracr; Marshal, W. W. Means; Treasurer, W. W. 
Hanford; Assessor, Levi S. Miller. Aldermen, J. F. Young, 1st Ward; W. 
B. Reynolds, 2d Ward ; Geo. W. Ridge, 3d Ward ; C. Ellis, 4th Ward. 
Clerk, A. A. Wentz. 

April 7, 1871, on motion of Alderman Ridge, the Chair appointed a com- 
mittee, consisting of Aldermen Ridge, Ellis and Gilmore, to draft a plan for a 
citv jail, and see if grounds can be procured on which to erect it. 

April 14, 1871, Committee reported a plan for jail, which was accepted. 

On motion of J. F. Y^oung, the Chair appointed a committee, consisting of 
Young, Hays and R. N. Y'oung, to contract for the building of jail according 
to plan. 

April 21, 1871, the Mayor was instructed to buy the lot of Mr. Horridge, 
north of Court House. 

May 5, 1871, Mayor reported that he had bought said lot for ^300. 

May 12, the Clerk was instructed to draw warrants in pay for the building 
of the jail upon the order of the Chairman of the Jail Committee. Jail 
finished soon after, but record does not state Avhat it cost. 

1872— Mayor, J. C. Traer ; Treasurer, W. W. Hanford ; Solicitor, G. M. 
Gilchrist ; Assessor, John A. Bills. Trustees, George Horridge, 1st Ward ; 
Nathan Hays, 2d Ward ; W. K. Piatt, 3d Ward ; D. H. White, 4th Ward. 
Clerk, A. A. Wentz, ; Marshal, W. W. Means. 

1873 — Mayor, A. Haines ; Treasurer, S. E. Keith ; Assessor, L. S. Miller, 
Trustees, J. M. Crandall, 1st Ward ; L. S. Miller, 2d Ward ; R. H. Quinn, 3d 
Ward ; C. C. Lawton, 4th Ward. Clerk, A. A. Wentz ; Marshal, George Ridge. 
1874 — Mayor, A. Haines ; Treasurer, E. Evans ; Assessor, John Shaffer ; 
Solicitor, G. M. Gilchrist. Trustees, A. H. Ellis, 1st Ward ; M. Donelan and 
L. S. Miller, 2d Ward ; H. Stanton and F. R. Voris, 3d Ward ; D. H. White, 
4th Ward. Clerk, G. M. Taggart ; Marshal, W. W. Means. 

1875 — Mayor, W. B, Reynolds, Sr. ; Treasurer, R. N. Y^oung ; Assessor, 
John Shaffer ; Solicitor. D. E. Voris. Councilmen, H. H. McElroy, 1st 
Ward ; John Rider and M. D. L. Webb, 2d Ward ; J. A. McDaniel, 3d Ward ; 
J. B. Locke, 4th Ward. Clerk, C. S. Bennett; Marshal, J. C. Slosson. 

1876 — Mayor, W. B. Reynolds, Sr. ; Treasurer, George Knox ; Assessor, 
Levi Miller. Councilmen, J. M. Crandall, 1st Ward ; Nathan Hays, 2d Ward ; 
J. M. Inman, 3d Ward : D. H. White, 4th Ward. Clerk, C. S. Bennett ; Mar- 
shal, S. D. Redfield. 

1877— Mayor, W. B. Reynolds; Treasurer, J. W. Smock; Solicitor, E. 
R. Clingham ; Assessor, J. R. Christy. Councilmen, John Stickney, 1st 
Ward ; Paul Cornell, 2d Ward ; F. R. Voris, 3d Ward ; George Gilchrist, 4th 
Ward. Clerk, C. S. Bennett; Marshal, W. W. Means. 

1878 — Mayor, L. S. Miller ; Treasurer. James Smock ; Solicitor, G. W. 
Burnham ; Assessor, J. R. Christie. Councilmen, J. F. Young, 1st Ward ; 
E. Forrester, 2d Ward ; Samuel B. Corning, 3d Ward ; D. H. White, 4th 
Ward. Clerk, C. S. Bennett ; Marshal, W. W. Means. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

In the Spring of 1872, a second-hand Button Hand Engine was received at 
Charles City for trial, but failing to give satisfaction, the Council of that city 



432 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

ignored it and purchased another machine. About this time the Town Council 
of Vinton were taking steps to protect themselves in the event of fire, and, learn- 
ing of this engine at Charles City, appointed a committee to go there and inves- 
tigate the matter ; and, as a result of their labors, the engine was shipped to 
Vinton for trial. It seems that the committee had agreed to buy the engine if 
it would throw water as represented by the agent, but upon test did not satisfy 
the Council ; however, to avoid law suits and trouble, the engine was taken, but 
never manned. It has been recently overhauled and is ready in case of emergency. 
In the Fall of 1872 the Council purchased another hand engine, a new 
•' Button," and in December of the same year, a company was organized to man 
it, C. E. Porter being elected as the fiirst Foreman. The company was 
named the 

S. H. WATSON FIRE COMPANY, 

in honor of their generous donator, who had presented them with $100 to pur- 
chase uniforms, etc. E. M. Stedman was the first Foreman of the hose company. 
E. D. Stedman is the present Foreman ; J. E. Brady, First Assistant ; W. W. 
Martin, Second Assistant ; John Moyer, Engineer. The company numbers 
forty men. 

RESCUE HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY. 

This company was organized about the same time with the fire company, 
and was first under the charge of W. D. Reynolds, Foreman (who has remained 
such ever since) ; J. C. Matthews, First Assistant, and J. F. Young, Second 
Assistant. His present assistants ore W. H. Brown, First, and Charles Good- 
win, Second. Their wagon was built at home by J. M. Crandall. 

In 1877 the Council appointed E. D. Stedman as Chief Engineer and W. 
D. Reynolds, Assistant Chief Engineer. A building for the engine and hook 
and ladder companies was erected in the Winter of 1872-3, on the northwest 
corner of Main and Market streets, but was removed in 1877 to the city lot on 
the southwest corner of Washington and Concord streets. The department is 
still in the able hands of Chief Engineer E. D. Stedmam and Assistant Chief 
Engineer, W. D. Reynolds. 

SCHOOL RECORD. 

The first meeting of the Board of Vinton Independent District was held 
April 6, 1861, Joseph Dysart, President, and W. W. Hanford, Secretary. The 
bounds of the district were established by a committee of the Board in consul- 
tation with the Township District officers. Messrs. Adams, Webb and Watson 
were appointed to make inquiries in reference to a building site. April 22d, the 
Board rented the basements of the N. S. Presbyterian and Methodist Churches 
for schoolrooms. May 4th, E. Bennett, U. E. Traer, Fannie Ividdoo, Nellie 
Howe and Mrs. J. F. Young were employed as teachers. 

May 3, 1862, it was voted to receive the deed for school house site from J. 
S. Tilford, and give him an order on the County Treasurer for the money in 
his hands, to be applied as part payment thereon. December 8th, Mrs. Freer 
was authorized to employ an assistant in her room at $8 a month. 

April 20, 1863, a committee was appointed to report a plan for building, 
and on the 17th of May, it was resolved to let the contract for building the 
foundation. In October, the contract for the brick was let at $5.75 per 
thousand. 

May 5, 1864, S. H. Watson was authorized to negotiate a loan of $6,000, 
payable in installments within six years. June 21st, contract was made with 



1 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 433 

Finkbine & Lovelace, of Iowa City, to construct the building. January 30, 
1865, the Board resolved to vacate the church basements by January 1, 1805. 

March :^4, 1866, it Avas resolved to erect an addition to the building. Sep- 
tember 9, 1867, $5,000 in bonds were voted for the purpose. 

At the annual election in 1872, it was voted to issue bonds for the erection 
of a new building in the Third Ward. 

March 13, 1876, the people voted in favor of an issue of $10,000 in bonds 
for the erection of another school building, which amount was increased by 
$2,500 in June. The construction of the edifice now known as the " High 
School," Avas completed in 1877, and it has been occupied for school work for 
the past year. 

The present officers of the Board are: W. B. Reynolds, President; T. S. 
Palmer, George Horridge, Lewis Quinn, J. M. Crandall, E. M. Evans, Direct- 
ors ; James A. Brown, Secretary ; G. M. Gilchrist, Treasurer. 

The following were the teachers employed during the school year of 1877-8 : 
H. M. Hoon, Principal; Mary D. Warner, Assistant; Alice ^l. Bingham, 
Mrs. N. E. Pierce, Mary E. Marine, Ada Voris, Mattie Voris, Clare R. A'an 
Horn, Ora \\. Ketchum, Verona Marcellus, Etta A, Palmer, Miss C. S. Hall 
and Miss W. A. Burr. 

The United Presbyterian Church of Vinton was organized in 1857 by 
Rev. Hugh Sturgeon, a committee for the purpose from the Presbytery of 
Cedar Rapids. Its original members numbered seventeen. The pulpit was 
filled by various supplies until 1862, when Rev. S. M. Kier was called and 
installed as the first Pastor. He served the Church for some three years. 
After a vacancy of about a year, Rev. W. A. Pollock was made Pastor, and 
served the Church for three years. 

Another vacancy of a vear occurred, when Rev. Mr. Rule was called to the 
pastorate, in the Spring of 1870. He continued in this office for some two 
years. Afterward, Rev. P. H. Drennan supplied the pulpit. 

A large number of United Presbyterians resided from five to seven miles 
to the northwest from Vinton, and were finally organized into a church known 
as the Pratt Creek Church. This so weakened the town organization that it 
was thought best to disband it; and it was virtually transferred to the Pratt 
Creek Church, after having accomplished a good work for the Master and the 
community in its short life of less than twenty years. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Presbyterian Church of Vinton is a union of the former First and Sec- 
ond Churches. The First was prior to all the other churches of Vinton. It 
was a New School organization, effected June 27, 1852, by Rev. Williston 
Jones, a committee from the Presbytery of Des Moines. Its original members 
were James F. Young, Mrs. Mary Young, John S. Tilford, Mrs. Margaret A. 
Tilford, James Rice, Mrs. Maria Traer, Mrs. Amy Jones, Harrison Bristol, 
and Mrs. Mary Bristol. Its first stated supply was Rev. John Summers. He 
preached here for nearly two years, and was succeeded in the Spring of 1854 
by Rev. Nelson C. Robinson. After a faithful pastorate of seventeen and a 
half years, he was succeeded, without a Sabbath's vacancy, by Rev. Stephen 
Phelps, who served the church until its organization was lost in the new one 
formed by the union of the two churches. 

The Second Church was an Old School organization, effected on the 25th 
of February, 1854, by Rev. J. S. Fullerton, and Elder William Vaughn, a 
committee from the Presbytery of Cedar Rapids. Its original members were : 



434 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Francis J. Dobbins, Mrs. Rachel Dobbins, Mrs. Rachel Gwinn, Mrs. Lavina 
Beatty, Miss E. Jane Watson, Henry Watson and Ezra Watson. Its ministers 
were : Rev. W. L. Lyons, who served the church from the Spring of 1856 for 
about one and a half years ; Rev. James Kirk, who served from November 1, 
1857, for three years ; Rev. J. S. Dunning, who served from 1863 to 1869, and 
Rev. J. W. Crawford, from the Spring of 1869 until the union of the churches. 

The union of the two churches Avas consummated on the 17th of June, 
1872. A basis of union having been carefully prepared and adopted by both 
congregations, they met, each in its own house of worship, on Monday evening, 
June 17th. All the officers of both resigned, except the Trustees, who were 
retained in position, that they might legally hold the property until they could 
convey it to the Board of Trustees to be appointed by the new church. All 
closing business of each organization having been transacted, the First congre- 
gation, conducted by a committee from the Second, marched in a body to their 
place of meeting. As they appeared at the door, the other congregation arose, 
turned to face them, and sang the doxology, " Praise God from whom all bless- 
ings flow." The organization was then duly effected, and its officers appointed. 
Rev. Stephen Phelps was invited to take charge, was in due time installed, and 
is still Pastor of the church. 

The First Church, at the time of the union, numbered about two hundred 
members. The Second numbered about one hundred and twenty-five. During 
the year 1866-7, known as " the revival year," 168 persons were added to the 
church. There have been many removals, and many deaths. Its present 
membership is 484. 

The meetings of the First Church were held at first in the old Court House. 
After it burned down, they were held in the sitting-room of Mr. J. S. Tilford's 
residence ; afterward, in Jones' Hall (now a part of the Howard House) ; after- 
ward, in the new school house, known as " the Tilford School House," built 
by Mr. Tilford and Mr. Joseph Young, chiefly for a place of holding religious 
meetings. The present Baptist Church building was commenced by this 
society ; but before the walls were up it was sold, and a larger house com- 
menced in 1856, completed in 1857. In this house, the congregation met 
until the time of the union. 

The meetings of the Second Church were held at first in " the Tilford 
School House;" afterward, in the small frame church erected by them in 
1857 ; afterward, in their larger frame church built in 1866. In this, the con- 
gregation worshiped until the time of the union. The united congregation 
enlarged this house of worship, and used it until October 14, 1877, at which 
time they dedicated their present church building, which had been erected on 
the site of the brick church of the former Second organization, and at a cost 
of 135,000. 

The First Baptist Ohurch, of Vinton. — February 23, 1856, Elder Richard 
King made an appointment to preach in what is now (1878) known as the 
Good Templars' Hall, upon the following Sunday, March 8th. After services. 
Elder King being chosen Chairman, the following named brethren and sisters, 
having letters from other churches of like faith and order, were organized into 
a Baptist Church, to be known as the First Baptist Church of Vinton : 

Brethren — Stephen Chapin, Stephen Chapin, Jr., James Chapin, William 
C. Connell, James L. Pauley. Sisters — Ruth Webb, Mary W. Kelsey, Mariah 
Council, Margaret S. Pauley, Lovinea Chapin, Pedee Conant. 

Stephen Chapin was elected Deacon, and James Chapin Clerk and Treas- 
urer. May 10th, Church commenced holding their regular weekly services in 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 435 

Tilfoi'd's school house, the building occupying lot now the home of H. M. Hoon. 
June 14, 1856, the Church gave Elder Ashel Chapin, of the Galena Church, a 
call to become its first Pastor, he accepting and entering upon his labor, the 
Clmrch voting hira $200 a year and the Home Mission Board granting $200 
more for support. At the same meeting of the Church, the first Trustees were 
elected, bei«g for one year, viz.: P. A. Locke, Hermon Stanton and James L. 
Pauley. July 20, 1856, occurred the first baptism, Sister Cynthia Ann Chase. 
August 3, same year, celebrated the Lord's Supper for the first time. August 
17, by request, sent Pastor and others as Delegates to Waterloo, to assist in 
organizing an Association to be known as the Cedar Valley Association. April 
9, 1857, the Church adopted Articles of Incorporation. November 15, 1857, 
the Church having bought and fitted up its present house of worship, the 
building was dedicated to the worship of God, the Pastor preaching the sermon 
and Elder Joseph Eaton making the dedicatory prayer. The following year, 
the Church received aid from the Home Mission Board to the amount of $150. 
September 3, 1859, the Church applied and was admitted into the Linn Asso- 
ciation. October 3, Elder A. Chapin resigned and the pulpit was supplied by 
Elder A. G. Eberhart and others until January 22, 1865, when Elder A. H. 
Harris became the Pastor of the Church and continued until near the close of 
his life, Avho died from the effects of an internal abscess. September 23, 1866, 
the Church called to its pastorate Elder James Sunderland, of Strawberry 
Poinc, who entered upon his labors in November following. April 1, 1871, 
Elder Sunderland resigned, accepting a call from Sioux City, and the vacancy 
was filled by Elder N. B. Homan, from Fairview, commencing his pastoral 
labors January 5, 1873. April 17, 1875, Elder Homan resigned, but con- 
tininued preaching for the Church until September 11, when he removed to 
Kansas, and the Church gave to its present Pastor, Amos Weaver, a call, who 
commenced his pastoral labor October 1, 1875, to Avhom the Church is deeply 
attached. " A teacher well taught, and a workman that needeth not to be 
ashamed." 

The Church has always been composed of a membership of a transient na- 
ture, giving off (juite as largely as it has received. Under the pastoral labors 
of Elder James Sunderland, it reached its highest membership — about 160 ; 
its present membership (August, 1878,) is 140. Of the eleven lay members 
at its organization, four are still connected with the Church : Stephen Chapin, 
Jr., and wife, Lovinia Chapin, William C. Connell and wife, Mariah Connell. 

Christian Church. — This society was first organized in 1867 by Rev. 0. E. 
Brown, meeting, for the first two years, in the Court House, &nd then for about 
a year in the old U. P. Church. In 1870, the society built a church 32x56, in 
the eastern part of the town, which was dedicated by A. N. McConnell, from 
Marion. Pastors were employed yearly until 1872, when Elder S. T. Shorters 
was engaged, and has been here ever since. A Sunday school was established 
about the time of the organization of the church, which has always been under 
the charge of E. L. Courier, Superintendent. 

Church of the Evangelical Association. — This mission was located at Vin- 
ton by the action of the annual session of the Iowa Conference held at La Porte 
City in April, 1873. Rev. James Croasman, of the Pittsburgh Conference, 
and formerly Missionary to Oregon, was the first Pastor. At this time, there 
was not a member in the town and no place of worship. By the 1st of Decem- 
ber, same year, a new and commodious church building was erected and dedi- 
cated, Rev. D. B. Byers, of the Illinois Conference, officiating. The building 
and lot cost $2,065. The following February, a society of nineteen members 



436 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

was organized. Since that date, under the efficient labors of the succeeding 
Pastors, Revs. Yerger and Utt, the society has increased its membership to over 
fifty, and has sustained an active Sunday school. Rev. H. M. Sexton is the 
present Pastor. 

3fethodist Episcopal. — This society was organized in the Fall of 1853, 
through the missionary labors of Rev. H. S. Burleigh. The cla%s was com- 
posed of J. D. Tracy, D. B. Keyes and wife, E. Howard and wife, William 
Talfe and wife, E. Evans and wife, and J. Morris and wife. For several years 
the meetings were held at the houses of the various members. 

The commencement of the church edifice was between 1858 and 1860, dur- 
ing the pastoral care of Rev. J. H. Reddington, and in 1860, the basement was 
made ready for use. In 1862, the building was fully completed. In 1869, the 
increase in numbers compelled an addition, which was completed the same year, 
in the form of a transept, in dimensions 30x50 feet. The cost of the whole, up 
to that time, was about $9,000, and the building was thereby made capable of 
seating seven hundred persons. 

The succession of Pastors has been as follows : H. S. Burleigh, Nelson 
Wells, S. R Young, B. F. Taylor, Mr. Keith, J. H. Reddington, J. H. Ran- 
kin, S. C. Freer, S. A. Lee, U. E. Eberhart, S. A. Knapp, G. W. Brindell, 
R. W. Peebles, D. Sheffer, T. C. Golden and E. L. Miller— the latter now in 
charge. 

In 1855, there were twenty-seven names borne on the roll, which, in 1857, 
had increased to eighty. 

A parsonage was purchased in 1863, during Mr. Lee's stay ; but this was 
sold during Mr. Sheifer's Pastorate, and a commodious building erected to sup- 
ply its place. 

The membership is about four hundred, this being one of the largest relig- 
ious bodies outside the large cities in Iowa. 

C. 0. Harrington is Superintendent of the Sabbath school ; C. W. Miller, 
Secretary. About 180 pupils usually attend. 

The official Board of the Church is as follows : S. A. Knapp, President ; 
D. Stick, Treasurer ; C. 0. Harrington, Secretary ; L. S. Miller, H. S. Con- 
ner, Louis Quinn, Trustees. 

MASONIC. 

Vinton Lodge, U. D., was instituted under dispensation granted May 11, 
1854. The first officers U. D. were Elijah Evans, W. M. ; W. C. Conrad, S. 
W. ; John McCartney, J. W. ; H. Berry, Treasurer; J. S. Epperson, Secre- 
tary ; A. Johnson, S. D. ; H. J. Burley, J. D. ; and the first report to the 
Grand Lodge embraced the names of James Wood, Jacob S. Hunt, John Fer- 
guson, William Jones, Master Masons. 

The Lodge was chartered Jan. 6, 1855, and was constituted soon after. The 
officers were Elijah Evans, W. M. ; William C. Council, S. W. ; John S. Ep- 
person, J. W. ; Harrison Berry, Treasurer; James Wood, Secretary; William 
Jones, S. D.; Jacob S. Hunt, J. D. ; John Ferguson, Tiler, and the first an- 
nual report contained the names of the following Master Masons : Alexander 
Johnson, John McCartney, S. P. Brainard, N. M. Wilson, James Sullivan, 
Robert H. Wilson, Peter B. Smith, Sanford Moberly, Robert Downs, Payton 
B. Culver, Samuel Osborn, James Hankins, Charles M. Hare, Hugh B. Jones, 
Elias H. Bowen, James Thompson, William Kellison, Rev. John Wright, 
Thomas S. Palmer and Wesley Whipple. Elijah Evans was succeeded as W. 
M. by William P. Lathrop and George Horridge. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 437 

It is proper to remark here that J. W. Bowen and wife celebrated their 
golden wedding August 8, 1878. 

The deaths have been W. P. Lathrop, December 31, 1873 ; David Van- 
skike. Spring of 1859 ; Thomas Drummond, killed (see War Record) ; Jacob 
Oyler, October 1, 1875; D. B. Ramage, December 19, 1868; Alden Crandall, 
February 9, 1866: Douglas W. Marsh, March 23, 1874; C. H. Conklin, 
March 16, 1875: W. W. Hanford, 1876; Thomas Roberts, January 9, 1870; 
Austin Knox, February 25, 1871; J. G. Tuttle, Winter of 1874-75; Elijah 
Evans died in Kansas recently, but had dimitted some years before. 

The present officers are J. C. Traer, W. M. ; E. A. Hewes, S. W. ; Ezra 
L. Goodenough, J. W. ; J. Bills, Treasurer ; J. P. Mathews, Secretary; A. B. 
Forester, S. D. ; R. McLain, J. D. ; J. W. Bloodgood, S. S. ; Will C. Boggs, 
J. S.: Benjamin Kendall, Tiler. 

Meet Tuesday evening on or before full moon. The membership is 100. 

Adoniram Chapter, U. Z>., R. A. M., was organized and dispensatif)n 
granted July 10, 1856. Its first officers were W. P. Lathrop, H. P. ; E. Evans, 
K. ; J. M. Saffijrd, S. ; T. S. Palmer, Treasurer ; J. J. Alexander, Secretary ; 
William C. Connell, C. of H. 

Adoniram Chapter, ]Vo. 15, was chartered June 1, 1857, but made no return 
to the Grand Chapter the first year, nor until 1862, when W. P. Lathrop was 
H. P.; E. Evans, K. ; John Alexander, S. ; James Sullivan, Treasurer; T. S. 
Palmer, Secretary ; W. C. Connell, C. of H., and it reported 15 members, hav- 
ing exalted B. In 1865, B. R. Sherman was H. P. ; W. C. Connell, K. ; E. 
Evans, S. 

The present officers are J. C. Traer, M. E. H. P.; W. C. Connell, E. K,; 

A. B. Forester, E. S. ; J. A. Bills, Treasurer; J. P.Matthews, Secretary; 
M. Meredith, C. H. ; E. L. Goodenough, P. S. ; T. S. Palmer, R. A. C. ; A. 
Rose, G. M. 3d v.; M. Stern, G. M. 2dV.; R. M. Rumbaugh, G. M. lat V.; 

B. Kendall, Guard. 

The membership is 44. Meet Tuesdays after full moon. 

KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

Anchor Lodge, JVo. 1137, was organized July 10, 1878, by C. H. Cogswell, 
G. D., and M. H. Westbrook, D. G. D., with a membership of about fifty. 
The first officers elected were E. A. Hews, D. ; M. Meredith, V. D. ; B. Mur- 
phy, A. D. ; A. D. Griffin, P. D. ; E. D. Stedman, R. ; A. A. Wentz, F. R.; 
G. Knox, Treasurer; W. Palmer, G. ; J. Knapp, C. ; W. W. Webb, S. ; E. S. 
Miller, G. The Trustees are G. W. Tannerhill, C. D. Fulton and C. C. Griffin. 

The lodge meets on the first and third Mondays in each month, heretofore 
at Masonic Hall, but hereafter at Stick's Hall. The main feature of this 
society is mutual life insurance. 

I. 0. OF 0. F. 

Vinton Lodge, No. 83, was organized Feb. 8, 1856, but its charter was not 
granted until Oct. 8, 1856. The organizing officers were D. D. G. M. L. H. 
Keys, and Samuel Jack, G. Marshal. The record does not show who the 
charter members were, but gives the following first officers : M. D. L. Webb, 
N. G.; J. W. Webb. V. G.; J. H. Shutts, Sec. (succeeded on the third meet- 
ing by W. L. Lathrop) ; George W. Sell, Treas. The present officers are : E. 
M. Evans, N. G.; P. A. Locke, V. G.; J. A. Bills, Treas.; F. M. Rambaugh, 
Sec; D. M. Witherrow, P. Sec. The Lodge has a finely-furnished hall in the 
building on the southwest corner of Washington and Jefierson streets, in which 
they meet every week. 



438 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Vinton Encampment, No. 59, was chartered October 22, 1873, and was 
organized by C. Fordyce, under dispensation of S. S. Winall, assisted by mem- 
bers from Cedar Rapids Encampment. The charter members were E. M. Ev- 
ans, C. R. Wilkinson, James Wood, J. W. Seward, James W. Smock, A. A. 
Gerberich, John Hoyt, G. W. Smith, B. R. Sherman, D. M. Weatherough, R. 
McKinstry. The first officers were: C. R. Wilkinson, C. P.; D. R. Sher- 
man, H. P.; D. M. Weatherough, S. W.; John Hoyt, J. Warden; A. A. 
Wentz, Scribe; J. W. Smock, Treas. The present officers (18T8) are: C. R. 
Wilkinson, C. P.; D. H. A\^hite, H. P.; A. A. Gerberich, S. W.; F. M. Ram- 
baugh, J. W.; J. W. Scribe; D. Stick, Treas. 

A. 0. OF U. W. 

Vinton Lodge, No. 30. — This Lodge is the oldest of this order in Vinton. 
It was organized and received its charter October 28, 1875, by D. D. G. M. 
W. Chrisinger, from Dubuque, with the following charter members : A. D. 
Griffin, W. C. Connell, W. B. Van Horn, C. S. Bennett, J. W. Bloodgood, I. 
.N. Chenoweth, E. M. Evans, Z. R. Detwiler, C. D. Fulton, W. A. McAllister, 
W. B. Reynolds, Jr., S. S. Reynolds, Cyrus E. Porter, C. R. Wilkinson, C. C. 
Griffin, J. W. Smock, W. H. Brown, 0. Horn. The first officers were, A. D. 
Griffin, P. M. W.; W. B. Reynolds, Jr., M. W.; C. Porter, F.; C. R. Wilkin- 
son, 0.; W. A. McAllister, Recorder; C. S. Bennett, Financier; I. N. Chen- 
oweth, Receiver; E. M. Evans, Guide; Wm. C. Connell, I. W.; I. W. 
Bloodgood, 0. W. The present officers are as follows : E. F. B. Langstroth, P. 
M. W.; G. L. Rock, M. W.; I. W. Bloodgood, Foreman ; George W. Burn- 
ham, Overseer; J. D. Steves, Guide; I. D. Shotwell, Recorder: Chas. F. 
Goodwin, Financier; C. C. Griffin, Receiver; W. C. Boggs, I. W. ; R. A. 
Green, 0. W. The Lodge meets Thursday nights, in Masonic Hall. 

Cedar Lodqe No. 53. — This lodge was organized March 10, 1876, by G, 
M. W. B. S. Fowle, G. R. D. S. Stephenson, and D. D. G. M. W. A. D. 
Griffin, and had the following charter members: D. E. Voris, Robert St. Clair, 
John D. Nichols, A. Rose, George Knapp, Warren L. Brown, M. Meredith, 
J, D. Hawthorne, Fred Tyler, Hudson Burr, L. Ralyea, Jos. S. Spurr, J. C. 
Thompson, John S. Stanley, H. D. Smith, James W. Butler, James W. Brown 
and R. N. Young. The first administration was by D. E. Vois, P. M. W.; 
Robert St. Clair, M. W.; J. D. Nichols, G. F.; A. Rose, 0.; George Knapp, R.; 
James Hawthorne, F.; Warren L. Brown, Receiver; Fred Tyler, Guide; 
James Brown, I. W.; J. F. Spurr, 0. W. The present officers are as follows, 
A. Rose, P. M. W.; E. D. Stedman, M. W.; M. Sterne, Fi.i.; J. E. Marietta, 
Recorder; J. F. Spurr, 0.; W. S. Palmer, Foreman; S. H. SheflFer, Guide: 
J. A. Bills, Receiver; D. Aikley, I. W.; S. Starks, 0. W.; Trustees— J. C. 
Thompson, G. W. Tannerhill and^H. S. Conner; M. Meredith, Medical Exam- 
iner. The lodge meets every Friday night. 

I. 0. OF G. T. 

Vinton Lodge, No. 32, Independent Order of Good Temj^lars, was organ- 
ized some time in 1854, and is now the second in age in Iowa, and the third 
oldest in the world. W. C. Smith represented the Lodge at the first Conven- 
tion of the Order held in Iowa, at Iowa City, December 24, 1844. February 
21, 1862, the name was changed to Redemption Lodge, No. 32, and a new 
charter was issued to Elijah Evans, Amazette H. Evans, John W. Traer, Alice 
Traer, Benjamin Honeywell, INIichael Smith, Mary E. Hare, Minerva N. 
Craig, N. C. Phelps, Joseph Russell, E. M. Evans, William Geddes, L. M. 
Hoke and A. H. Ellis. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 439 

The list of the first officers cannot be obtained, the early record having been 
lost. The Lodge has, however, never been suspended. Its charter was issued 
by the R. W. Grand Lodge of North America. 

The Lodge owns a lot and two-story building, the second story of which is 
used for its hall. The lower story is rented for business purposes. The mem- 
bership is about seventy-five. 

The officers for the third quarter of 1878 are : L. H. Defenbaugh, W. C. 
T.; Mrs. J. P. Matthews, W. V. T.; Jas. M. Dorwin, W. S.; Miss Lou Shock- 
ley, W. A. S.; Walter Rodgers, W. F. S.; Mrs. Helen C. Atkinson, W. T.; 
Miss Nellie Boyd, W. C; E. H. Jordan, W. M.; Miss Hattie B. Jones, W. 

D. M.; Miss Emma Thompson, W.I. G.; E. C. flood, W. 0. G.; Thos. Atkinson, 
P. W. C. T.; Miss Anna Miller, W. R. H. S.; Miss Nettie Jameson, W. L. H. S. 

C. W. Miller was recommended for D. G. W. C. T., for the coming year, 
and James M. Dorwin and C. W. Miller were elected Representatives to the 
Grand Lodge of Iowa, which meets at Waterloo, August 27th. 

COMPANY "a," first REGIMENT, I. N. G. 

This company, called " The Banner Company " of Iowa, was organized 
September 7, 1871, under the name of " Company A, Vinton Zouaves." The 
following were its first officers and members : Captain. Chas. V. Mount ; First 
Lieutenant, John P. Matthews ; Second Lieutenant. Chas. E. Inman ; Fn-st 
Sergeant, Lyman H. Starks ; Second Sergeant, Mart. D. Starling ; Third 
Sergeant, Wm. W. Means; Fourth Sergeant. E. Piatt ; Ensign, W. 0. Robins; 
First Corporal, George W. Sterling ; Second Corporal, Henry F. Wenner ; 
Third Corporal, T. Oscar Johnson ; Fourth Corporal, Chas. W. Odell. Pri- 
vates : Stephen A. Briggs, William Boggs, D. Bixby, A. Bigelow, Louis Bie- 
besheimer, C. D. Brewer, William Brumwill, Newrad M. Bennett, Samuel 
Corning, Jacob Coutts, Herbert G. Connor, John Dulin, James J. Edmonds, 
John Edmonds, James H. Forsythe, John Felker, Ezra L. Goodenough, Robert 

E. George, George Holden, James W. Heller, Wesley Jones, E. M. Knapp, 
Chas. F. Knowlton, xAmos Kendall, Daniel Luellen, Frank Mackey, Denison 
R. Morton, AVilliam Murphy, Frank G. Miller, William McDearman, Thomas 
McLaughlin, William Oppett, George W. Phillips, Walter S. Palmer, Robert 
H. Porter, Geo. M. Read, Jas. Smock, Morris Shockley, Geo. K. Storey, Jas. 
Stanton, T. Stewart, Perry J. Stewart, Squire Smith, Elijah Stout, Wm. R. 
Stout, John S. Stickney, E. J. Sanders, Dexter R. Spaulding, William Tracy, 
C. 0. Thompson, Charles Thomas, William Traer, Christian Valver, Oliver 
Wheaton, William A. Williams, Frank White, Clarence White, John W. Wen- 
ner, Chas. H. Wilber, Ed. D. Watkins, Albertus Wetz, Joseph S. Young. 
Musicians : Elbert P. Stedman, Walter S. Armstrong, Wm. Bordwell, Geo. W, 
Edmonds, Jonathan Jenks, A. Sutton. 

As this company is, at the present writing, the most proficient military 
company in the State, as well as one of the oldest, its history is of correspond- 
ing interest. Tht- direct cause of the organization of the company was the 
failure of the Vinton people to organize a parade on July 4th, 1871 — the pro- 
cession being made up of the visiting farmers. The first victory was achieved 
at the Benton County Fair, in 1871, when, though but a month old, their sham 
battle proved to be one of the most interesting features of the exhibition. Mr. 
J. F. Pyne presented the company with a flag on this occasion, as an acknowl- 
edgment of their instrumentality in adding interest to the fair. 

May 30, 1872, the company participated in the ceremony of decorating the 
soldiers' graves at Cedar Rapids, in which they reflected credit both upon 



440 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. * 

themselves and the town whose name they bore. From September 12th to the 
18th, in 1872, the company did guard duty on the State Fair Grounds, in 
Cedar Rapids, where their soldierly bearing won for them well-merited praise at 
the hands of the State press, as well as from the press of adjoining States. 
They assisted in the Decoration services of 1873, at Vinton, and acted as guards 
to the State Fair of that year, also at Cedar Rapids, and again assisted in 
honoring the memory of deceased soldiers in the cemetery of Cedar Rapids, in 
1874. Always maintaining their record of excellence which they had inaugurated 
at the start, July 5, 1875, they attended the celebration at Burlington, and 
won the prize banner; and, in 1876, at the same place, won the first prize in 
a tournament of five companies. Their last victory was at Independence, in 
1877, where they won |125 as first prize, at the fair. Their record is thus far 
at the head of Iowa's militia. Their old captain, C. V. Mount, is now Major 
General, commanding this division ; and on the list of staft' officers are to be 
seen the names of some of the old members of this company. We herewith give 
a list of the division staff as it now exists : Col. C. R. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff; 
Lieut. Col. G. R. Knapp, Assistant Adjutant General; Lieut. Col. M. H. 
White, Assistant Inspector; Lieut. Col. L. E. B. Holt, Surgeon; Maj. W. M. 
Traer, Quartermaster; Maj. John Fleming, Commissary; Maj. T. C. Cole. 
Judge Advocate; Maj. S. A. Wright, Paymaster; Capt. L. H. Starks, Aide- 
de-Camp ; Capt. T. I). McElroy, Aide-de-Camp. 

The present company officers are as follows : Captain, J. C. Matthews ; 
First Lieutenant, W. S. Palmer ; Second Lieutenant, E. J. Sanderson ; First 
Sergeant, Milo Whipple ; Second Sergeant, Erwin Warner ; Third Sergeant, 
Chas. I. Lawton ; Fourth Sergeant, Loi'in Bixby ; Fifth Sergeant, Joseph 
Pyne ; First Corporal, H. S. Snyder ; Second Corporal, H. F. Wenner ; Third 
Corporal, Frank Bender ; Fourth Corporal, G. R. Holden ; Fifth Corpoj'al, 
Chas. Gale ; Sixth Corporal, 0. J. Connor ; Seventh Corporal, H. Biglow ; 
Eighth Corpoi-al, H. F. Jameson. The company numbers rank and file fifty- 
eight men. 

VINTON REFORM CLUB. 

On Monday evening, July 29, 1878, a large meeting was held in the old 
Presbyterian Church, for the purpose of organizing a Reform Club in Vinton. 
L. A. Cobb and J. P. Sherman, of Waterloo, were present to aid in the move- 
ment. After stirring speeches by Messrs. Coob, Sherman, Rev. 0. H. Phelps, 
W. B. Reynolds, Jr., and Rev. S. Phelps, eighty-one persons signed the pledge. 
A committee, consisting of W. B. Reynolds, Jr., A. Haines, W. W. Webb, J. 
D. Steves, D. C. Kirkpatrick, Rev. S. Phelps and J. W. Rich, was appointed 
to draft a constitution for a Reform Club, and report at the next meeting. 

On Monday evening, August 5th, the committee reported a constitution, 
which was adopted, and officers elected as follows : President, W. B. Reynolds, 
Jr. ; First Vice President, J. D. Steves ; Second Vice President, James M. 
Dorwin ; Third Vice President, D. M. Kirkpatrick ; Secretary, W. M. Hall ; 
Treasurer, P. W. Watson ; Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Miller. 

Sixty-eight persons signed the pledge at this meeting. A Committee on 
Ways and Means was appointed, consisting of Messrs. A. Haines, Smith, Mrs. 
C. H. Conklin and Mrs. Anna Hanford, and before the meeting adjourned 
$55.57 were raised. " Let the good work go on." 




E.S.Johnson 

BELLE PLAINE 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 443 



BELLE PLAINE. 



This flourishing town is at the terminus of the Clinton Division of the 
Chicago & North-Western Railway, and here are located the round-house and 
machine shop, giving employment to several hundred men. The impetus given 
by the selection of this town as a division terminus Avas very great, and the 
growth of the town for several years after being laid out was extremely rapid. 
The town site, which was laid out by Presley Hutton, in 1860, just previous to 
the completion of the railway thus far, lies on the sloping northern bank of the 
Iowa River, which allows of excellent drainage facilities. Not only this, but 
toward the southwest is one of the most beautiful views in the interior of Iowa, 
the timber along the river and the hills beyond forming a beautiful prospect to 
the observer's eye. 

In the Fall of 1861, William White built a store house, which was immedi- 
ately occupied with a stock of goods by a man named Crider. 

During the Winter of 1861-2, and just after Mr. Presley had platted the 
town site, another store building was erected by I. N. Isham, which was 
occupied by H. H. Smith, who brought on a stock of goods and began busi- 
ness. George Lowe completed a grain warehouse about the same time, but it 
was idle property, for Belle Plaine was not yet a station. The Construction 
Company had got into a difficulty with the Kailway Company, and because the 
latter had decided to build a town here the other company laid the switch 
tracks at Buckeye, about three miles east, and were doing all they could, with 
considerable success, to foster the growth of that town. 

A building was also erected for a saloon in the Fall of 1861, but the pro- 
prietor having been carefully advised, removed the shanty ofl" the town plat, 
but began business close by. 

In the Spring of 1862, the first dwelling house was built by William White, 
followed in a short time by Mr. Forbes, who was clerking for Mr. Crider. 
Shortly afterward, a small house was removed from Gwinnville to the town plat 
of Belle Plaine. Several houses were also erected during the Summer and Fall 
of the same year. 

The first sermon ever preached in Belle Plaine was by Elder Holland, a 
Christian minister, in the Fall of 1862, the Crider store, then being vacant, 
serving as the place of worship. 

Two small schools were taught in Belle Plaine during the Winter of 1862- 
3, one by Mrs. Greene and the other by Mrs. Pillbeam, whose husband was, at 
that time, Pastor of the circuit of the M. E. Church, 

The certainty that the railway company were favoring Belle Plaine induced 
the settlers to petition for the removal of the post office from Gwinnville to this 
place, which was granted by the postal authorities, and the office was removed 
in July, 1862, D. C. Forbes having been appointed Postmaster. 

The first building erected in 1863 was by Dr. Crawford, who was the first 
physician to settle in the town. 

During 1863, Mr. Crider found his business so alarmingly unremunerative 
that his creditors took possession, sold the goods at auction and divided the 
resulting cash as by law provided. 

James Ellis started a blacksmith shop during the Summer. 

The business interest of Belle Plaine, in the Fall of 1863, as near as can 
now be ascertained, was as follows : E. G. Brown, who had purchased Mr. 
Isham's business, general store ; Andrew Hale, grain and stock dealer ; James 



444 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Smart, lumber dealer ; Carter Buckley and George Watrous, grain buyers ; 
J. B. Daniels, harness maker. 

William Shaffer was the first station agent. 

The business houses at the close of 1868 were very numerous, the list being 
given herewith : Seven general stores, eight groceries, four agricultural imple- 
ment houses, three hardware stores, five lumber dealers, two furniture stores, 
three drug stores, one book store, two millinery shops, five tailors, six physi- 
cians, six attorneys, two jewelry shops, one music store, three dentists, four 
wagon shops, four blacksmith shops, three hotels, one livery stable, nine saloons, 
four boarding houses, four shoe shops, three harness shops, two auctioneers, one 
flouring-mill, one planing-mill, two painters, one bakery, two dozen carpenters, 
one tobacco store, five drays, five insurance agents, one newspaper, several grain 
buyers, etc. 

Belle Plaine was incorporated in 1868, and took its charter as a city of the 
second class. 

A bank was established in July, 1869, by S. L. Bardwell, of Chicago, a 
much needed adjunct to the business of the young city. 

Franklin Schild was drowned in Salt Creek August 23, 1869. He 
was on horseback, driving home some cows, and attempted to cross the 
creek at a deep place. The horse, in floundering, threw him off, and, being un- 
able to swim, he perished before help could reach him. He was about 21 years 
old. 

A musical convention was held at Belle Plaine in the latter part of Septem- 
ber, 1869, conducted by Prof. Palmer, of Chicago. 

In the Fall of 1869, the business of the town included eight dry goods 
stores, nine groceries, four clothing stores, three boot and shoe stores, three drug 
stores, three hardware stores, two furniture stores, two tailor shops, four millinery 
shops, two agricultural depots, two jewelers, three lumber yards, one book store, 
two livery stables, one flouring-mill, two harness shops, one photograph gallery, 
two carriage shops, one musical instrument and sewing machine agency, two 
meat markets, four saloons, three hotels, one bakery, one bank, one newspaper, 
two grain elevators, five lawyers, four physicians and one dentist. 

A peat bed was discovered on the farm of Peter Spracklin, a short distance 
from Belle Plaine, in 1870. The bed covers about thirty acres, and is, in some 
places, ten feet deep. 

Conductor William Arthur and a brakeman, Charles E. Sullivan, both resi- 
dents of Belle Plaine, were killed September 3, 1870, at the sand bank west of 
the town. Both sprang to the brake when the engineer signaled, but, the 
upright rod giving way, they fell under the moving wheels and were instantly 
crushed to death. 

A Teachers' Institute was held at Belle Plaine in November, 1870, presided 
over by Supt. H. M. Hoon, of Vinton ; W. M. Wilcox, Secretary. The lec- 
tures were by Rev. Mr. Lane, Mr. Crawford and Prof. S. A. Knapp. Ninety- 
eight were enrolled as members of the Institute. 

During 1870, there were shipped from Belle Plaine station 1,029 car-loads 
of grain, which would indicate, as a fair average, thirty-two wagon-loads sold 
every working day during the year. 

During 1870 and 1871, several meetings were held at various places. Belle 
Plaine among the rest, for the purpose of securing the construction of an exten- 
sion of the North Missouri Railway from Ottawa to Waterloo. A company 
was formed to build a narrow gauge between the terminal points named above^ 
with place of business at Belle Plaine. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 445 

In 1871, the officers were : S. L. Bardwell, President ; James R. Graham, 
Vice President ; C. D. Tanton, Secretary. Directors — George Mason, AValt- 
ham, Presley Hutton, Belle Plainc; James R. Graham. Redmond. 

The route of the proposed line is a most inviting one, and it is quite prob- 
able that when business confidence is restored there will be little difficulty in 
securing capital to construct and equip this line. 

The Belle Plaine Musical Association was organized in March, 1871, at the 
close of a convention instructed by Mr. Brown. The first officers were : W. F. 
Atkinson, President ; James A. Guest, Vice President : James E. Townsend. 
Secretary ; Mrs. T. Lawrence, Treasurer ; E. G. Brown, Musical Conductor ; 
W. L. Prentice, Assistant ; Miss Franc C. Pier, Miss Katie Brown and John 
Q. Hutton, Executive Committee. 

An election was held at Belle Plaine, in the Summer of 1871, for the pur- 
pose of granting township aid to the company, but the project was voted down. 
Another election was held March 21, 1872, when the tax was voted by 133 
majority. 

E. B. Severn, a well-known citizen of Belle Plaine, died suddenly at the 
railway station, November 17, 1871, while superintending the loading of some 
stock on a car. He had formerly been a Christian minister. 

The First National Bank of Belle Plaine, was organized in May, 1872, with 
a capital of $50,000. The first Directors were : James A. Wiley, W. A. Scott, 
G. H. Warren, J. H. Schiltchiting, Wm. Montgomery, D. W. Read and J. A. 
Durand. The following week, D. W. Read was elected President, and S. S. 
Sweet, Cashier. 

A great flood occurred along Salt Creek June 1, 1872, caused by a heavy 
rain the night before. The passenger train from the East was detained about 
two hours before reaching Belle Plaine, and ten minutes after crossing the bridge 
across Salt Creek, the bridge was swept off its piers by the rushing waters. 
Two or three families in the southwest part of the town were removed by boats. 
Considerable damage was done along the valley above by the flood. The follow- 
ing week, a mile of track was washed out between Norway and Blairstown, and 
breaks were made in other places in the track in Benton County. 

A collision occurred in July, 1872, between a pusher-engine and a con- 
struction train, near Belle Plaine, in which seven men were killed or mortallv 
injured. Their names were William H. Anderson, Michael Brandon, John 
Carroll, James Carroll, Wenzel Churchick, Joseph Hanesch and John Oliva. 
The Coroner's jury censured the Division Superintendent and Train Dispatcher 
for neglect in not notifying the driver of the pusher-engine that the construc- 
tion train was in the vicinity. 

April 2, 1873, the commodious residence of J. W. Filkins was destroyed 
by fire, and his valuable library consumed. The property was worth about 
33,000 ; insured for about $2,000. 

Russel Nichols, a child of 7 years, was drowned in the well near the round- 
house. May 4, 1876. 

A harvest feast was held under the auspices of Expansion Grange Sep- 
tember 13, 1873, on the grounds of J. W. Filkins, near Belle Plaine. A dis- 
play of flowers and fruits was made, a dinner was served and an address was 
given by Fred Hovey, Esq., of Honey Creek. 

Belle Plaine occupies a most eligible position with regard to business. The 
nearest towns of importance are Blairstown and Tama City, thus leaving a very 
large territory of fertile soil, heavily settled with an industrious farming popu- 
lation, tributary to this town. The business men of this town are wide-awake 



446 HlriTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

and enterprising. The various kinds of business are quite fully represented. 
There are several grain elevators, with steam power, two or three flouring-mills 
in the vicinity, two banks, numerous stores and hotels. 

In manufactures, the town is rather backward ; but there is no doubt that, as 
capital increases, a portion will be invested in this direction, whereby the town 
will increase to the full importance it deserves to hold as the commercial mart 
for a large portion of the four counties of Benton, Tama, Poweshiek and Iowa. 

MUNICIPAL. 

The municipal officers chosen at the organizing election in 1868, were D. A. 
Kennedy, Mayor ; J. P. Henry, Treasurer ; J. F. Roberts, Marshal ; E. A. 
Bird, E. G. Brown, D. C. Twogood and J. Fohls, Councilmen. The first 
election was May 22, 1868. 

The Council held its first meeting at Howard & Johnson's office, June 26, 
1868, and after perfecting its organization, passed Ordinance No. 1, providing 
for the election, by the Council, of a Marshal, Street Commissioner and Treas- 
urer. At the same meeting, K. D. Shugart was elected Treasurer, and Joseph 
Daniels Marshal and Street Commissioner. Ordinance No. 2, prohibiting stock 
from running at large, and Ordinance No. 3, concerning licenses, were then 
passed, after which the Council adjourned. 

Auo-ust 11th, the first sidewalk was ordered, on the south side of Second 
street, between Beach and Maple streets. 

March 1, 1869, James Collister was elected Mayor, and John A. Ketring 
Recorder. April 13th, R. H. Peters was chosen Assessor by the Council, and 
May 28th, he reported the total population of the city to be 1,446. 

March 7, 1870, James Collister was re-elected Mayor, and B. K. Peters 
was chosen Recorder. December 2, a committee was appointed to ascertain 
what steps would be necessary to secure protection from fire. January 13, 
1871, an ordinance was passed requiring citizens to put and keep in order the 
flues, chimneys, etc. 

March 6, 1871, A. Hale became Mayor, and George Alexander Recorder. 
May^26th, a contract was made with Smith & Chambers, to build a calaboose, 
at a cost of $105. 

March 4, 1872, W. A. Scott was chosen Mayor ; R. H. Peters, Recorder. 
June 28th, several freeholders living on Sections 20, 30 and 19, Iowa Town- 
ship, having voted in favor of being annexed to the city, the territory owned by 
them was added to the corporate limits by formal resolution. 

March 3, 1873, W. A. Scott was re-elected Mayor, and D. A. Kennedy 
became Recorder. May 23d, it was reported that twenty-seven persons had en- 
rolled themselves as a fire company. The ofter was accepted by the Council, 
and they were requested to complete their organization as soon as possible. 
June 13th, the company reported themselves ready, and requested the Council 
to provide truck and other necessary apparatus. June 20th, the Council appro- 
priated $100 toward equipping the company, the members of that body having 
engaged to raise $75 more. 

March 2, 1874, W. A. Scott was again chosen Mayor ; S. S. Sweet, Re- 
corder. July 17th, thanks were voted Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company for 
their efforts at the fire in First street. 

March 1, 1875, George C. Scrimgeour became Mayor ; Thomas Lawrence, 
Recorder. 

March 6, 1876, Mr. Scrimgeour was re-elected Mayor ; A. H. Hilden- 
brand. Recorder. Both were re-elected in 1877. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 447 

It is proper to mention that almost annually since the incorporation of 
Belle Plaine, hundreds of dollars have been expended on the roads in the 
vicinity of the Iowa River, which, although necessary, has been a heavy burden 
on this enterprising town. 

The city officers of Belle Plaine for 1878, are as follows : G. C. Scrim- 
geour, Mayor ; A. Hildenbrand, Recorder ; Samuel Wentz, V. Kesl, A. J. 
Hartman, C. W. Gore, Joseph Daniels, Councilmen ; S. S. Sweet, Treasurer ; 
D. A. Kennedy, Assessor; James R. Cruson, Street Commissioner. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company^ No. 1. — The first meeting to organ- 
ize this company was held June 24, 1873, at which time James Collister 
was elected Foreman ; C. H. Schnoor, First Assistant ; W. P. Tuttle, Second 
Assistant ; S. S. Sweet, Treasurer ; Tom Lawrence, Secretary. July 1st. the 
company had thirty members. 

April 18. 1874, a committee was appointed to ascertain and report the cost 
of suitable uniforms ; and on the 14th of July, twenty-seven members had pur- 
chased uniforms. August llih, a committee reported that they had procured 
and placed the seats for the company's hall. 

June 19, 1877, it was resolved to attend the funeral of C H. Schnoor, 
whose death had just occurred, and the usual symbols of mourning were placed 
over the truck house and apparatus. 

The officers for 1878 are as follows: S. Sweet, Foreman; M. Prentiss, 
First Assistant ; M. Aulsbrook. Second Assistant ; A. Erlanger, Secretary ; R. 
Wilson, Financial Secretary ; T. Lawrence, Treasurer. 

The fire-record book notes fires as follows : Jidy 16, 1874, a fire broke out 
in the law office of A. F. Bell, by which several small buildings were partially 
burned. Two or three were torn down to prevent the further progress of the 
fire. Fires caught July 7 and December 5, 1876, but were promptly extin- 
guished. May 24, 1877, the house owned by C. L. Ward took fire, and on the 
following day the Alexander Foundry Avas discovered to be burning, but both 
were saved. April 19, 1878, the blacksmith shop near the round-house was 
discovered to be on fire, but the flames had made such headway that the com- 
pany and citizens could not save the building. It was accordingly torn down 
to prevent loss to adjacent property. 

SCHOOL RECORD. 

The Independent District of Belle Plaine was organized by the election of 
a School Board September 4, 1865, at which time John Stowe, M. D., was 
elected President ; Presley Hutton, Vice President ; D. C. Forbes, Treasurer ; 
D. C. Twogood, Secretary ; Peter Hafer, E. G. Brown, A. Steinacle, Directors. 
The bounds of the district were noted as follows : Commencing at the south- 
west corner of Section 16, running east two and a half miles ; thence north one 
mile ; thence west two and a half miles ; thence south to the place of beginning, 
embracing Sections 19, 20 and half of 21. 

September 9, a committee of the Board was appointed to ascertain if a room 
could be procured for school purposes. On the 12th, the committee reported 
that they could do nothing ; whereu))on, after discussion, it was decided to buy 
ground and erect a building 20x30 feet in size, and two stories high, as soon as 
practicable. December 4, a room was rented of Mr. Daniels for a school room 
at the rate of ^13 per month. Dec. 18, the Board jtrescribed as text-books : 
McGuffey's Readers, Pinneo's Grammar, Ray's Arithmetic, Monteith's and 



448 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

McNally's Geography. Mr. Kennedy was employed to teach the school, but it 
Avas soon found that an assistant was needed, and on Christmas Day, Miss Cupid 
was employed. 

At the elector's meeting in March, 1866, the people expressed themselves 
in favor of a site on the north side of the railroad, and authorized the Board to 
levy a ten-mill tax for the purpose of building a brick house with stone founda- 
tions. The Board were also empowered to issue $10,000 in bonds, but this was, per- 
haps fortunately, never accomplished. The Board were afterward authorized to 
issue $3,000 in orders, but they were not able to accomplish even this. 

No progress was made in building till Sept. 30, 1867, when the bid of A. 
Head to construct the building for the sum of $1,415 was accepted. March 
12, 1868, an order was drawn in favor of J. P. Henry, the Treasurer, for $1,000, 
to enable him to pay the money borrowed at Vinton, and for which some of the 
Directors had made themselves individually responsible. 

September 10, 1870, the Principal was directed to have the school graded, 
and provision was made for advertising the fact, as well as for procuring suitable 
blanks. 

February 13, 1871, the district authorized the Board to issue bonds for 
$15,000, but this came to nothing. October 5, a contract was made with Smith 
& Chambers to build an addition to the house at a cost of $550. 

October 24, 1872, the Board purchased an organ. 

Another house was built for the district in the Fall of 1875, at a cost of 
$653.25. 

The gentlemen named below composed the School Board during 1878 : E. 
S. Johnson, Joseph Paulicek, J. B. Cox, R. M. Bailey, Dr. J. Morley, J. Dan- 
iels, Directors ; S. S. Sweet, Secretary ; John D. Wilson, Treasurer. 

The corps of teachers for the school year 1877-8 was as follows: U. B. 
Sanders, Principal ; Lucy Lamb, Assistant ; J. H. Welch, South Intermediate ; 
Miss Julia Powers, Grammar Department. The other teachers were : Emma 
Powers, Mrs. Hess, Miss Henry and Miss Collister. 

Congregational. — This society was organized in March, 1866, by Rev. S. 
P. La Due, a missionary of the Congregational society, with four members. In 
October of that year. Rev. Daniel Lane, who had been formerly a professor in 
Iowa College, at Grinnell, and who had for twenty-five years been identified 
with Congregationalism in Iowa, whose labors were abundantly blessed, for the 
membership had risen to fifty-two just prior to the completion of the church, and 
on the day of the dedication that number was increased by fifteen. 

Rev. Mr. Lane, who came under the auspices of the Missionary Society, 
preached his first sermon October 4th, This and the two following were 
preached in the building then used for school purposes. From January 20, 
1867, till May 8, 1870, one service was held each Sabbath at the German church. 

The society purchased the lot owned by Mr. Hibbard on Third street, in 
April, 1869. The church was built in the Fall of that year, and was 
dedicated on Sunday, May 8, 1870. The building, which will seat over 
two hundred persons, cost $1,927.13, the cost of the lot being $360. Of this 
amount, $1,683.63 was raised in Belle Plaine, $362.43 being raised by the La- 
dies" Society. The gifts from friends in other places amounted to $203.50, and 
from the Congregational Union, $400. The dedication sermon was preached 
by Rev. Jesse Guernsey, of Dubuque, Rev. Daniel Lane, the Pastor, assisting 
in the services. 

During the first five years the membership had a nee increase of eighty. 
Three had died, and thirteen had taken letters of dismissal. 



I 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 449 

Rev. Mr. Lane resigned his pastorate in October, 1872, being succeeded 
soon after by Rev. Mr. Wadhanis as Pastor, who remained in charge till No- 
vember, 1874, when he resigned to remove to Charles City. 

First Methodist Upiscopal CJiurch. — This body was regularly organized 
June 2, 1866, by the election of G. D. Blue as President; W. W.Benson. 
Vice President ; A. N. Twogood, Secretary and Treasurer. Articles of incor- 
poration were adopted at the same meeting. 

June 9, 1866, a committee was appointed to ascertain the cost of erecting 
a suitable church building, and W. W. Benson, T. Thompson and A. N. Two- 
good were selected as Budding Committee. July 21st, Lot 2 in Block 3 was 
purchased for church site, and soon after made a contract with D. B. Blue for 
the erection of a building at a cost of ^2,484, and the church was erected dur- 
ing the latter half of the same year. The date of dedication is lost, but it was 
probably in January, 1867, the services being conducted by Rev. A. J. Kynett. 

Rev. J. B. Taylor is the present Pastor of the society. The membership is 
about one hundred and twenty. 

The present officers are : D. L. Wilson, J. B. Cox, D. A. Kennedy, A. J. 
Hartman, J. G. Benson, E. G. Swem, W. Robinson, Trustees; E. G. Swem, 
W. Robinson, E. R. Price, A. J. Hartman, Wm. Rucker. 

W. Robinson is Superintendent of the Sabbath school ; J. W. Stabler, Sec- 
retary ; Frank Doughty, Librarian. The average attendance of pupils is about 
one hundred and twenty-five, taught by sixteen teachers. 

Fi7-st Universalist. — This society organized December 26, 1874. Mr. 
Bickford was elected President ; J. F. Roberts, Clerk ; H. Aulbrook, Treas- 
urer ; J. B. Marston, J. D. Wilson, H. Gardner, Trustees. Three persons 
added their names to the roll during the meeting. The services of Rev. I. A. 
Eberhart, who had been mainly instrumental in forming the church, were im- 
mediately engaged as Pastor. 

December 15, 1875, a conference meeting of the Universalist ministers of 
adjacent territory was held at Belle Plaine. About the same time, Rev. J. A. 
Hoyt became Pastor of the society, remaining until December 31, 1876, when 
he preached his farewell sermon. Rev. I. A. Eberhart was immediately re- 
called to his former charge, which place he still retains. 

The society has twenty members. Meetings are held at Grange Hall. 

Rev. Mr. Eberhart is Superintendent of the Sabbath School ; J. F. Roberts, 
Secretary and Librarian. 

Baptist [Regular). — This church was organized April 28, 1877, and con- 
firmed May 19, 1877. The constituent members were S. L. Shults, D. W. 
Read, G. P. Hapgood, D. M. Keefer, John J. Wiley, Sidney Roberts, Clark 
Keith, J. N. Gray, Charles Twogood, George W. Fulbr, Mrs. C. W. Gore, 
Mrs. Viola N. Hapgood, Emma Hess, Vinnie Read, Mrs. Phebe Keith, Mrs. 
S. C. Roberts, Mrs. Julia Twogood, Mrs. Perlina Read, Mrs. Hannah Shults, 
Mrs. M. W. Craven, Mrs. Mary Early, Mrs. Austa M. Prentiss, Mrs. H. M. 
Pryne, Mrs. Tamar R. Wiley, Mrs. Mary Keith, Mrs. D. W. Cole. 

The only Deacon is S. L. Shults ; R. C. Wilson is Clerk ; D. W. Read, S. 
L. Shults, G. P. Hapgood, Trustees. 

Rev. Mr. Simmons, of Marion, organized the society, and Rev. J. W. Dan- 
iels has been Pastor since its formation. There have been several additions by 
letter or baptism, so that the society now numbers forty members. 

R. M. Gibbs is Superintendent of the Sabbath school ; R. C. Wilson is 
Secretary ; Miss Idalia Daniels, Treasurer. The average attendance of pupils 
is about forty. 



450 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

The society bought a lot for a church building soon after its organization, 
but this was exchanged for two others on Beach street, south of the railroad. 
The building of the church was begun during the Spring of 1878, and the base- 
ment is now completed. The intention is to have the church erected and in- 
closed during the Autumn of 1878. It will cost, when completed, about $2,500. 
The building will be a frame structure, 30x50 feet. 

Seventh Day Advint. — There was an organization of this church at Belle 
Plaine some years ago, but it is now dormant. An effort is now being made to 
revive the church. A tent meeting was held in July, 1878, near the depot, 
which was fairly attended. 

Trinity Church. — This is the local name of the German Evangelical soci- 
ety, which was formed at Belle Plaine in 1865, Rev. Mr. Dubs being Presiding 
Elder at the time. Rev. Mr. Esher was one of the first Pastors of the church. 

The church, which is a frame building, was erected in 1866, and cost about 
$3,600. It is 34x48 feet in size, and the room is sixteen feet high. The bell 
cost $300. Rev. Mr. Kipling is now Pastor of the church. The Trustees are 
Conrad Schild, Ernest Wudy, Henry Schild, Christoph Latge, Charles Snyder. 
Charles Snyder is Superintendent of the Sabbath school ; Reuben Budy, Libra- 
rian. The average attendance of pupils is about sixty-five. 

Catholic. — There is a Catholic society here, but it has no building as yet. 
occasional services are held. 

Tlie Belle Plaine Cemetery Associatio7i. — This corporation was organized 
in 1867, with A. Phillips as President. Its grounds are three-fourths of a 
mile east of the town. 

TURNVEREIN. 

An organization of this popular society among the Germans was made in 
June, 1871, with Hartwig Wessel as President; C. H. Schnoor, Vice Presi- 
dent ; Christian Johannsen, Secretary ; Hans Vogt, Treasurer. Practice 
meetings were fixed for Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. The soci- 
ety has about twenty-five members. The present ofiicers are : S. Wentz, Presi- 
dent; H. Lehm, Secretary; F. Kropenhapt, F. Junge, Matt Beck, Trustees. 

MASONIC. 

Hope Lodge., No. 175, A., F. ^ A. M. — The first Masonic meeting held 
in Blairstown, under dispensation, was on the 11th of March, 1'''65, at which 
time Wm. C. Smith sat as W. M.; H. C. Rider, S. W. pro tern.; H. Guinn, 
Treasurer; J. W. Filkins, Secretary; S. A. Wilcox, S. D.; John A. Dudgeon, 
J. D.; Philip Parks, Tiler. The other brethren present were K. D. 
Shugert, James Collister, John Cattron, who were also charter members. The 
visitors present were Levi H. Shugert, John A. Dudgeon, both of whom applied 
for membership. 

The charter was issued in June, 1865, by E. A. Guilbert, Grand Master, and the 
Lodge was constituted by James McQuinn, Special Deputy for the occasion. 

The deaths have been : William C. Smitih, January 30, 1877 ; George P. 
Loring, September 14, 1870; M. Alworth, December 1, 1877. C. H. Silver- 
man is believed to have been murdered near Dubuque in 1872. 

James Collister has held the office of W. M. continuously for ten years. A 
Masonic festival was held at Belle Plaine August 7, 1869, at which time about 
twenty visitors were in attendance from neighboring towns. The new Masonic 
Hall was dedicated October 29, 1873, the ceremonies being conducted by A. R. 
West, D. G. M. The present officers are as follows: T. Lawrence, Jr., W. M.; 



\ 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 451 

William Lester, S. W.; Charles Dayton, J. W.; J. B. Cox, Treasurer; H. 
Bell, Secretary ; J. W. Craney, S. D.: R. F. Smith, J. D.; J. G. Benson, D. 
E, Magoon, Stewards ; G. Ilutchins, Tiler. The Lodge has eighty-nine mem- 
bers. Meets Saturday evening on or before full moon. 

Mount Horeh Chapter, No. ^, R. A. 31. — The dispensation to this body 
Avas issued July 11, 1868, by H. H. Hemenway, G. H. P. E. A. Bird was 
named as M. E. H. P.; James McQuinn, E. K., and E. W. Stocker, E. S. 
The first meeting under the dispensation was held September 3d, at which time 
the remaining offices were filled as follows: G. Hutchins, C. H.; W. C. Smith, 
P. S.; P. W. Thompson, R. A. C; S. A. Wilcox, G. M. 3d V.; Joshua Wor- 
ley, G. M. 2d V.; I. I. Messenger, G. M. 1st V.; J. W. Filkins, Sec; I. Ver- 
bis, Treasurer ; J. Collister, Tiler. The Chapter was constituted by P. C. 
Wright, G. H. P., in person, November 7, 1868. The present officers are as 
follows; J. Worley, M. E. H. P.; William Lester, E. K.; J. D. Wilson, E. S.; 
G. Hutchins, Treasurer and C. H.; T. Lawrence, Jr., Secretarv and P. S.; 
George Dayton, R. A. C; Charles E. Davton. G. M. 3d V.; J." W. Filkins, 
G. M. 2d v.; R, F. Smith, G. M. 1st V.;''C. Saunders, Sentinel. The mem- 
bership is fifty. Meets Monday evening on or before full moon. 

St. Bernard Commandery ., No. Up, K. T.., was instituted September 29, 
1869, by P. C. Wright, Grand Commander of Iowa. The first officers were : 
B. R. Sherman, E. C. ; E. A. Bird, Gen. ; W. A. Scott, C. G. ; James 
McQuinn, Prel. ; James Collister, S. W. ; P. W. Thompson, J. W. ; G. Hutch- 
ins, W. ; J. Worley, Recorder and Treasurer ; E. W. Stocket, C. G. ; Jacob 
Springer, Standard Bearer. 

The Commandery was constituted by R. F. Bower, R. E. G. C, in person, 
December 13, 1869, accompanied by C. S. Rollins, D. C. C; and four other 
Sir Knights, members of Excalibur Commandery of Boone. 

The most notable occasion on which the commandery has appeared in pub- 
lic, was May 30, 1877, when it visited Marshalltown in a body to attend the 
services on Decoration Day. The Commandery also visited Blairstown, Jan- 
uary 31, 1876, on the occasion of the burial of John Van Metre, a member of 
this Commandery, who was buried according to the rites of the Templar Order. 

The other deaths among the membership of this Commandery have been, 
Judge C. H. Conklin, of Vinton, March 17, 1875 ; J. B. Resiey, of La Grand, 
Marshall County, February 16, 1876. 

James Collister is now E. C. ; E. A, Bird, Gen. ; W. C. Smith, Prel. ; J. 
Worley, Treas. ; P. W. Thompson, C. G. ; W. H. Sisson, Rec. ; J. K. Wagner, 
S. W. ; J. J. Dayton, J. W. ; J. Springer, Standard Bearer ; A. Skiles, Sword 
Bearer ; E. W. Stocker, Warden ; W. A. Tewksbury, Third Guard ; Charles 
Saunders, Sentinel. 

The Commandery has eighty-four members. Meets on the third Wednesiiay 
in each month. 

Belle Blaine Chapter, No. 30, Eastern Star, was organized by Mr. Thomp- 
son, Deputy Grand Master, about the first of October, 1873. The first officers 
were : James Collister, W. P. ; Miss Julia A. Brown, W. M. ; Mrs. H. Gwinn, 
A. M. ; Miss Cupid, Treasurer ; Miss Sarah xV. Brown, Secretary. The 
Chapter is now dormant. 

ODD FELLOWS. 

Belle Blaine Lodge, No. 151, I. 0. 0. F. — This Lodge was organized July 
11, 1867, by Benjamin Rubert, of Dubuque, Grand Master, assisted by M. A. 
Newcomb, of Tama City, and A. A. Lindley, of Cedar Rapids. The Lodge 



452 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

was organized in ample form in the afternoon, and E. M, Dodge was elected N. 
G. ; J. C. Kirkwood, V. G. ; S. Wyman, Recording Secretary ; J. J. Daton, 
Perm. Secretary ; J. B. Marston, Treasurer. In the evening, E. S. Johnson, 
A. J. Gwinn and E. Musselman were initiated, after which the other officers Avere 
selected as follows : P. Smith, W. ; J. Voorhies, Comd. ; E. S. Johnson, R. S. 
to N. G. ; E. Musselman, L. S. to N. G. ; H. R. Piatt, J. G. ; A. B. Head, 
R. S. J. to V. G. ; A. J. Gwinn, L. S. to V. G. 

An address was given before the Lodge by W. A. Tewksbury, July 2, 1869, 
on the occasion of the installation of officers at Wilson's Grove, two miles north- 
east of Belle Plaine. 

The Odd Fellows' Hall was formally dedicated to society use June 1, 1876, 
delegations of members of the order being in attendance from Blairstown, 
Luzerne and Chelsea. 

The deaths have been J. G. Kirkwood and Richard Johnson. 

The present officers are as follows : A. W. Smith, N. G. ; J. H. Gunn, Y. 
G. ; R. F. McGuinn, Recording Secretary ; H. Goble, Per. Secretary ; W. A. 
Parro, Treasurer. The membership is forty-seven. 

Berlin Lodge, No. 159, I. 0. 0. F. — This Lodge, working in the German 
language, was chartered in July, 1873. The charter members were : S. Wintz, 
Hans Vogt, Glaus Schnoor, Matt. Ewen and H. Breihultz. 

The only death has been that of Claus Schnoor, July 19, 1877. 

The present officers are : H. Breihultz, N. G. ; M. Michael, V. G. ; S. 
Wentz, Treasurer ; H. Schutt, Secretary. This Lodge has thirty members. 
Meets Monday evenings at Zalesky's Hall. 

Home Encampment, No. If,8, I. 0. 0. F. — This body was organized April 
20, 1870, with the following charter members : Wesley Camp, E. A. Stocker, 
J. B. Marston, J. J. Dayton, A. J. Gwinn, W. P. Hanson, D. A. Kennedy, E. 
S. Johnson and R. H. Petter. 

The present officers are : C. Ahrans, C. P. ; George I. Wilcoxen, H. P. ; 
H. Goble, S. W. ; John Durr, J. W. ; W. A. Parris, Scribe ; W. P. Hanson, 
Treasurer. There are twenty-two members. 

UNITED WORKMEN. 

Iowa Valley Lodge, No. 33, A. 0. U. W. — This Lodge was organized by 
I. M. Chrissinger, D. G. M., November 5, 1875, assisted by members of Har- 
mony Lodge, Blairstown. James McMorris was elected P. M. W.; L. W. 
Ruhl, M. W.; W. P. Tuttle, F.; S. M. Miller, 0.; A. H. Hildenbrand, 
Recorder ; Lee Allman, Financier ; John Cattron, Receiver ; F. R. Smith, 
I. W.; Robert Nicholson, 0. W.; J. J. Dayton, G.; George Alexander, James 
Collister, Will P. Tuttle, Trustees. 

The Lodge has had no deaths since its organization. 

The present officers are: A. H. Bell, P. M. W.; J. Stabler, F.; Robert 
Nicholson, 0.; A. H. Hildenbrand, Recorder; N. P. Seldan, Financier; J. T. 
Henderson, Receiver; H. B. Hidy, Guide; A. Seldan, I. W. ; Henry Sheets, 
0. W.; W. P. Tuttle, E. A. Bird and J. D. Blue, Trustees. 

The lodge has thirty-one members. Meets Friday evenings at Zalasky Hall. 

MUSICAL. 

Belle Plaine Silver Cornet Band. — This band was first organized March 29, 
1875, with C. C. Dunn as Leader ; C. P. Hosmer, Secretary and Treasurer. 
Its present organization is as follows : C. C. Dunn, E flat and Leader ; M. L. 
Prentiss, solo B flat ; F. P. Bird, second B flat ; H. Penfield, first alto ; Wm. 



I 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 453 

Burley, second alto ; William Miles, tenoi- ; C. J. Pitson, baritone ; James Col- 
lister, B flat bass; Henry Woods, tuba; C. P. Hosmer, bass drum and cym- 
bals ; Henry Ortschid, tenor drum. The band meets for practice Tuesday and 
Thursday evenings. 

MILITARY. 

The Belle Plaine State Guards were organized in June, 1875, with H. A. 
Tyrell as Captain ; Hiram E. Hardy, First Lieutenant ; John T. Collins, Sec- 
ond Lieutenant ; Daniel A. Kennedy, Samuel W. Miller, S. S. Farrington, 
Henry A. Frost, William S. Foster, Sergeants; Henry A. Stone, Charles W. 
Gore, Herbert S. Huson, Charles P. Hosmer, Corporals ; Charles C. Dunn, 
Arnold A. Gocdecke, Musicians. 

The present officers are : S. W. Miller, Captain ; M. E. Aulsbrook, First 
Lieutenant ; H. Read, Second Lieutenant ; Henry Frost, Orderly. 

GRANGE STORE. 

Patrons Joint Stock Company of Belle Plaine. — This corporation was 
organized April 17, 1874, with about eighty subscribers. The first President 
was J. M. Mcllwaine, and L. W. Ruhl was Secretary. The authorized capital 
is |10,000. of which some $3,000 has been subscribed and paid in full. The 
first year or two, dividends were declared ; but the enormous shrinkage in value, 
of 1876-7, prevented any profit being made subsequently. Mr. Mcllwaine is 
still President ; A. J Williams, Secretary ; H. H. Williams, Business Agent. 



BLAIRSTOWN. 

The vicinage of this prosperous town was thickly settled before the railway 
was constructed from Cedar Rapids westward, and two or three minor scraps of 
local history that occurred prior to the formation of the town have happily been 
preserved. 

The Hickory Grove Debating Society was organized in the Winter of 
1858-9. Three" questions discussed were; " Resolved, That slavery is consti- 
tutional ;" " Resolved, That the signs of the times indicate a speedy dissolu- 
tion of the Union ;" " Resolved, That timber stealing is morally right." 
Robert Desha, a Southerner, was one of the disputants who spoke to the second 
question, and his speech was almost prophetic. He soon afterward abandoned 
his wife and family at Vinton, and, during the war, was captured at the head 
of a Confederate regiment. Speaking in the affirmative of the third question. 
a well-known citizen said he had no confidence in a man who would not steal 
timber ; he had improved two farms, and had stolen every stick of timber he 
had used. When asked if he could prove it, he said he thought he could " by 
every man in the house ! " 

The Chicago & ISTorth-Western Road was completed to this point in Novem- 
ber, 1861, but the town was not laid out till February, 1862. Isaiah Morris 
and Eli Hill were the proprietors. The town is near the center of Le Roy Town- 
ship, and is on the high ground south of the railway track. Prairie Creek, a 
beautiful stream of clear water that rises in the western part of the county, 
flows along the northern edge of the town. The fine -body of timber skirting 
the Iowa River comes up to within a mile of Blairstown. The first year, Mr. 
Morris, with far-seeing liberality, donated a number of lots to those who sought 
locations here. The site of Blairstown is on the highest ground along the 
railway between Clinton and Boone. 



454 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

The first house erected after the plat was surveyed was that of Philip Buck, 
a plasterer by trade, followed soon after by a building for business purposes, 
constructed by G. R. Dickinson, who opened a general store as soon as his build- 
ing was ready. H. M. Hanford erected the second business building, and about 
the same time W. D. Watrous and J. J. Snouifer built a grain warehouse. 

The first hotel was the Howard House, presided over by I. Morris. 

Bryant & Green were the first blacksmiths, and L. E. Watrous was the first 
Station Master, Express Agent and Postmaster. 

The first religious services were held by Revs. Messrs. Hugh Beardshear, 
Luther Keller, Steenbarger and Bradshavv, all Christian preachers. The place 
of assembling was at the log school house. Rev. Mr. Fillmore, of Ohio, a 
Dunkard, was among the first to preach here. 

A Sabbath school was organized in the school house soon after it was built. 
The library was donated by the Congregational Church at Big Rock, Clinton 
County. 

The M. E. Church was organized by Rev. Mr. Black. S. S. Parks was 
the first class leader. 

The first school on the town site was taught in a little log Cabin, by Miss 
Eunice Ranstead, probably in the Summer of 1862. Hiram Black was her 
successor. 

J. Bryan, who had been elected a Justice of the Peace in St. Clair Town- 
ship, removed to Blairstown in the Fall of 1862, before the expiration of his 
term of office. Township lines did not disrobe him of his functions in his own 
opinion, and many deeds and other papers pertaining to transactions in Le Roy 
Township, were acknowledged before him ; the legality of his acts never having 
been questioned by the people of Blairstown. 

At the close of 1862, as nearly as can be ascertained, the following 
were the male inhabitants of Blairstown : I. Morris, E. Hill, G. B. Dickinson, 
P. Buck, W. D. Watrous, J. J. Snouff'er, H. M. Hanford, J. Bryan, J. F. 
Greer, L. E. Watrous and S. B. Gill, the latter having been one of " Osawat- 
tomie " Brown's veterans in Kansas. He escaped hanging in Virginia on 
account of having engaged to teach a district school just before Brown got ready 
for his raid into the sacred territory south of the Potomac, and could not be 
released from his engagement. 

W. L. Brockman, a Linn County pioneer of 1843, and a resident of Linn 
County since 1855, is an extensive nurseryman near Blairstown, and has been 
doing a very satisfactory business since 1867. 

In 1868, there were six general stores, two groceries, two hotels, two lumber 
dealers, five blacksmith shops, one farm implement house, two hardware stores, 
one flouring mill, three harness shops, two tailor shops, two painters, two shoe 
shops, two druggists, one jeweler, two milliners, one photographer, two barbers, 
two attorneys, four physicians, one meat shop, several carpenters, one cooper 
shop, one livery stable, etc. 

The business at the railway station for 1868 was represented by the follow- 
ing figures. Freight forwarded, 12,114,470 pounds ; charges on same, $53,- 
324.23; freight received, 12,715,800 pounds; charges on same, $38,254.45; 
amount of passenger tickets sold, $29,989.65 ; cash received for freight and 
tickets, $68,244.10 ; actual earnings, $83,313.88 ; lumber received, 477 cars ; 
grain shipped, 511 cars ; stock shipped, 77 cars. 

The population at the close of 1868 Avas estimated at about 1,100. 

The " Central South Slope Old Settlers' Association " was organized Feb- 
ruary 11, 1869, at the residence of James Bryan. The pioneers had assembled 



' . HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 455 

previously for a re-union, and the society was an afterthought, which was formed 
as just stated. A, G. Ilanna was made President ; A. Dean, Secretary. 
Another re-union was appointed for the first Saturday of the following Sep- 
tember, and a committee appointed to arrange the details for the meeting. 

J. D. Huggins, saloon keeper, at Blairstown, April 2, 1869, committed 
suicide by taking two ounces of laudanum. Domestic troubles, and a prolonged 
spree, were the moving causes. 

Joshua Green, a young man employed by Thomas Ryan, three or four 
miles north of Blairstown, on Tuesday, April 13, 1869, plowed up some wild 
parsnips, which he ate, and was picked up unconscious from the poisonous 
effects of the vegetables soon after. He died the same day. 

A bank was established by Allen & Amidon, in 1869. 

A son of Epliraim Robertson, at Blairstown, lost his life from inhalation 
of carbonic acid gas, July 5, 1870. Robertson had let him down into the well 
to ascertain the depth of water, when he lost his hold and fell to the bottom. 
Supposing the boy had fainted, Robertson tied a younger boy to the rope and 
let him down also, who also appeared to grow faint, when the father let him 
into the water twice to revive him, but not succeeding drew him up again. 
By the help of the neighbors the other boy was raised to the surface in about 
two hours, quite dead. 

July 17, 1870, the dead body of a German, partially devoured by swine, 
was found by James W. Athey, living near Blairstown. The coroner's inquest 
revealed that the deceased was named Claus Large, a resident of Davenport, 
who was visiting friends near Blairstown. He had committed self-destruction 
by means of a navy revolver, which was found in the mud near by. He had 
been engaged to a maiden in Germany, to whom he sent money to pay her 
passage to America. She came, but found another whom she thought she 
could love better than Claus. 

July 25, 1871, two young men who had attended a ball at Blairstown, the 
night before, and had started home intoxicated, laid down on the railway track 
about three miles east of that place, and went to sleep. They were run over 
by a west-bound freight train and killed before the engineer discovered them. 

In 1871, Blairstown had become quite a shipping point for strawberries 
and raspberries, the principal growers being C. Carter, A. Dean and W. S. 
Snow. 

Producer's Grange, No. 49, P, H., was one of the first societies of this 
order to be found in Iowa. Its officers in 1871 were — Staats G. Burnett, 
Master ; George Black, Overseer ; Dr. J. K. Warner, Secretary. 

John Van Metre, an estimable young citizen, of Blairstown, died Jan. 31, 
1876. The funeral services were conducted by St. Bernard Commandery of 
Belle Plaine, and the escort was composed of the Masonic, Odd-Fellows, and 
United Workmen Lodges of Blairstown. 

MUNICIPAL. 

Blairstown was incorporated in September, 1868, and at the first election 
J. Houck was chosen Mayor ; W. H. Eldred, Recorder ; John Book, 
Treasurer; A. J. Tongeman, Philip Hoebel, J. Bryan, D. W. Moore, John 
Book, Trustees, 

Under the town organization, sidewalks have been consti-ucted along most 
of the streets. 

In the Summer of 1877, the Enterprise Fire Company volunteered as a 
police force to secure quiet in the town during the migration of the tramps, 



456 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

four doing duty every night. A warehouse was occupied for police head- 
quarters and for calaboose. 

The municipal officers of Blairstown for the year 1878, are as follows : 
M. D. Barney. Mayor ; Sam P. Silliman, Recorder ; W. H. Ehred, James 
Bryan, W. B. Wagner, F. G. Laubach, George Felt, Trustees ; W. S. Snow, 
Assessor. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Enterprise Fire Co., No. 1. — The first meeting to organize this company 
was held January 12, 1875. On the 19th, a constitution and by-laws were 
adopted. John T. Brewster was elected President, and John Van Metre, Sec- 
retary. The company was uniformed with caps and shirts within a month or 
two afterward. 

The present officers are : Allen Green, Foreman ; M. Fitzgerald, First 
Assistant; William Sheim, Second Assistant : John T.Brewster, Secretary; 
Charles Wise, Treasurer. There are about twenty-five members. 

The engine is a hand engine, of the " Little Giant " pattern. 

Blairstown Hook and Ladder Co. — This company is now being reorganized, 
it having been formed some four years ago. At a meeting held in July last, 
S. P. Silliman was elected Foreman ; Henry Hartung, First Assistant ; Francis 
Ritter, Second Assistant ; J. D. King, Secretary ; H. L. Bassett, Treasurer. 
The company is well equipped with truck, ladders and buckets. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

A new school house was erected in 1866, which was enlarged by the addi- 
tion of two rooms in 1871. The teacher, in the Winter of 1866-7, was Amos 
Dean. 

The Blairstown Academy, which was erected in 1868, is a well-managed 
and successful institution. A fuller account of this institution will be found in 
the educational chapter. 

The School Board of Blairstown Independent District is as follows for 1878: 
W. S. Snow, President ; J. G. Burnet, Secretary ; M. D. Barney, James Brain, 
E. Lehr, B. W. Shreeves, Directors; A. F. Allen, Treasurer. 

J. B. 0' Sullivan was Principal of the schools for the school year of 1877-8 ; 
Miss Emily Brain and Miss Carrie Barney, Assistants. 

♦ RELIGIOUS. 

Methodist Episcopal. — The first church of Blairstown is, as must be ex- 
pected, the Methodist Episcopal, a class having been formed in the vicinity in 
1858. Rev. S. W. Heald was the Pastor in charge of the Circuit in 1868, in 
which year the Church was incorporated, with J. D. King as President of the 
Board of Trustees ; Hugh Jordan, Secretary ; W. C. Keir, Treasurer. Other 
members were Hiram Lipe, James W. Athey, James H. Chamberlain and 
Orson Davis. 

In that year, the number of members on the Circuit, including two other 
appointments, was seventy-two. The church building was erected in the Fall 
of 1878 and dedicated in November, costing |3,000. It is 40x54 feet in size. 
Sabbath School Superintendent in 1868, H. P. Baker. 

At present (1878) the outside appointments have been taken off and Blairs- 
town is a station with Rev. L. Catlin as Pastor. Board of Trustees : H. L. 
Bassett, President ; J. D. King, Secretary ; I. K. Wise, Treasurer ; John 
Bork, T. F. Barnes, H. Lipe and John McCarty. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 457 

J. D. King is Superintendent of the Sabbath school ; H, A. Buflfington, 
Secretary ; C. F. Hayes, Treasurer. The usual attendance oi pupils is about 
sixty. 

Evangelical Association. — This Church was organized in 1865, north of 
Blairstown, by Rev. C. W. Anthony, the first members being George Herring 
and wife, Uriah Keck, Jacob Hartung and wife, Prof. J. W. Hawn and wife. 

The society was removed to Blairstown in 1867, but the construction of the 
building was begun in 1866. The building was dedicated in 1867, by Rev T. 
C. Cluvell, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, Cleveland, Ohio. The build- 
ing cost about twenty-five hundred dollars. 

The present membership is about thirty. Rev. J. F. Yerger is the Pastor. 

The Trustees are Jacob Hartung, E. Hess, Jacob iSI^auman, D. N. Long, 
M. S. Herring B. H. Miller. 

M. S. Herring is Superintendent; J. A. Rank, Librarian. The average 
attendance is about thiity. 

A class was organized at Eldorado, in 1862, of which Mr. and Mrs. Long, 
William Thompson and wife, Martin Mickey and George Briggle and wife were 
members. A church was built in 1868, at a cost of $3,000. The membership 
is now about seventy. Rev. Henry Kane is Pastor, and services are conducted 
in German. Henry Berie is Superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has 
an attendance of about thirty. 

The church building in Le Roy Township was built in 1867, and cost $2,000. 

The first members were Martin Mickey, Elias J. Schoeneberger. There 

are about forty members. Two Sabbath Schools are held here ; one in Ger- 
man, the other in English. 

Presbyterian. — This society was organized May 7th, 1864, under the min- 
istrations of Rev. Alex. Caldwell, appointed by the Presbytery of Toledo. The 
following were the members at that time : H. C. Robertson and wife, Ephraim 
Robertson and wife, Alex. Kelly and wife, William Kelly and wife, all of whom 
bore letters from other churches. 

About one hundred and sixty persons have been members of the society 
since its formation. The present number is about one hundred. 

The Pastors of the society have been Robert Porter (now deceased). Rev. J. 
N. Wilson, Rev. George Lodge, and Rev. J. S. Dickey, the present Pastor, who 
assumed charge in August, 1876. 

The present Trustees are John Silliman, C. I. Vail, Esq., B. W. Shreeves, 
G. H. Smith, G. R. Pierce. 

The Board of Ruling Elders is composed of H. G. Bennett, G. H. Smith 
and G. R. Smith. The Deacons are John Silliman and Charles Jennings. 

Charles Jennings is Superintendent of the Sabbath School ; Miss Mary 
Barney, Secretary. The average attendance of pupils is from ninety to a hun- 
dred, instructed by twelve teachers. 

Mrs. N. C. Dickey is President of the Ladies' Missionary Society ; Mrs. 
Bella Burnett. Secretary and Treasurer. 

The building of the church was begun in May last. It is 36x60 feet in 
size, with a belfry, and will cost about $3,000. It was dedicated August 18th, 
1878, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Stephen Phelps, of 
Vinton. 

Moravian Church of United Brethren. — The first minister of this faith to 
preach at Blairstown was Rev. Francis F. Hagen. The Church was organized 
June 16th, 1878, by Rev. Charles Moench. The members composing the so- 
ciety were Henry S. Clewell and wife^Fyetta, Charles W. Shireman, Edward 



458 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

Kjiecht and wife Amelia, John M. Lehr and wife Alice J., Henry C. Neu- 
meyer, Ernest F. Grunewald and wife Elizabeth, Henry Reisser and wife Mar- 
garet, Richard Knecht, Camilla Knecht, Christian Shireman, William Reisser. 
Christian Becker and wife Abigail, Mrs. Magdalena Rupp, Mrs. Elizabeth M. 
Asch, Mrs. Mary M. Grunewald, Mrs. Sarah Lehr, Mrs. Anna Winch, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Gensiche. 

The elders are John Rupp, Wm. Grunewald, Oliver Asch ; Trustees — Enos 
Lehr, A. T. Winch, Christian Gensiche. 

A. T. Winch is Superintendent of the Sabbath school, which numbers fifty 
pupils, instructed by eight teachers. 

Rev. Charles Moench is pastor. 

Catholic. — There is a considerable body of members of this faith at Blairs- 
town. Rev. Mr. Malier is pastor. 

Young Mens Qhristian Association. — This society, which has been in ex- 
istence for some time, has a reading room supplied with magazines and papers, 
besides a well-chosen library. The society own a handsome organ. This asso- 
ciation is composed of the young men of the town and vicinity, and is product- 
ive of much good, not only in town but in the surrounding country, conducting 
Sabbath schools, holding gospel meetings, and diffusing a union spirit through- 
out the different churches, striking a telling, yet Chrtstian, blow at selfish sec- 
tarianism. The association is helped, financially, by the business men and 
Christian professors. 

MASONIC. 

Lincoln Lodge No. 199, A. F. and A. M., was organized in 1866. The 
charter was granted June 5th, 1866, and W. S. Bates was named as W. M. ; 
W. D. Watrous, S. W. ; H. L. Bassett, J. W. 

The deaths in the membership have been John Van Metre, January 30th, 
1876, and C. W. Merrimon, one of the charter members, June 2d, 1868. 

The present officers are Jacob K. Wagner, W. M. ; H. L. Bassett, S. W. ; 
Charles I. Vail, J. W. ; H. M. Hanford, Treasurer ; S. P. Silliman, Secre- 
tary ; 0. Home, S. D. ; L. Hoebel, J. D. ; D. J. Simmons, Tiler. 

The membership is about fifty. Meets on Saturday evening on or before 
full moon, at Masonic Hall. 

George Higley, who affiliated in the Summer of 1876, was made a Mason in 
November, 1814, in Liberty Lodge, No. 120, Willardsburg, Tioga county, Penn- 
sylvania. He demitted from this lodge in 1819, and became a member of Tem- 
ple Lodge, No. 78, Harpersfield, Ashtabula county, Ohio. He took the chapter 
degrees in 1822, in Ohio. He demitted from Temple Lodge March 7th, 1822. 
He never affiliated with any Lodge until he petitioned at Blairstown, although 
he occasionally visited a Lodge near his residence in Illinois. Mr. Higley will 
be eighty-five August 22d, 187 8, and is in excellent health, in the full posses- 
sion of his faculties, except a slight deafness. 

ODD-FELLOWS. 

Protection Lodge, No. 116, 1. 0. 0. F. — This Lodge was chartered October 
17th, 1868. The first members were W. H. Ehred, H. Jordan, B. F. Franks. 
S. H. Sebern, J. P. Cuer. 

The present officers are: S. R. Heck, N. G. ; George Cook, V. G. ; E. D. 
Heck, Treasurer ; I. G. Burnet, Secretary. 

There are twenty-five members. Lodge meets on Saturday evenings, at 
Odd Fellows' Hall. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 459 



UNITED WORKMEN. 

Harmony Lodge, No. 20, A. 0. U. W. — This lodge was organized March 
31, 1875, by I. M. Chrissinger. The first officers were: H. L. Bassett, P. 
M. W. ; J. K. Wagner, M. W. ; H. D. Moeller, F. ; H. M. Hanford ; H. P. 
Silliman, Recorder ; F. Ritter, Financier ; A. J. Tangeman, Receiver ; J. Van 
Metre, Guide ; Geo. W. Goss, I. AV. ; 0. J. BuflSngton, 0. W. 

There have been two deaths — Charles Budorf, August 19, 1875, — policy 
of $2,000 paid in about thirty days ; John Van Metre, noted elsewhere. 

The present officers are: S. S. Spicer, P. M. W. ; Jacob K. Wairner, M. 
W. ; M. D. Barney, F. ; 0. P. Macklin, 0. ; S. P. Silliman, Recorder; John 
M. Lehr, Financier; H. M. Hanford, Receiver; George Richardson, Guide; 
James Bryan ; Philip Hoebel, 0. W. 

The Lodge has fifty-three members. Meets Tuesday evenings, at Masonic 
Hall. 

The surplus fund is about $300. 



SHELLSBURG. 

{Canton Township.) 

This thriving town was laid out by Messrs. Cantonwine & Fluke, and the 
plat was recorded June 16, 1854, it being the third town site surveyed in Ben- 
ton County. The original plat contained twenty-four lots of ordinary size, 
with two streets — Main and Pearl. The surveying was done by H. M. Drury. 

John Sells, one of the early settlers of the township, was desirous of having 
his own name joined to the appellation of the town, but the proprietors pre- 
ferred another name, and still wishing to oblige the old gentleman, decided to 
compromise the matter by naming the town Shellsburg. Sells and Fluker after- 
ward removed to Missouri, and Cantonwine to Oregon. 

John White was the first to open a tavern at Shellsburg, which was a 
stopping place for John Weare's line of stages between Cedar Rapids and Vin- 
ton ; the post office for Shellsburg at first being at Beulah, two miles north. 

Cantonwine was among the first to engagejn trade at Shellsburg, and tradi- 
tion has it that his stock was largely in fluid goods. Vinton then being strongly 
prohibitory in sentiment, the thirsty souls at the county seat were wont to be 
refreshed at Cantonwine's store. 

Other early settlers at Shellsburg were David Robb, the second Clerk of 
Benton County, B. R. Dwigans, D. M. Sterns, Royal Storrs, Russell Bowe 
and E. H. Carroll, all of them among the pioneers of Benton County. 

It is stated that during the Winter of 1855-6, a lawyer and an editor of 
Vinton invited their wives to accompany them for a sleigh ride to Shellsburg, 
supper to be taken here. They came, the men went to Cantonwine's — to see a 
man — and the ladies can tell who drove home. 

The first church organization at Shellsburg was the New School Presby- 
terian, formed by the missionary eflTorts of Rev. Mr. Wood, of Iowa City, and 
Rev. Williston Jones, of Cedar Rapids. It was organized at the " White 
School House," in 1850, one mile east of where Shellsburg was afterward 
laid out, and was removed to the village after Rev. Mr. Summers became Pastor, 
probably in 1855. Its members afterward transferred themselves to the 0. S. 
Presbyterian Society. 



460 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

In June, 1860, the town had about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. The 
hotel was kept by L. A. Lebor. A flouring-mill had been built a short time 
before by Clark & Oyler, and Denison & Hadley had a pottery in successful 
operation. 

The shipments from Shellsburg, in 1870, were : 40,666 bushels wheat ; 
8,500 bushels corn ; 833 bushels oats ; 24,300 pounds pork ; 2,367 live hogs ; 
331 head of cattle ; 200 cords wood ; 27,000 pounds nursery trees. 

April 12, 1872, a destructive fire occurred at Shellsburg, whereby eighteen 
buildings were burned, with a loss of about $30,000. The fire began in a 
saloon owned by J. Drefahl. 

Miss Cowell, of Shellsburg, was drowned at Fisher's Ferry, August 10, 

1873. She was in a carriage with J. B. Robb. They undertook to ford the 
Cedar, but the horses, getting into deep water, became entangled in the harness. 
Robb and Miss Cowell left the carriage and he undertook to swim to shore with 
her, but became exhausted and was compelled to abandon the lady to save 
himself. 

The Farmers' Exchange Bank of Shellsburg began business October 9, 

1874, with a capital of $30,000. The first Directors were J. L. Budd, John 
Parker, P. M. Harbert, J. H. Miller and B. R. Dwigans. 

William Dwigans, of Shellsburg, is one of the smallest men in physical 
proportions now living. He is twenty-four years old, and his height is but 
twenty-nine and a half inches. He is well proportioned, and is a very intelli- 
gent, prepossessing young man. 

Shellsburg was a village of considerable importance before the railroad 
reached the town in the Summer of 1870. For three or four years, the timber 
lying east of the town gave the town a considerable business ; hundreds of car 
loads of railroad ties and bridge "imber being cut and shipped from this station. 

Shellsburg has been a heavy sufferer financially, caused by several destruc- 
tive fires. It has thriven steadily, however, and its business men will in due 
time be rewarded for their constancy and courage. The town enjoys an excel- 
lent trade with a large scope of country. 

Shellsburg is an extremely orderly, moral town, a large proportion of its 
inhabitants being connected with some church society. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The election to form the Independent District of Shullsburg was held March 
10, 1870, at which time there were nineteen votes cast, all but one being for 
the measure. The officers were chosen on the 21st. DP. Marshall was first 
President ; J. H. Miller, Wm. Kreader, Alex. Runyan, D. M. Howell, Wm. 
White, Directors ; J. P. Skea, Secretary ; T. Gray, Treasurer. The first 
teachers employed by the Independent District were H. E. Warner and Miss 
Haines. May 3d, the school Avas divided into three grades. 

July 26th, a committee was chosen to prepare a plan for a larger school 
house. 

In March, 1871, the people voted a tax of five mills for school house fund, 
which amount was again levied at the annual meeting of 1872. In 1873, a 
three-mill tax was voted for the same purpose, and in 1874 the previous taxes 
were swelled by a further levy of five hundred dollars. July 23, 1874, the 
board invited proposals for furnishing the materials for the foundation of a new 
school building, which was let in August, to Richard Noallar. 

In March, 1875, the sum of $750 was voted to the school fund. August 
17th, the board appointed a committee to contract for brick for the proposed 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 461 

school house, and another committee to obtain plans and specifications. Sep- 
tember 24th, a contract was made with Nicholas Boos to build the house and 
furnish the brick for |2,200. 

At the annual meeting in 1876, the board were authorized to sell the old 
school house if they should find it advisable. 

The building as completed cost about $2,500. 

The present officers of the board are as follows : Elisha Runyan, President ; 
A. J. Dickinson, B. R. Dwigans, F. W. Deckeraw, II. H. Miskinens, D. M. 
Stern, Directors ; J. H. Miller, Secretary ; Thomas Gray, Treasurer. 

The teachers for the school year of 1877-8 were : W. H. Brinkerhoff, 
Principal; Emma Phelps, Intermediate; Clara Blackburn, Primary. Thomas 
Parker has been engaged as Principal for the coming year ; the intermediate 
and primary teachers of last year are retained. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Baptist. — This is the oldest church society now extant in Shellsburg, hav- 
ing been formed in February, 1855, with about fourteen members. Rev. Rich- 
ard King was the first Pastor, and removed in 1857. Rev. M. Hazen succeeded 
and remained till his death, which occurred about a year after his removal here. 
Rev. Mr. Shirley stayed one year, and was succeeded by Rev. John W. Thomp- 
son, who remained two years. The brick church was begun during his stay. 
He was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Daniels. The construction of the church 
building was begun in 1870, but it was not completed till 1877, being dedicated 
September 24, 1876, the sermon being preached by Rev. Mr. Weaver, of Vin- 
ton. After the sermon, Mr. Weaver, in behalf of Mr. Mix, of New York, pre- 
sented the society with a communion set valued at forty dollars. 

Rev. Mr. Daniels, the Pastor, then made a statement of the trials under- 
gone in completing the church, commending especially Messrs. Simeon Maxon, 
Robert Heath, Wm. Kreader, Mr. Bixby and others, for their great liberality. 

The church, up to the time of dedication, cost nearly $10,000, and at the 
meeting about enough was pledged to build the bell tower. The belfry, bell 
and furniture have since swelled the total to about $1,500. 

The present Pastor is Rev. J. W. Thompson. The membership is seventy- 
six. Simeon Maxon, Elisha Runyon, Robert Heath are the Deacons ; 0. J. 
Smith, Clerk ; Miss Flora Kreader, Organist. 

Arad Thompson is Superintendent of the Sabbath school; Robert White, 
Librarian. The average attendance of pupils is about seventy, taught by nine 
teachers. 

Old School Presbyterian. — This society was organized on Sand Prairie, 
north of Shellsburg, in 1856, by Rev. Walter L. Lyon, of Vinton, and George 
Bergen, of Big Grove, May 17, 1856. The Pastors, since its formation, have 
been VV. L. Lyon, James Fullerton, Alex. Caldwell, A. G. Martyn, H. K. 
Henneigh, A. S. Ross, D. McDermid, and Alex. Caldwell, in April, 1876 ; 
the latter is still Pastor. 

At a meeting of the new and old organizations, held at the M. E. Church 
March 27, 1870, resolutions were passed uniting the two bodies. At this meet- 
ing, Jclrn Parker, Abraham Scott, William Crawford, James Strong, Paul Mil- 
ler, Mrs. Harriet Elson, Hannah Greenwood and Hannah M. Miller became 
members of the united church. 

The church was built in 1870, and dedicated in the same year, the sermon 
being preached by Rev. Alex. Marshall, of Marion. The building cost about 
$2,200. 



462 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY : 

The membership is about forty. The Trustees are : John Parker, Alex. 
Johnson, Paul Miller, James Strawn. There is a vacancy in the number 
caused by the recent decease of William Crawford, John Parker and W. P. 
Lorey, Elders. 

John Jones is Superintendent of the Sabbath school ; W. P. Lorey, Libra- 
rian. The average number of pupils attending is about seventy, divided into 
seven classes. 

Methodist Episcopal. — This society was organized in 1856, with fourteen 
members. Rev. B. F. Taylor remaining as Pastor till 1858. The ministers 
who have since been sent here are as follows : D. Donaldson, H. P. Hollens- 
worth, C. W. Brewer, H. W. Beach, George Rains, D. C. Wortz, William 
Glassner, Joseph Wilkinson, J. Baker, James Leslie, Asa Critchfield, L. Win- 
sett, A. N. Lee and Reuben Ricker. 

The first church building was constructed in 1861, at a cost of $1,200, but 
the continuous growth of the society was such that a new edifice became neces- 
sary, which was built in the Summer of 1876, at a cost of $2,600. The church 
was dedicated by Rev. Mr. Crippen, of Waterloo, whose text was Mark x, 
29, 30. 

The present Trustees are : F. F, Hughes, Thomas Gray, John Miller, T. 
K. Ford and R. Bowe. The Stewards are : F. Shumler and F. F. Hughes. 

The Sabbath school was organized in 1863, with about thirty pupils ; F. F. 

Hughes is Superintendent of the Sabbath school ; Losey, Librarian. 

The average attendance is about seventy-five. 

Young Mens Christian Association. — This society was organized June 15, 
1877, with 0. J. Smith as President; A. A. Manning, Vice President; Wm. 
H. Anderson, Secretary ; C. P. Losey, Treasurer. The other members at the 
organization were : Mr. Wentworth, Albert Losey, Rev. R. Ricker, F. F. 
Hughes, Carey Nevin, C. DeVillbiss, W. P. Losey, E. S. Hughes, Mrs. C. 
Hughes, Mrs. R. Ricker, Mrs. Emma Thompson, Mrs. R. C. Robb, Mrs. C. 
DeVillbiss, Miss Addie C. Lewis, D. W. Esget, Rev. J. W. Daniels, 0. Kel- 
logg, Miss Anna Arndt, Miss Mary Arndt, Miss R. 0. Blackburn, Thos. K. 
Ford, B. F. Garmer, Samuel Arndt, Olin Ecker, B. F. Trumbower, J. E. 
Wyant, A. Thompson, Miss Mollie Jewell, Dora Lurk, Rev, R. Bowe. 

The society is in a healthy, growing condition, with a membership of 
seventy. Holds prayer meeting every Monday evening, and Gospel meeting on 
each Sabbath afternoon. 

The present officers are : 0. J. Smith, President ; D. S. Adams, Vice 
President; Frank F. Hanford, Secretary; C. P. Losey, Treasurer. 

MUSICAL. 

Shellshurg Cornet Band. — This well-known musical association was organ- 
ized in October, 1875. Its present membership is as follows : G. A. Fawcett, 
Leader and E flat; Frank Anderson, second E flat; C. E. Smith and J. H. 
Devine, first B flat ; Will Anderson and Tom Kreader, second B flat ; D. VV. 
Stiver, solo alto ; Will A. Lewis, first alto ; Frank Lewis, second alto ; Frank 
Jones, tenor; J. E. Wyant, baritone; E. 0. Bowe, tuba; M. M. Toms, bass 
drum ; G. A. Jones, snare drum. 

MASONIC. 

Benton City Lodge, No. 81, A., F. and A. M. — Dispensation was granted 
October 31, 1855. The first officers were : W. V. Denslow, W. M. , A. G. 
Green, S. W. ; W. C. Stanberry, J. W. ; C. C. Charles, Treasurer ; J. K. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 463 

Turk, Secretary ; J. M. Safford, S. D. ; R. L. Johnson, J. D. ; Isaac Feath- 
erby, Tyler. Its report to the Grand Lodge included the following M. M.'s: 
John Graham, Joshua N. Springer, Charles H. Johnson, Recompense Stanberry, 
John Root, Joseph Wilson, Thomas Roberts. 

The Lodge was constituted under charter January 4, 1856. First officers : 
W. V. Denslow, W. M. ; A. G. Green, S. W. ; John Graham, J. W. ; C. C. 
Charles, Treasurer ; C. H. Johnson, Secretary ; J. N. Springer, S. D. ; R. L. 
Johnson, J. D. ; Isaac Featherby, Tiler. 

A. G. Green was W. M. in 1858. 

After the glory and business of Benton City had departed and Shellsburg 
had sprung up to be a considerable village, application was made to the Grand 
Lodge for permission to remove the Lodge to the latter place, which was granted. 

The Lodge has been burned out twice since its removal to Shellsburg. 

The present oflBcers are : Jerome Shurtleff, W. M. ; Joseph Van Kirk, S. 
W. ; V. C. Hemenway, J. W. ; F. "W. Deckeraw, Treasurer ; Arad Thompson, 
Secretary ; J. C. Davis, S. D. ; S. A. Bowe, J. D. ; J. L. Cowell, Tiler. 

There are about forty-five members. The Lodge meets at Masonic Hall on 
Saturday evening before full moon. 

ODD-FELLOWS. 

Shellsburg Lodge, No. 171, I. 0. 0. F. — This lodge was established under 
charter January 22, 1869. The first members were C. T. Horton, E. M. Wil- 
kinson, Henry E. Parker, A. Clark, A. Greenwood, H. E. Parker, D. P. Mar- 
shall and J. F. Crawford. Three others were initiated the same evening the 
Lodge was formed. 

There have been two deaths — J. W. Crawford, December 15, 1876, caused 
by falling from a railway bridge ; J. H. Sherry was killed in the Fall of 1877, 
by a timber falling from a bridge while he was at work underneath. 

The present officers are as follows : M. W. Slaight, N. G. ; A. Greenwood, 
V. G. ; Arad Thompson, Recording Secretary ; Thomas Gray, Permanent Sec- 
retary ; F. Shumler, Treasurer. 

The lodge has forty-five members. It meets every Wednesday evening at 
Masonic Hall. 

UNITED WORKMEN. 

Centennial Lodge, No. 4-8, A. 0. U. W. — This Lodge was organized Feb- 
ruary 8, 1876, by A. D. Griffin, of Vinton, then Deputy Grand Master. The 
first officers were as follows : Arad Thompson, P. M. W. ; E. T. Langley, M. 
W. ; D. P. Marshall, F. ; I. S. Boles, 0. ; J. C. Summers, Recorder ; C. L. 
Summers, Financier; Thomas Gray, Receiver; W. H. Anderson, Guide; 
James L. Cowell, I. W. ; Clinton Thomas, 0. W. There were twelve other 
charter members. 

The present officers are : L S. Boles. M. W. ; W. H. Brinkerhoff, P. M. 
W.; N. Boss, F. ; S. A. Bowe, 0. ; F. Shomler, G. ; D. W. Stiver, Recorder; 
J. M. Elson. Financier; W. Kreader, Receiver; Z. Oemens, 0. W. 

The Lodge has thirty-two members. Meets every Tuesday eve ning. 



LUZERNE. 

This town owes its parentage to the Chicago k Northwestern Company, 
who desired to have their station midway between Blairstown and Belle Plaine. 
Accordingly, in October, 1867, the station was removed from Buckeye to the 



464 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

open prairie two miles farther east, on the line between Iowa and Le Roy Town- 
ships. The town built up very rapidly for two years, some of the houses being 
removed from Buckeye to the new town. In 1869, the town had about forty 
buildings of all descriptions, including a fine church and a school house. About 
twenty persons were engaged in business. 

December 20, 1870, Bartholomew Shay, living near Luzerne, took his son, 
a lad 8 years old, and went to the vicinity of Fairfax to get two cows. He 
started back about 1 o'clock in the morning, driving the cows, the boy driv- 
ing the horse they had brought. During the night, the horse ran away with 
the boy, the father going on home with the cattle. The next day the horse and 
sleigh were found near the stable of John Parr, three and a half miles south of 
Blairstown, and near by the boy was found frozen stiff, having perished and 
fallen out by the jar of stopping suddenly. 

The shipments from Luzerne in 1870 were : 100,300 bushels wheat, 28,200 
bushels corn, 1,250 bushels oats, 61,500 bushels barley, 27,200 pounds pork, 
30,000 pounds butter and eggs, 225 head of sheep, 860 live hogs. 

The public school building was erected in 1870, and school was taught in 
the following Winter by George Folsom. The teacher, for the Spring term of 
1878, was Mr. Mickey. 

The population of the village is about three hundred, mostly of German na- 
tivity. 

An organization of the Christian Church existed here at one time, but was 
disbanded several years ago. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Evangelical Lutheran. — The first services according to this belief were con- 
ducted at Luzerne by Rev. Mr. Selle, in 1856. The society was organized in 
1859 by Rev. J. F. Doescher, but the church became almost extinct soon after. 
It was reorganized March 29, 1866, by Rev. Philip Studt, who had come here 
in January. The society at its revival had only eight members. 

The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid September 13, 1868, and 
the cost of the building was about ^2,500. It was dedicated July 7, 1872. 
The bell was procured in November, 1875, and cost $215. 

The first confirmation was that of a child of Mrs. Hummer's. 

A day school was begun by Rev. Mr. Studt in January, 1866. The build- 
ing was enlarged and rebuilt in 1870. There are fifty-two pupils enrolled. The 
school is still under the charge of Rev. Mr. Studt, but it is hoped soon to add 
another teacher. 

There are about lorty-five families connected with the church. 

SOCIETIES. 

Luzerne Lodge, No. 275, L. 0. 0. F. — This Lodge was organized in March, 
1875. The charter members were I. C. Milhous, H. L. Thiele, Dr. E. Robyn, 
Thomas Riley, L. D. Clay. 

The present officers are : Henry Peters, N. G. ; John Joens, V. G. ; James 
C. White, Recording Secretary; August Hoek, Permanent Secretary; I. C 
Milhous, Treasurer. 

There are over twenty members. Lodge meets every Saturday evening. 

German Society. — A Turnverein existed here for several years, but was 
disbanded in 1877. In its place the Association with the above title was 
formed October 23, 1877, with Henry Schroeder as President; Otto Schmidt, 
Secretary ; Henry Peters, Treasurer ; John Mundt, Steward. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 465 

The Society began with eight members, and now numbers about twenty-five. 
It meets every Tuesday evening. The objects are purely social, the amuse- 
ments being music and dancing. 

The officers now are : John Timm, President ; Joachim Schutt, Secretary; 
Rudolph Muller, Treasurer; Fred. Hoepner, Steward. 



FLORENCE AND NORWAY. 

In 1863, Osborn Tuttle, a Norwegian by birth, donated five acres of ground 
to the Chicago & Northwestern Company on condition that the new town should 
bear the name of his native country. During the following year, Mr. Tuttle 
laid out a town site north of the railway track, which he had recorded as Nor- 
way ; but in the course of a few years the inhabitants of the town secured a 
change of name, and it was given the name of the township — Florence. The 
station, however, is still called Norway. 

The first settler was 0. B. Dutton, of Masonville, who took charge of the 
station business. He lived in a freight car while his house and store were build- 
ing. Mr. Dutton was also the first merchant. 

The next settlers were Joseph Myer, a blacksmith, and W. L. Harper. 

Another store was erected by Mr. Atkinson in the Spring of 1865, and 
during the same season several dwellings were erected. 

The first death was a little son of 0. B. Dutton, and the first birth was 
Margaret Harper. 

The shipments from Norway in 1870 were: 71,102 bushels of wheat, 31,- 
400 bushels of corn, 4,318 bushels of barley, 5,424 bushels oats, 11,420 pounds 
of pork, 81,710 pounds butter and eggs, 2,027 live hogs, 543 head of cattle. 

Thomas McGranahan, living six miles north of Norway, was gored to death 
by a bull on the 30th of September, 1876. 

April 8, 1871, Mr. Bockeder, living near Florence, who was ill in bed, dis- 
covered that his stable was on fire. He rose, slipped on his trousers and ran to 
the stable to save his horses. Before he could get them out, the flames burst 
out all round hira, and he was forced to crawl out on his hands and knees, but 
was so badly burned that he died the following day. 

The village has a large two-story school house situated on the high bank in 
the northwest part of the town. 

There is a steam flouring-mill, and the various branches of trade are well 
represented by large and well stocked stores. 

The population of the town and vicinity consists of Norwegian, German and 
native born. 

A recent attempt was made to incorporate the village, but without success. 

CHURCHES. 

Presbyterian. — This society was organized about ten years ago. Rev. Mr. 
Witter is Pastor, and Will Taylor is Superintendent of the Sabbath school. 

Baptist. — This Church was formed in 1872. The erection of the church 
was begun in 1873, but was not completed till 1878. It cost about §3,000. 
The first Pastor was Rev. A. V. Bloodgood. 

The church, which has a membership of about twenty, is now without a 
Pastor. 

H. C. Reeves is Superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an average 
attendance of about fifty pupils. 



466 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 

New Jerusalem Society. — This body, otherwise known as Swedenborgians, 
was formed in March, 1874, by Rev. J. J. Lehnen, with a membership of fifteen 
families. Meetings are held in Florence every Sunday by Rev. Mr. Lehnen, 
the settled Pastor. Justus Kimm is Superintendent of the Sabbath school. 

Methodist Episcopal. — The first class was formed in the Winter of 1873-4, 
with H. B. Harradon as leader. The members are : Mr. King, William Clark 
and wife, James Saul and wife, John Weston and wife, G. Wilkins and wife, 
George Webb, wife and daughter, Mrs. E. Taylor, Mrs. C. Henry and Mrs. 
Younglove. 

There are now about sixty members ; Rev. T. Simmons is Pastor. 

W. J. Taylor is Superintendent of the Sabbath school ; Miss Susan Rogers, 
Librarian. 

The society is now constructing a church, which will be completed in Sep- 
tember, 1878, and will cost $2,000. It is 32x50 feet in size. 

MASONIC. 

St. Clair Lodge, No. ,165, A., F. ^ A. M. — The dispensation for this 
Lodge was issued in 1862, and the charter was granted June 3, 1863. The 
first officers were: James McQuinn, M. W.; Charles G. Turner, S. W; Samuel 
Springer, J, W.; W. Alspaugh, Treasurer; Thomas H. Springer, Secretary; 
Jacob Springer, S. D.; L. W. Stocker. J. D.; J. Wheeler, Tiler. There were 
three other charter members. 

Two deaths have occurred since the formation of the Lodge — L. E. Watrous 
and J. C. Jensen. 

The officers for 1878-9 are as follows : James Jensen, W. M.; J. J. Mes- 
senger, S. W.; F. E. Babcock, J. W.; E. G. Brown, Treasurer ; E. M. Cal- 
kins, Secretary ; James H. Reese, S. D.; T. H. Brown, J. D.; D. Morey, 
Tiler. 

The Lodge has a membership of thirty-six. Meets Friday evening on or 
after full moon. 

WATKINS. 

The station of Watkins is midway between Blairstown and Florence, and 
is located in the northwest quarter of Section 26, St. Clair Township. It was 
laid out in the Fall of 1873, and was named in honor of Supt. Watkins, who 
lost his life in a railway collision, in October of that year, about a mile east of 
here. An elevator was commenced as soon as the town Avas laid out. 

Quite a little amount of business has sprung up here. There is a law office 
and a physician, besides the usual complement of stores. 

A church is being erected by the Presbyterian society at this place. Rev. 
Mr. Dickey, of Blairstown, is the Pastor. 

Herewith is submitted a summary of the business transacted by the grain 
and stock dealers of Watkins from August 1, 1877, to August 1, 1878. Car 
loads of grain shipped 304, equaling 116,033 bushels. Of this quantity, Geo. 
Danskin heads the list with 53,316 bushels, exclusive of 12,000 bushels of corn 
yet on hand, bought within that time. Next follows H. M. Hanford, with 
36,969 bushels; Hanschild & Hidy, 12,036 bushels; S. Neel, 11,906 
bushels, and G. Abraham 1,806 bushels. Of the whole amount shipped, 
44,066 bushels was wheat; 64,215 bushels of corn, and 15,752 bushels of 
barley. Amount of money paid for grain by the several dealers within the time 
named, $96,187. The number of car loads of stock shipped during the same 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 467 

period, 67. Of this amount C. B. Hayden leads oif with 34 car loads ; H. 
K. Wooster, 26 ; and John Wheeler, 7. Amount paid for stock, $33,220. 
The amount of railway earning for the station of Watkins from the 1st day of 
January, 1878, up to the 1st of August, 1878, is $13,515.44. 

A literary society was organized last Winter, which proved to be a vastly 
popular organization. 

MOUNT AUBURN. 

The side track at Mount Auburn was laid in June, 1870, and the turn-table, 
which had been placed while this point was the temporary terminus of the road, 
was taken out and removed to La Porte. 

Mr. Soesbe was the first Station Master and the first merchant, and Mr. 
Gudgel built the first grain warehouse. 

Sept. 15, 1871, Freddie Lewis, son of the Postmaster, was smothered to 
death in the hopper of the elevator at that place. 

The teachers of Cedar Township held an Institute at the school house in 
this place Jan 20, 1872, which was well attended. 

July 13, 1872, the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Auburn was 
dedicated for worship. Rev. J. W. Clinton ofiiciating. Five hundred persons 
were in attendance. The debt on the church was fully cleared on that day, 
and a surplus of $441 raised besides. The building is a frame, 35x56 feet in 
size, with a half octagon extension for the pulpit. It cost $2,900. 

The Christian Church was dedicated March 2, 1873, Rev. G. N. Mapes, 
of Princeton, 111., ofiiciating. 

A cheese factory was established at Mount Auburn in 1873 by a stock com- 
pany, A. Kile, President and Manager. In 1874, the quantity of cheese made was 
27,484 pounds ; sold for $3,591,44, or a small fraction over thirteen cents a 
pound. The number of pounds of cheese to each cow was 230. 

Mount Auburn occupies an elevated position with reference to the surround- 
ing country. In clear weather, Vinton can be clearly seen from this town, and 
the smoke from locomotives four or five miles south of Vinton. It is also said 
that the smoke from engines on the Illinois Central road, fifteen miels to the 
north, can be distinguished sometimes. 



BENTON. 

This little village is seven miles west from Vinton, and was laid out in the 
Fall of 1872, on the farm of J. Barkdall. January 1, 1873, all there was of 
the town was a sign-board, ten feet long, bearing the name of Benton. Since 
that time, a village has sprung up. Considerable grain is handled here, and a 
fair trade is done in dry goods. 

With the general revival of business soon to come, Benton will become 
quite an important little toAvn. 



BENTON CITY. 

This is one of the old towns of Benton County, and in 1855 was a more 
important town than Vinton. It continued to grow somewhat for three* years 
afterward, several substantial brick buildings being erected during the time. 



468 HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 

As long as there was any prospect of navigating the Cedar River, Benton 
City held its own ; but when the railroad was granted, in 1869, leaving the 
town two miles at one side, the village lost business and population. 

November 23, 1857, John H. Pulver, engineer of the Benton City Mills, 
was killed by slipping and falling inside the fly wheel, while adjusting the belt 
to a grindstone. He was carried around violently through a space one foot in 
diameter, and then thrown against the grindstone with such violence as to break 
his skull. 

A Masonic Lodge was formed here in 1855, but was afterward removed to 
Shellsburg. 

IRVING. 

This village, which lies partly in Iowa Township and partly in Tama 
County, is the third in age in Benton County ; and prior to the building of the 
Chicago & Northwestern Road, was a place of considerable importance. But 
the engineer's transit is a potent influence on the growth of Western towns ; 
and when a railway station was established three miles from Irving, its hopes 
were blasted, and it has since remained comparatively stationary. 

A man named Jackson died of sunstroke, July 7, 1859, near Irving. He 
was found prostrated in his wagon. The temperature for several days before 
and after this occurrence ranged from 92° to 98° in the shade. 

The first class of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Irving was formed in 
July, 1857, with the following members: Samuel Hulton, wife and mother, 
Mrs. Martin Smith and Mr. Smith's mother, Betsey Travis, Nancy Blair, 
Washington Benson and wife, Adelia Jackson, A. Shevils, Mrs. John Travis, 
Hattie Royce, E. Grubbs and wife. 

The church was erected in 1864, J. G. Wilkinson then being Pastor, at a 
cost of |1,500, but was not dedicated until 1866, M. A. Barnes, Pastor. 

The present official list is as follows: B. C. Barnes, Pastor; Jesse Roberts, 
Leader; H. B. Stoner, Jesse Roberts, Stewards; D. A. Collean, A. C. Bog- 
gess, J. Breckenridge, J. Benson, Dr. Powers, Trustees. 

The society owns a parsonage, also, which cost $600. The number of mem- 
bers is forty-two, and of probationers, nineteen. Austin Blair is Superintend- 
ent of the Sabbath School. 

Restitution Church, a society of Adventists, was organized in 1872 or '73. 
Elder Myers is the present Pastor. The society has a building, which was 
erected in 1874, at a cost of $1,500. The membership is about sixty. The 
usual attendance at the Sabbath school is about a hundred. 

Irving Lodge, No. 283, I. 0. 0. F., was organized in 1875. G. W. Bur- 
ton is the present N. G.; Austin Blair, Secretary. The Lodge has about 
thirty members, and meets on Friday evenings. 

Irving Academy is the most prominent feature of the place. J. A. Cravens, 
A. M., is the efficient Principal. 



MARYSVILLE. 



rri 



^his is one of the oldest towns in Benton County, and being about the nu- 
cleus of the first settlement in the county, a town naturally sprung up here. 
It was first known as " Hoosier Point;" but a town was laid out and called 
Marysville, to which an addition was afterward made and called Manatheka. 



HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY. 



469 



In 1856, there were four steam saw-mills in the immediate vicinity of Marys- 
ville; and there were several business concerns in the village, which was then 
■one of the thriftiest places in the county. In 1857, the people of the town 
offered one thousand dollars as a bonus to any one who would erect a steam 
flouring-mill, but could not find any one to accept their offer. 

W. W. Culver, a member of Vinton Lodge, No. 62, A., F. & A. M., was 
buried according to the ceremonies of that Order at Marysville, June 21, 1857. 

At present Marysville has about two dozen dwellings, a two-story school 
house, and a church belonging to the Christian denomination. 

Marysville Lodge, No. 173, A. 0. U. W., started July 2, 1878, with a 
membership of sixteen, which had been increased by ten within five weeks. 

There is also a lodge of Odd Fellows, in a flourishing condition. 

There are two or three steam saw-mills in the vicinity, doing a good busi- 
ness, and affording a fair trade to the town. 



TABULAR STATEMENT, 

Showing the totals of Real and Personal Property assessed for taxation in 
Benton County, Iowa, for the year 1S77. 



PERSONAL PROPEKTY. 



Number of Cattle of all ages.., 
Number of Horses of all ages. 
Number of Mules of all ages.. 
Number of Sheep of all ages... 
Number of Swine of all ages.. 



Other taxable property not enumerated 

Total assessed value of personal property. 



Number. 



24,545 

13,237 

633 

1,753 

43,111 



Average. 



$13 41 

35 22 

38 00 

I 37 

3 55 



REAL ESTATE. 



Aggregate value of realty in towns, as equalized by State Board 

Aggregate value of railroad property, as assessed by the Executive Council. 
Land, as equalized by State Board 



Total value of all assessed property in county. 



Totel Value. 



$329,072 

466,314 

24,053 

2,622 

152,995 



$975,056 
976,732 



$1,951,988 



$671,763 

409,754 

4,874.226 



$7,907,73 






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QC 
05 



BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY. 



.A.BBREVI.A..TIONS. 



agt agent 

carp carpenter 

elk clerk 

Co company or county 

dlr dealer 

far farmer 

gro grocer 

I. V. A Iowa Volunteer Artillery 

I. V. C Iowa Volunteer Cavalry 

I. V. I Iowa Volunteer Infantry 

lab laborer 



mach machiniBt 

mecb mechanic 

mer merchant 

mfr manufacturer 

mkr maker 

P. Post Office 

prop proprietor 

S. or Sec Section 

St street 

supt superintendent 

Treas Treasurer 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



(P. 0. VIXTON.) 



A IKLEY, DAVID, brick maker. 

Aikley, George, prop, saloon. 
Acuff, Edwin, actor. 
Adams, A. 0., former. 
Adams, Llewellyn, far.. Sec. 25. 
Ake, Daniel C, far.. Sec. 36. 
Alberts, John, laborer. 
Alcorn, John, retired farmer. 
Aldridge, A. C, stock dealer. 
Allison, H. H., clerk lumber yard, 
Ames, H. W., plasterer. 
Anisden, J. H., carpenter. 
AJXDERSOX, ANDREW, farm 
er, Sec. 32; born in Sweden in 1847, 
and came to America in 1870 ; came to 
Vinton in 1873, and worked on the rail- 
road for five years, and then bought a 
farm and engaged in farming in 1877 ; 
owns a farm of eighty acres. Married 
Miss Sarah Warner, from Benton City, in 
1874 ; they have one son, born Feb. 19, 
1876. 
Anderson, P. G. 
Anderson, P. P. 
Andrews, J. A., far,, Sec. 18. 
Aungst, Samuel, far., Sec. 6, 
Armstrong, W. D., far., Sec. 35, 
Arnold, William, stone mason. 
Atkinson, Thomas, clerk Farmers' Loan 
and Trust Co. 



B 



ALDRIDGE, J. V., far., Sec. 35. 



BAXTA, A. W„ farmer; born in 
Johnson Co., Ind., Jan. 19, 1838 ; lived 
there about twenty-nine years, and came 
to Benton Co. in March, 1867, and en- 
gaged in farming for some years ; then 
came to Vinton ; he and his mother and 
sister live together ; he owns town 
property. 

Barger, Alex., retired carpenter. 

Barger, C. D., brick mason. 

BARKDOL.L, GEORGE E.^ 

farmer; born in Maryland Dec. 27, 
1835 ; lived in that Stateeighteen years, 
and came to Illinois and lived there one 



year : 



came to Benton Station, Benton 



Co., and engaged in forming, and has 
also been engaged in the building busi- 
ness ; he has lived in this county twenty- 
four years, and is one of the early pio- 
neers ; used to cart grain to Iowa City ; 
owns 200 acres of land near Benton 
Station. Married Elizabeth A. Wenner, 
of Ohio, in 1862; they have six chil- 
dren — George, Eddie, Willis W., Mary 
I., Martha L. and Emma J.; lost one 
child — Frances 0. 

Barker, R. W., retired. 

Barr. J. W., Capt.. furniture dealer. 

Bechtel, Elias, prop, restaurant. 



474 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



BEEBE, JOHlf, farmer, Sec. 29 ; 
born in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., En- 
gland, March 31, 1819 ; when 12 years 
of age he emigrated to America ; he 
lived in Westchester Co., N. Y., forty 
years, from 1830 to 1870 ; learned the 
trade of marble cutter, and worked at it 
and was engaged as foreman in the 
Quarrying Department of the West- 
chester Marble Works for eighteen 
years ; he came to Iowa, and after trav- 
eling 3,000 miles to find a home, he se- 
lected where he now lives — one of the 
finest locations in the State ; engaged in 
farming, and owns a farm of 160 acres 
here, and also owns a farm in Jackson 
Tp. Married Deborah A. Gallandet, 
of Westchester Co., N. Y., in June, 

1858 ; they had one son — John Gr., born 
in 1859 ; he died in March, 1861. 

Beebe, Thomas, farmer, Sec. 29. 

Bell, W. H., printer. 

Bender, F. S., engineer. 

Bennett, C S., Ins. Agent and City Clerk. 

Bennett, Jacob, laborer. 

Bennett, J. H., stone mason. 

Bennett, N. M., laborer. 

Bergin, E. S., clerk. 

Bribesheimer, G. A., brewer. 

Biglow, A., expressman. 

BIL.L.1^, JOHX A., firm of Bills & 
Mount, jewelers; born in Montpelier, 
Vt., Feb. 20, 1831 ; lived in that State 
about twenty years, then went to Lowell, 
Mass., and learned the jewelry business; 
was engaged in the Waltham Watch 
Factory, at Roxbury, and afterward at 
Waltham, Mass.; came to Vinton Sept. 
10, 1856, and engaged in the jewelry 
business ; was appointed Postmaster of 
Vinton May 7, 1861, and re-appointed 
April 20, 1869, and again Dec. 10, 
1873 ; held the office until April, 1875, 
fourteen years ; he again engaged in the 
jewelry business. Married Sirena W. 
McLucas, of Waterboro, Me., Sept. 20, 

1859 ; they have three children — Kirk 
L., Burt M., Rena M. 

Bixby, L., miller. 
Black, J. A., teamster. 

BLACKBURN, S., MISS, Su 
perintendent Schools, Benton Co. ; was 
born in Zanesville, Ohio, and lived there 
until 14 years of age, when she 
came with her parents to Iowa, to Ben- 
ton Co., where she has since resided ; 



she prepared herself for teaching, and has 
a large experience as an educator, hav- 
ing been engaged in teaching for fifteen 
years. She was chosen to fill the office 
of Superiotendeut of Schools, and was 
elected in the Fall of 1875, and was re- 
elected in the Fall of 1877 ; she has 
filled the office with signal ability, and 
has a larger number of spools under 
her supervision than any county in the 
State. 

Blessing, Anthony, farmer. 

Blessing, W. H., laborer. 

Bliss, M. E., laborer. 

Bloodgood, J. W., carpenter. 

Broadwell, L. D., farmer. Sec. 26. 

BOijJGS, AL<. C, firm of Al. & Will 
Boggs, dealers in groceries and provis- 
ions ; born in Scioto Co., Ohio, Oct 18, 
1849 ; when 5 years of age, he came with 
his parents to Iowa in 1854 ; they were 
early settlers ; he and his brother have 
been engaged in business here for the 
past nine years ; they also have branch 
stores at La Porte City, and at Rein- 
beck, Iowa. He married Miss Ella Rey- 
nolds of New York State ; they have 
three sons — Annesley Wright, Francis 
Sylvester and Al. C. Boggs, Jr. 

Boggs, A. W., farmer. Sec. 26. 

Boggs, Will., grocer. 

Bonesteal, A. C, traveling agt. and farmer. 

Boughton, W. F., painter. 

Bowen, E. H., Constable. 

Bowen, W. H., stone mason. 

BOYD, W. S., DR., physician and 
surgeon ; born in Westmoreland Co., 
Penn., June 20, 1814 ; lived in Penn- 
sylvania thirty years, and received his 
education ; studied medicine and gradu- 
ated at Cleveland in 1849 ; he practiced 
his profession in Ohio until 1854, when 
he came to Vinton, and has practiced his 
profession here for twenty-three years, a 
longer time than any physician in Ben- 
ton (yo. Married Catherine Winegard- 
ner in Ohio, in March, 1853 ; she was 
from Pennsylvania ; they have four chil- 
dren — John R., Rachel A., Willoughby 
W. and Cornelia S. ; they have lost three 
children. 

Boyles, C. E., restaurant. 

Brady, J. E., carpenter. 

Bramhall, John, farmer, Sec. 17. 

Braubaker, Elias, engineer. 

Brannan, M., retired farmer. 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



477 



Brashear, Theodore, hotel prop, and U. 
B. minister. 

Brenchard, Paul. 

Brewer, A. F., expressman. 

Brewer, D. A., retired farmer. 

Brewer, D. V., farmer, Sec. 35. 

Brewer, E. K., retired farmer. 

Brewer, J. A., farmer. 

Bribesheimer, Henry, brewer. 

Bribesheimer, L. P., brewer. 

Bristol, W. H., Constable and Vet. Sur. 

BRODY, JESSE, farmer. Sec. 11 ; 
born in Richland Co., Ohio, Oct., 1828 ; 
lived there nine years, and in Michigan 
four years, and lived in Ogle Co , Illi- 
nois six years ; came to Iowa in 1840, 
and located in Linn Co. ; is one of the 
early settlers ; came to Benton Co. in 
1845, and engaged in farming ; plenty 
of Indians when he came ; owns farm 
of sixty acres. Married Annie Poole, 
from Pennsylvania, in 1861 ; they have 
seven children — Jessie, Hettie, Nettle, 
Melissa, Benjamin, Amanda and Bertha, 
and have lost two children 

Brock, Edward, brick maker. 

Brock, W. M., brick maker. 

Brown, David, laborer. 

Brown, J. A., Deputy Auditor. 
BROWN, MATTHEW, agent 
farm machinery and agrl. implements ; 
born in Ayrshire, Scotland, May 6, 
1827 ; came to America when 17 years 
of age ; he learned trade of carpenter 
and joiner; he lived in Connecticut and 
Massachusetts ; moved to Indiana, and 
lived there six years ; came to Benton 
Co. in 1856, in March; located in Har- 
rison Tp., and engaged in building and 
farming ; held office of Justice of the 
Peace some years ; was Superintendent 
of Poor Farm, of this county for five 
years. Married Rachel McMillen, from 
Delaware Co., Pennsylvania, March 7, 
1857. 
Brown, W. H., meat market. 
Brdwn, W. S.. meat market. 

BRl BAKER, JOSEPH S., 

druggist ;. born in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
March 19, 1836 ; lived in Pennsylvania 
eighteen years ; came to Freeport, Illi- 
nois and was there six j^ears ; came to 
Cedar Rapids and lived there five years; 
then returned to Philadelphia, Peun.,for 
two years ; came to Vinton in 1863 ; 
was clerk for Mr. Van Horn and Mr. 



Loree ; then engaged in drug business 
for himself, in 1869. Married Miss 
Harriet Hostetter, from Lancaster Co., 
Penn., in 1858 ; they have three sons — 
Stauffer, Frank and Charles. 
BUNN, J. H., PROF., professor 
of vocal music ; born in Hunterdon Co., 
New Jersey, Sept. 26, 1844; lived there 
until 1 2 years of age, when he removed 
to Aurora, Illinois, after preparing him- 
self to teach ; he was engaged in teach- 
ing, and was Principal of school four 
years ; his choice, however, was for mu- 
sic, having great taste for it, and an ex- 
cellent voice ; he received a thorough 
musical education in both New York 
and Boston, and has devoted his time to 
his profession for the past ten years ; he 
has been Professor of Vocal Music in 
Cornell College for the past six years ; 
has been Principal of the Normal Mu- 
sical Institute, and has been Principal of 
the Vinton Musical Association for the 
past six years ; he is Chorus Director of 
the Cedar Rapids Conservatory of Mu- 
sic, Conductor of the Polymnian So- 
ciety, of Marion, and also Conductor of 
the Dubuque Philharmonic Union. 
Burgess, W. M., carpenter. 
Bummer, Henry, firmer. 
BURNHAM, iw, W., attorney, firm 
of Traer & Burnham ; born in Cham- 
paign Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1850 ; came 
to Iowa in 1856 ; returned to Ohio ; re- 
ceived his education ; studied law ; was 
admitted to the bar in 1872 ; practiced 
law there three years, and in 1875, came 
to Vinton ; associated with Dr. J. C. 
Traer in the practice of his profession. 
He holds the office of City Solicitor. 
Married Miss Clara M. Young, daugh- 
ter of James F. Young, of Vinton, one 
of the early settlers of this city, Aug. 
27, 1873 ; they have two children — Lois 
G. and Thuel K. 
Butler, A. L., far.. Sec. 28. 
Butlev, J. W., dry goods merchant. 
i^ADY, L. H., attorney. 

Calcene, Hans. 

Calkins, Henry. 

Call, James, far.. Sec. 33. 

Campbell, A., clerk. 

Campbell, J. A., stone mason. 

Camijbell, S. M., clerk market. 

Carlisle, Joseph, railroad hand. 



478 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Carpenter, F. A. 
Carr, W. B., painter. 

CAROTHERS, ROBERT, 

REV., Principal Iowa College for the 
Blind ; born in Allegheny Co., Penn., 
Oct. 18, 1831 ; received his education in 
Pennsylvania, graduating at Jefferson 
College ; after living in Ohio six months, 
he received a call to the pastorate of the 
Presbyterian Church in Tipton, Iowa; 
remained there six years, when he was 
called to the pastorate of a church in 
Pennsylvania, where he was born ; after 
laboring there successfully for eleven 
years, he was called to his present posi- 
tion, in July, 1877. He was stated 
clerk of the Synod of Pittsburgh, Penn., 
for seven years — from 1869 to 1877. 
Married Miss Emeline Milligan, from 
Braddock's Fields, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
June 17, 1858 ; they have six children 
— Robert M. and Charles, Mary E., 
Sarah M., Josephine R., Wilhelmina E. 

Chadburn, A. S , elevator. 

Chambers, J. R., carpenter. 

CHAPIN, STEPHEN, Jr., 
farmer ; born in Springfield, Mass., 
April 2, 1820; lived there thirty- 
two years. Married Miss Lucy Elder, 
from Chester, Mass., May 11, 1842. He 
and three brothers, with their families, 
came to Galena, 111. ; leaving their wives 
there, he and his brothers came to Ben- 
ton Co., in October, 1852 ; selected land 
and went to Dubuque and entered it , 
three brothers of them wintered in Ma- 
han's shanty ; they put up shanties in 
the Winter, and in April went for their 
families ; among his sister's goods was a 
piano, the first one brought in Benton 
Co. ; Mr. Chapin engaged in farming ; 
used to cart grain to Iowa City ; sold 
wheat for thirty-five cents a bushel ; they 
were among the earliest settlers, and 
have lived here over twenty-five years ; 
he owns 120 acres of land. They have 
three children — Mrs. Edna Hanford, 
Stephen E. (at home), James E. (^at 
home ) ; lost one daughter — Elizabeth. 
Mr. Chapin's brother, Rev. A. Chapin, 
is preaching in Kansas ; Caleb is a mer- 
chant in Dubuque, and James is in Cal- 
ifornia. 

Chismore, Stephen, railroad hand. 

Christ, W. W., barber. 

Christie, J. R., City Assessor. 



Clark, Alvin, millwright. 

COBBEY, JOSEPH E., pro- 
prietor of the Pomona Nurseries, Sec. 19 ; 
born in Miami Co., Ohio, Oct. 13, 1824 ; 
when 14 years of age, in 1838, removed 
to Pike Co., 111., and lived there and in 
Sangamon Co. for some years. He was 
in the army ; enlisted in the 75th Reg. 111. 
V. I., Co. D ; was in the battle of Per- 
ryville, Ky., Sunday, Oct. 8, 1862, and 
in the severe skirmish at Harrodsburg 
and in all the battles at Stone River, 
where he was First Lieiitenant and Act- 
ing Captain and commanded Co. D, the 
Captain having been taken prisoner ; 
he soon after resigned his commission 
and came to Benton Co. in the Fall of 
1863, and bought where he now lives 
eighty acres; in 1867, he established his 
orchard and nurseries ; has held the of- 
fice of Assessor for two terms. Married 
Miss Harriet J. Webb, from Bellows 
Falls, Vt., in Aug., 1848; they have 
three sons — J. Elliott, born Nov. 5, 
1853 (practicing law in Beatrice, Neb.) ; 
Thomas D., born March 27, 1857 (stu- 
dent); James Webb, born May 19^ 
1865. 

Coder, P. M., County Treasurer. 

Colcord, E. H.. commission. 

Colcord, J. A., merchant. 

Cole, Thomas. 

Colwell, H. N., horse trainer. 

COXXELL., WM. C, attorney at 
law ; born iu Ripley Co., Ind., June 18, 
1830 ; his mother died when he was 4 
years old, and when 12 years of age, his 
father met with a dangerous accident and 
lost the use of his leg, and upon William 
depended the management of the farm. 
Married Maria M. Shults, from Penn- 
sylvania, Nov. 3, 1853 ; they started for 
Iowa June 7, 1851 ; he had $5.45 in 
money, and came with his brother-in-law 
by wagon ; they arrived in Benton Co. 
June 30, 1854, and he only had ten 
cents in his pocket when he got here ; 
he came to Vinton in the Fall of 1854^ 
and in 1855, commenced reading law 
with Judge Shane, and was admitted to 
the bar in April, 1857, and commenced 
the practice of his profession and has 
continued over twenty-one years, and 
longer than any attorney in Benton Co. 
He and (jajjt. Hunt, during the war, 
raised Co. G, 5th Iowa V. I., the first 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



479 



company raised in Benton Co., and he 
was commissioned First Lieutenant by 
Gov. Kirkwood, but was compelled to 
resign; in 18G2, he was commissioned 
to take the soldiers^ vote by Gov. Kirk- 
wood ; also in 1863. He has five chil- 
dren — Leonora A., Samantha A., Nettie 
A., Ruth A., Rosa L ; lost one daughter 
—Sarah C. 

Conner, IL G., artist. 

COXXKR, HARRISOX S., 
real estate and collectins' business ; born 
in Dutchess Co., N. Y., March 28, 1830 ; 
lived there fourteen years, and went to 
Luzerne Co., Penn., and was engaged 
mostly in the timber business ; lived 
there about ten years ; came to White- 
side Co., 111., in 1856 ; lived there eight 
years ; came to Vinton in 1864 and en- 
gaged in the real estate business ; was 
associated with 0. Knox in busi- 
ness ; he is the oldest real estate dealer 
here. Married Miss Esther A. Gardner, 
from Luzerne Co., Penn., in 1851 ; 
they have six children — Herbert G., 
Willie E., Elmer L., Agnes L., Harry 
D., Blanche. 

Conner, 0. L. 

Conway, Hiram, laborer. 

Cook, S. D. 

COOPER, O. li., attorney, firm of 
Nichols & Cooper; born in Otsego Co.,N. 
Y., Nov. 8, 1847 ; received his education 
there and came to Vinton in 1867 ; 
studied law with Judge Shane, and was 
admitted to the bar in Oct., 1871 ; he 
was associated with Judge Shane in the 
practice of law until the latter went on 
the bench ; in Jan., 1878, he associated 
with J. D. Nichols in the practice of his 
profession ; he has been United States 
Commissioner for the past six years. 
Married Miss Annie S. Shane, daughter 
of Judge Shane, June 17, 1869; they 
have three children — Freddie, Alice H. 
and Hattie A. 

Corbett, Thomas. 

Corbett, William; farmer, Sec. 3. 

Corning, S. B., carpenter. 

CORREAL., PALX, retired ; born 
in Northampton Co., Penn., July 10, 
1830 ; lived in Pennsylvania twenty- 
five years ; was clerk in store for five 
years; came to Chicago in 1855, and 
lived there three and a half years ; came 
to Iowa in 1859, to Cedar Rapids, and 



then came to Vinton in 1 860 ; engaged 
in the mercantile business, and continued 
for nine years ; he is largely interested 
here, owning several farms near town, 
over 1,000 acres in all, beside city prop- 
erty. He has held office in the City 
Council several terms. 

Correll, Michael, farmer. 

Correll, Michael, fiirmer. Sec. 17. 

Cottrell, John, farmer See. 30. 

tOTTREl.1., WILI.IAM, farm 
er. Sec. 30 ; born in Greene Co., Ohio, 
Nov. 11, 1808, when he moved to Indi- 
ana ; also lived in Michigan, and again in 
Indiana ; lived in Jasper Co., 111., four 
years ; came by ox team to Benton Co., 
and arrived here July 3. 1856, and located 
where he now lives, and engaged in 
farming ; they were early settlers ; only 
a few are here now that were here then ; 
he had but little when he came, and now 
owns 180 acres of land, andsomeof it he 
has been obliged to pay for twice. Mar- 
ried Ann Parcels from Pennsylvania ; 
have had nine children — John lives in 
this county ; Abraham was in Co. D, 
28th I. V. I., died in the army ; Thomas, 
at home ; Isaac was in Co. D, 28th I. V. 
I., died in the army ; William was in 
Co. D., 28th I. V. I., at home ; Charlie, 
Mrs Sarah J. Wilkinson and Mrs. Lucre- 
tia Keller ; lost one daui^hter — Betsey. 

Cottrell, William H., farm^er, Sec. 30 

Coutts, Emanuel, farmer. Sec. 9. 

Coutts, J. T. plasterer. 

CRAXDALL, JAMES M., firm 
of Rumbaugh & Crandall. dealers in 
boots and shoes ; born in Oswego Co., 
N. Y., May 6, 1827 ; lived in the State 
of New York twenty-eight years ; learned 
the trade of a blacksmith. Was in the 
Mexican war ; enlisted in 1846 in the 
the Ordnance Corps ; they were all me- 
chanics in his company but nine ; they 
had heavy cannon ; he was in the siege 
of Vera Cruz, and in the battles of Mo- 
lino del Rey, Chapul tepee, and City of 
Mexico. After returning he went to 
Wisconsin and lived there three years; 
came to Vinton in 1858 and engaged in 
the blacksmith and carriage making busi- 
ness ; has been engaged in boot and 
shoe business for the past two years. 
Has held town and school offices. Mar- 
ried Miss A. E. Perkins, from the State 
of New York, May 17, 1849 ; they have 



480 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



one daughter, Jennie, and lost one son, 

Henry Leroy. 
Crawford, G. P., Sec. 23. 
Crawford, William, far.. Sec. 25. 
Cress, William, laborer. 
Cummings, J. W., painter. 
Cummings, W. J., painter. 
Cushing, S. C, laborer. 

,AKTER, JULIUS, clothier. 



D 



Daniels, G. W., laborer. 

Daniels, S., stone mason, 

Davis, Evan, blacksmith. 

Davis, E. W., carpenter. 

Davis, J. J. 

Denman, Moses, tailor. 

Dillen, Gr. A., teamster. 

Divine, John, retired merchant. 

Doan, S. W., photographer. 

Donelan, Michael, stone mason. 

Donelan, M., Jr., billiard saloon. 

Donelan, P. J., farmer. Sec. 17. 

Dorsey, George M., farmer, Sec. 36. 

Dorwiu, T. M., carpenter. 

Dorwin, J. M., printer. 

Dowell, A. B., auctioneer. 

Drake, Ira B., farmer. Sec. 3. 

DUKE^, F. p., retired farmer ; born 
in Carroll Co., Mo., Sept. 22, 1819 ; 
removed with his parents to Mansfield, 
Richland Co., Ohio, in 1826; they were 
among the early settlers there ; lived in 
Ohio twenty- two years, and in 1848 re- 
moved to Peoria County, Illinois ; came 
to Benton Co. in May, 1856, and lo- 
cated near Vinton and engaged in farm- 
ing and stock raising ; there were only 
a few settlers there ; used to cart grain 
to Iowa City ; has sold wheat at 40c per 
bushel ; sold forty head splendid hogs 
at $1.25 per 100 lbs; after farming 
twenty years, rented his farm of 200 
acres and moved to Vinton ; has held 
town and school offices. Married Miss 
Cornelia Kerr, from Richland Co., Ohio, 
Feb. 14, 1850; they have four children 
— Mary, Charles, Edwin and Ida, and 
have lost one son and one daughter. 

Dulin, G. S., shoemaker. 

Dulin, J. L., laborer. 

Dulin, W. F., laborer. 

Duncan, Andrew, harness maker. 

Duncan, John, horse deal-er. 

DURAND, <3}KOR€tE W., Eagle 
Flouring Mills ; burn in Litchfield Co., 
Conn., July 31, 1811; lived there 



twenty-three years, and learned the mill- 
ing business ; removed to Michigan, 
and was engaged in cabinet business and 
farming ; he came to Benton Co. by 
wagon, with ox team and horse, team 
being six weeks on the way, and ar- 
rived here in June, 1853 ; they were 
early settlers located at Cedar and en- 
gaged in farming ; he has been engaged 
in milling business for past six years ; 
has held office of Justice of the Peace, 
town and school offices. Married Laura 
A. Waterman, from Ohio, in 1836; 
they have two children — Mrs. Helen 
Kimball and Came ; they have lost nine 
sons; he had two sons in the army — Robt. 
was in 13th Iowa V. I., and was killed 
at Atlanta ; Alonzo was in 9th Iowa V. 
C, and died at St. Louis. 
Dutler, David 

ECKENBERGER, N. C, railroad 
agent. 

ECKERT, WII.I.IAM, photo- 
graph artist ; born in Delaware Co., N. 
Y., April 27, 1846 ; removed from there 
to Wisconsin in 1864, and studied his 
profession in Madison, Wisconsin ; he 
came to Iowa in 1869, and came to Vin- 
ton in 1876. Married Miss Jennie E. 
Dwryee. from Delavan, Wisconsin, in 
Sept., 1868 ; they have one son — Ernest 
C. 

Eddy, G. W., dry goods. 

Eddy, H. G., dry goods. 

EDDY, HENRY H., firm of Eddy 
Bros., dealers in dry goods, notions and 
carpets ; born near Sandusky, Ohio ; 
came to Iowa and was engaged in mer- 
cantile business at Mechaniesville, Cedar 
Co., for .seven years ; came to Vinton in 
1873, and engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness, firm of P]ddy & Spears, until 1877, 
when his brothers became interested with 
him. Was in the army ; enlisted in the 
93d I. V. I., Co. F ; was in the battles 
of Mission Ridge, Allatoona Pass, and 
other skirmishes ; enlisted as private, and 
was promoted and commissioned First 
Lieutenant. Married Miss Helen M. 
Aukney, from Clinton, Iowa, in August, 
1873 ; they have one son — Clarence C. 
Eddy, born June 20, 1876. 

Eddy, J. J., dry goods. 

Edmons, J. G., clerk. 

EDMONDS, I.IJANA M., 

MRS., Sec. 22 ; formerly Luana M. 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



481 



Whipple ; was born in Licking Co., 
Ohio, and moved to Indiana when 6 
years of age. She married James Ed- 
monds Jan. 1, 1850; he was born in 
Ohio ; they came to Benton Co. by their 
own conveyance, and arrived here June 
15, 1856, and located where she now 
lives and engaged in farming ; Mr. Ed- 
monds died Dec. 22, 1872, leaving an 
estate of 227 acres of land ; they have 
five children — John G., Anna C, 
Cyreneus E,., Olive E. and Ida May ; 
lost two children. 

EDWARDS, ALBERT T., far 
mer, Sec. 34 ; born in Brown Co., Ohio, 
Sept. 2, 1841. Was in the army, en- 
listed in the 7th Regt. Ohio Cav., Co. 
D ; was in the battles of Atlanta, Nash- 
ville, Knoxville and Hillsboro. Came 
to Benton Co., Iowa, in 1864; rents 
farm of Washington Young. Married 
Miss Martha J. Brewer, from Johnson 
Co., Ind. ; they have four children — 
Anna C, Cora E., Katie L. and Lola 
B. ; lost two. 

Eisenhamer, Nick, brick maker. 

Ellis, C, lumber dealer. 

EliLIlS, WM. C, firm of Ellis & 
Son, dealers in lumber and building ma- 
terial ; born in Marion Co., Ind., July 
4, 1853, and came with his parents, 
when 3 years of age, to Vinton, and has 
lived here twenty-two years ; was 
brought up in the lumber business, and 
became associated with his father in the 
firm of Ellis & Son Jan. 1, 1874. Mar- 
ried Miss Getty H. Young, of this city, 
Nov. 4, 1875 ; they have one son — 
Robert C. Ellis, born Nov. 7, 1876. 

Ellis, W. E., carpenter. 

Ely, Dwight, far., Sec. 31. 

Ervin, E. W., stone mason. 

Ervin, J. F., stone mason. 

Erwings, Frank, cabinet dealer. 

EVANS, EDWARD H., County 
Auditor; born in Marion, Linn Co., Iowa, 
July 28, 1845 ; came to Benton Co. in 
infancy ; learned the trade of harness 
maker. He was in the army ; enlisted 
in the 28th I. V. L, Co. D ; was in the 
battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, 
through the siege of Vicksburg, New 
Orleans, and up the Rod River with 
Gen. Banks ; Sabine Cross Roads ; then 
went to Washington ; was with Sheridan 
in Shenandoah Valley ; at the battles of 



Winchester and Cedar Creek ; was se- 
verely wounded at the battle of Cedar 
Creek ; was in service three years. Was 
elected Auditor of this county in 1869, 
and was re-elected in 1871, and again 
re-elected in 1873, 1875, and 1877; 
serving his fifth term ; has held the 
office of City Treasurer, and school offi- 
ces. Married Miss Sarah F. Merritt, 
from New York, December 31, 1868; 
they have two children — Walter and 
Edith. 

FAIRBANKS, J. W., pump manu- 
facturer. 

Felker, E. B., plasterer. 

Felker, 0. 

Fellows, E. G., photographer. 

Fellows, J. L., school teacher. 

Fisher, James, carpenter. 

Fisher, J. M., laborer. 

Flatt, W. K., physician. 

FORRESTER, ASA B., manu 
• facturer of barrels and firkins ; born in 
Lockport, N. Y., Dec. 13, 1837 ; lived 
there until 17 years of age, and learned 
the cooper's trade ; came with his father 
to Benton Co. April 24, 1855 ; engaged 
in farming in Cedar Tp., and were among 
the early settlers ; was in the army in 
the 8th 111. V. I.; afterward worked at 
his trade four years, and farmed for six 
years ; came to Vinton in 1869, and en- 
gaged in his present business. Married 
Miss Antoinette Wallace, from Indiana, 
in June, 1864 ; they have four children 
— Frank W., Edith, Bessie and Jay. 

Forrester, E. D., machinist. 

Forsythe, W. 0., farmer. Sec. 23. 

Fraulick, M. 

Flichlich, M., laborer. 

Eraser, Alex, retired farmer. 

Freeman, G. W., mechanic. 

French, M., wood sawyer. 

Fulton, C. D., hardware. 

Furry, John, retired firmer. 

FURRY, JOHN li., restaurant, 
bakery and confectionery ; born in Wa- 
bash Co,, Ind., Sept. 17, 1844; lived in 
Indiana eighteen years ; came to Benton 
Co. in 1862; worked at mason's trade 
for eight years ; engaged in the restau- 
rant, bakery and confectionery business 
in 1877, and is now manufacturing 
crackers ; furnishes bread for the College 
of the Blind. Married Miss Mary J. 
Newell, from New York State, in Sept., 



482 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



1866 ; has three children — Mary A., 
Frankie and Charlie. 
/"^ AIL, W. H., wagon maker. 

GAY, HARVEY D., retired ; born 
in Windsor Co., Vt., Dec. 19, 1829, 
and lived there until 24 years of age, 
when he moved to Columbus, Ohio, and 
was engaged in the mercantile trade 
there and in Newark ; he came to Vin- 
ton, Benton Co., in March 1856 ; Wm. 
Loree came with him ; he engaged in the 
mercantile business (firm of H. D. Gay 
& Co.) ; only few merchants here in busi- 
ness now that were here when he came ; 
after continuing in business some eleven 
years he sold out. He was President of 
the First National Bank of Vinton 
during its organization. Married Miss 
Virginia Walcutt, from Columbus, Ohio, 
Dec. 19, 1855. 

Geater, G. W., farmer. Sec. 31. 

Geater, Mark, laborer, Sec. 31. 

Geater, Noah, laborer, Sec 31. 

Geater, Josiah, mechanic. 

Geddes, Charles, shoemaker. 

George, E. C, livery. 

Gerberick, A. A., dry goods. 

Gift, R. P., grocer. 

Gilchrist, J. E., far., Sec. 4. 

Gilchrist, G. M., attorney. 

GILCHRIST, JAMES Y., far., 
Sec. 19 ; born in Washington Co., Ind., 
Aug. 25, 1830; lived there and in 
Johnson counties twenty-six years, and 
came by wagon to Benton Co., Iowa, 
and was .sixteen days on the way ; ar- 
rived in the Fall of 1856, located in this 
Tp., and has lived here twenty-two 
years ; he owns the farm where he lives, 
and also one in Jackson Tp. Married 
Miss Lydia Banta, from Johnson Co., 
Ind., in June, 1852 ; they have two 
children — James A., and Martha Belle, 
and have lost one daughter — Alice A. 

Gilchrist, P. M., laborer. 

GILCHRIST, WILLIAM A., 
farmer, Sec. 19 ; born in Washington 
Co., Ind., May 6, 1828; lived there 
sixteen years ; moved to Johnson Co. in 
1844, and lived there twelve years, and 
came to Benton Co., Iowa, Nov. 2, 
1856; he located where he now lives, 
and engaged in farming, and has lived 
here twenty-two years; one of his horses 
— Old George — that he drove through 



from Indiana to this county, is still in 
his prime, and does his work regularly 
and cheerfully. Mr. Gilchrist owns 
farm of 120 acres; he has held ofl&ce 
of Town Treasurer, and school offices. 
Married Miss Rebecca S. Banta, from 
Indiana, Sept. 8., 1853 ; they have two 
children — Ella M. and Mollie H. ; lost 
one son — Edgar, and one daughter — 
Martha 

GILMORE, JOHX, breeder _ of 
blooded stock, Sec. 29 ; born Colerainc, , 
Ireland, Feb. 12, 1834 ; came to Amer- 
ica in 1851 ; lived in Philadelphia, Pa.; 
afterward lived in Ohio; was in lum- 
ber business and raising fine stock ; came 
to Vinton in Fall of 1866 ; engaged in 
lumber business five years, then engaged 
in raising fine stock — principally hogs ; 
he has raised some of the finest in this 
State, and they have commanded the 
highest prices ; he has held the office of 
Corporation Trustee. Married Miss 
Elizabeth A. Geddes, sister of Gen. 
James L. Geddes, of Iowa College, in 
Oct., 1868 ; they have two children — 
Henry N. and Mary E. ; they have lost 
two children — one son and one daugh- 
ter. 

Ginds, Mat. 

Glendy, John, brick maker. 

GOLDEI¥, THOMAS C, phy.si- 

cian ; l>orn in Birmingham, England, 
April 16, 1818 ; lived in England 
thirty- one years ; studied medicine and 
graduated ; was also a local minister in 
the Wesleyan Church ; came to Amer- 
ica in 1849 ; came to State of Wisconsin 
the same year, graduated in the Hom(x^- 
opathic school of medicine, and practiced 
his profession, and also entered the itin- 
erant ministry of the M. E. Church ; 
was Presiding Elder for ten years, and 
was a Delegate to the General Confer- 
ence in 1860 and 1864; was Chaplain 
in the army, of the 25th Wisconsin V. 
I. ; came to Iowa in 1870 and joined 
this Conference ; was Pastor of church 
at Mt. Vernon three years, and was 
made Presiding Elder of the district. 
His first wife was Elizabeth Sturges, 
from Birmingham, England; she died, 
leaving two children — Stephen and 
Anna. Married Hannah C. Goodban, 
June 16, 1863; she was from Pennsyl- 
vania, but was born in England ; they 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



483 



have two children — Wilson Eddy and 
Ethel Rose. 

Oolley, H. S., horse trainer. 

Ooodwin, C. S., ice dealer. 

Goodwin, Elliott, laborer, 

Gray, W. P., dentist. 

Gregg, A. H., laborer. 

Green, R. A. painter. 

CJRIFFIN, A. D., DR., drugs, 
medicines and chemicals ; born in Os- 
wego Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1836 ; lived 
there until 10 years of age ; lived in 
Pennsylvania a short time ; moved to 
Ohio and studied medicine ; came to 
Iowa in 18G0, and came to Vinton in 
18G5; practiced medicine and then en- 
gaged in the drug business in 1868. 
Married Miss 3Iary E. Kent, from 
Licking Co., Ohio, in 1861, they have 
three children — Carrie, Fred, and Clark 
C. ; they have lost two sons. 

Griffin, C. C, physician. 

Griffin, Isaac, laborer. 

Griffith, J. W., painter. 

Grow, Samuel, laborer. 

AHX, GEORGE, laborer. 



H 



Haight, T. G., harness maker. 

Hail, W. A., laborer. 

Hains, A., attorney. 

Haines, G. W., farmer. Sec. 19. 

Hains, J. C, clerk. 

Hair, C. M., stock dealer, 

Haist, J. A. 

Hall, W. S., feed store. 

Hallack, Charles, laborer. 

Halpin, Edwin. 

Hamilton, G. S. 

Hamilton, Hayes, farmer. 

Hanford, R. R., farmer. Sec. 32. 

Haren, Peter. 

HARRIXGTOX, C. O., Secretary 
and Treasurer Farmers' Loan and Trust 
Company Bank; born in Chenango Co., 
N. Y., Oct. 14, 1843 ; removed vnth his 
parents to Ohio at an early age, and 
when 8 years of age, they removed to 
Indiana, and in 1859 came to Iowa, to 
Iowa Co. Went in the army in 1861 ; 
enlisted in 4th I. V. C, Co. E. ; the 
regiment joined Gen. Curtis' command, 
just after the battle of Pea Ridge, and 
was with him through Missouri and 
Arkansas ; was also in the siege of 
Yicksburgand at Jackson ; was wounded 
at Helena, Ark. ; after leaving the serv- 



ice, he entered the Iowa State Univer- 
sity in 1865. and graduated in the class 
of 1870. He was elected Secretary and 
Treasurer of the Farmers' Loan and 
Trust Co., upon its organization, Aug. 
4, 1873. JMarried Miss Anna L. Hughes 
from this city Aug. 24, 1876. 

HART, DAXIEL., proprietor Com- 
mercial Hotel ; born in Tioga Co., N. 
Y., March 22, 1836 ; went to Pennsyl- 
vania, in infancy, and lived there twen- 
ty-five years ; learned the trade of car 
penter and joiner ; came to Vinton, in 
1864, and engaged in the building busi- 
ness until the present year, when he en- 
gaged in hotel business. Married Lorin- 
da Burgess, from the State of New 
York ; they have one daughter — Carrie, 
and have lost one son — Charles. 

Hastings, Charles, laborer. 

Hastings, G. M., laborer. 

Hastings, John, laborer. 

Hastinsis, M. B., laborer. 

HAWKIXS, JAMES M., loaning 
money ; born in Fremont, Ohio, June 
22, 1825 ; lived in Ohio twenty-six 
years; went to California, in 1851, and 
lived there fifteen years, engaged in 
mining ; returned in 1866, and came to 
Vinton ; in 1868, engaged in hardware 
business for eighteen months. Married 
Sarah Johnson, from Fremont, Ohio, in 
1851 ; she died in 1868, leaving one 
daughter — Hattie, born in California. 
In August, 1871, he married Mrs. R. 
Culbertson, formerly Miss R. Sockman, 
from Zanesville, Ohio. 

Hawthorne, J. D., jeweler. 

HAYS, IV., proprietor of the Current 
Mills; born in RussCo., Ohio, March 1, 
1829 ; lived in Ohio until 22 years old ; 
learned the trade of gunsmith ; lived in 
Illinois three years, and came to Benton 
Co. Nov. 5, 1856, and engaged in farm- 
ing six years ; then came to Vinton and 
went to blacksraithing until 1869, when 
he and two other blacksmiths built this 
mill on a new principle, being induced 
to go into the project by Sheppard, of 
Oswego ; through his misrepresentations 
it was a failure, and his partners were 
glad to sell out to Mr. Hays, who has 
continued operating the mill with steam. 
He has held the office of City Council- 
man ever since the city was organized 
until this year, being the Temperance 



484 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



candidate, his opponent was elected by 
only two votes. Married Susan Mahon, 
from Ross Co., Ohio, in 1847 ; she died 
April 22, 1869, and left six children — 
three sons and three daughters. Mar- 
ried Mary Wence, f.om Indiana, Jan. 
22, 1872 ; they have two sons. 

Heart, Daniel, hotel prop. 

Henderson, S. M., street sprinkler. 

Henry, James W., far.. Sec. 11. 

Hensing, Joseph, far.. Sec. 26. 

Hill, Joseph. 

Hilton, H. H., teamster. 

Hoke, George, clerk. 

Holden, Gr. 11., clerk. 

Holmes, Gr. A. 

HOO^, H. M., PROF., principal 
public schools ; born in Butler Co., 
Penn., Oct. 19, 1833 ; attended school 
there and completed his education at 
Westminster College, Lawrence Co., 
Penn, and engaged in teaching ; came to 
Iowa in 1857 ; engaged in teaching in 
graded schools in Davenport ; was Prin- 
cipal of Third Ward School ; was Prin- 
cipal of Preparatory Department of St. 
Paul College, at Palmyra, Mo., and 
Principal of Schools at Le Claire four 
years ; came to Vinton in 1865, and or- 
ganized the first graded school here ; 
was Principal of East School four years. 
He was elected Superintendent of 
Schools in Benton Co., in 1865, and 
held the ofl&ce four years. Married 
Miss Mary H. White, from Scott Co., 
Iowa, Dec. 25, 1859 ; they have five 
children— Nellie H., Charles W., Alfred 
W., Mary L. and H. Milo. 

Hopkins, J. K., far., Sec. 11. 
HOPWOOD, A. li., druggist ; born 
in Fayette Co., Penn., May 28, 1843; 
lived in Pennsylvania about fifteen years, 
and lived in Western Virginia over two 
years ; come to Iowa Co., Iowa, in 
1861; came to Vinton in 1871 ; studied 
medicine with Dr. C. C. Griffin and took 
a course of lectures at Ann Arbor ; he 
engaged in the drug business in 1872. 
He was appointed one of the Commis- 
sioners from this State by Gov. Gear to 
the Paris Exposition, 1878. 
Hopwood, J. M., clerk. 
Horick, Daniel, laborer. 
HORRID<3}£, GEORC^E, hard- 
ware and house furnishing goods ; born 
in Washington Co., Penn., May 26, 



1833 ; lived there until 18 years of age, 
and came to Linn Co.; lived near Mt. 
Vernon, and at Cedar Rapids and Iowa 
City ; came to Vinton in the Spring of 
1858, and engaged in business here in 
1860 ; only two or three in business 
here now that were here when he came. 
Has held school offices for ten or twelve 
years and also member of the City 
Council ; holds the office of Vice-Presi- 
dent of the Farmers' Loan and Trusc 
Co. Bank. Married Mrs. Elizabeth 
Rock, from Lancaster Co., Penn., in 
Oct., 1863. 
HOUCK, JOSEPH, dealer in farm 
machinery ; born in Knox Co., Ohio, 
April 2, 1824 ; lived in Ohio twenty- 
eight years, and came to Iowa in 1854; 
was engaged in butchering and dealing 
in stock for twelve years, and has been 
engaged in agricultural implement busi- 
ness for the past ten years, longer than 
any one in the same business hex-e. Mar- 
ried Minerva Edminster, from the State 
of New York, in Nov., 1847 ; they have 
six children — Mary E., Minerva E., 
Henrietti A., Henry A., John, Carrie B. 
Houtz, J. C., farmer. 
Hoxie, Jacob, laborer. 
Huebner, J. J., auctioneer. 
Hunter, 0., butter and eggs. 
Huxtable, William, retired farmer. 
TXMAN, JOHN M., retired farm- 
JL er ; born in Delaware Co., N. Y., 
March 8, 1817 ; when 8 years old, his 
mother being a widow, he was put out 
to work with a farmer until he was 18, 
when he received fifty cents and com- 
menced life for himself; in 1841, he 
came to Freeport, 111.; was one of the 
early settlers there ; he was offered eight 
lots where the Brewster House now 
stands, in PVeejiort, for $8 each ; in 
1854, he came by team to Benton 
Co.; arrived here Feb. 27, and found 
others looking at the land he desired to 
locate ; he did not wait to unload his 
goods, but took one of his horses and 
started for Dubuque to enter his land, 
and rode bareback all the way and se- 
cured his land ; upon his return he un- 
loaded his goods and settled in Eden 
Tp.; there were only two settlers in that 
town — I. N. Chenoweth and V. Bogle. 
In 1856, he was appointed Commissioner 
by Judge Douglass to organize the town 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



485 



of Eden ; in 1859, he was elected Coun- 
ty Supervisor and served four years, and 
was again elected in 1866 ; in 1875, he 
went to California twice ; invested in 
land, bought 487 acres at the south head 
of San Francisco Bay, thirty miles from 
San Francisco; he also owns 480 acres 
in Worth Co., in this State. His first 
wife was Malvina Lawrence ; she died in 
June, 1848, leaving two sons — Charles 
E. and Henry L. In 1851, he married 
Mrs. Susan E. Hibbard ; they have two 
children — George W. and John T.; 
Mrs. Inman has one son — Edwin Hib- 
bard ; they had three sons in the army 
Charles? E. was in the 8th Iowa V. I. 
was wounded at the battle of Corinth 
Henry L. was in the 46th 111. V. I. 
Edwin Hibbard was in the 28th Iowa 
V.I. 
JANESON, G. N., tinner. 

Jenks, Jonathan, far., Sec. 6. 

Jervis, William, dry goods. 

Jewell, Oren, dairyman. 

Jinkins, J. F. 

Johnson, C. C, 

Johnson, Dickson, farmer. 

Johnson, H. P., barber, 

JOH^ISOX, JAMES P., fire and 
life insurance agent, loans money ; born 
in North Mansfield, Conn., Sept. 10, 
1816; lived there nineteen years and 
went to Hartford, was engaged in the 
butchering business, lived there twenty- 
four years and in the city of New York 
two years ; came to Vinton, May 12, 
1861. Was in the army; enlisted in 
Co. A, 37th I. V. I., called the Gray 
Beard Regiment; was Commissary 
Sergeant on the Colonel's stafi'; he re- 
ceived the vote of every man in Co. A, 
for First Lieutenant; was in service about 
three years. Has been engaged in both 
life and fire insurance for the past eleven 
years. He has been a member of the 
M. E. Church fifty-four years, and class 
leader for thirty-eight years. Mar- 
ried Hannah L. Worthington, from 
Norwich Conn., Nov. 6, 1838; they 
have one daughter, Mary F. Jordan ; 
lost two children — Porter L. and Ann C. 

Jones, B. W., stock dealer. 

Jordan, Jesse, laborer. 

Jordan, J. G., farmer. 

Jordan, Stewart, iron fence agent. 



TT^AHN, DAVID, restaurant. 

Kahn, Moses, clerk. 

Kahn, Tobias, cigar maker. 

Keagle, F. B., Carpenter. 

Keech, Joseph, shoemaker. 

Keith J. W.. speculator. 

KEITH, SAMUEL, E., retired; 
born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., iNIarch 
28, 1829 ; lived in Pennsylvania twenty- 
seven years, and came to Vinton in 
1856, and commenced clerking in store ^ 
has been engaged in mercantile business, 
also in real estate business. He en- 
tered a section of land from the 
government the year before he settled 
here ; owns farm of 160 acres adjoining 
the town, and 500 acres elsewhere. 
Married Adeiia Beck, Oct. 1, 1857 ; 
she was the daughter of Dr. 0. C. Beck, 
formerly of Clermont Co.; Ohio ; she 
died Nov. 21, 1866, leaving two daugh- 
ters — Cora B. and MoUie ; they lost one 
daughter, Missouri, who died March 13, 
1864; he married Emma Whitlock of 
Vinton, formerly of Essex Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 24, 1869; they have one son, Karl 
Keith, born Nov. 20, 1875. Dr. O. C. 
Beck died May 28, 1864, aged 48 years 
and ten months ; Jemima A. Beck, his 
wife, died March 6, 1863, aged 46 years 
and eight months. 

Keller, Alex., farmer. Sec. 34. 

Kelley, J. E., laborer. 

Kendall, B., carpenter. 

Kendall, H. L., tailor. 

Kendall, L. P., dairyman. 

Keniday, Dennis, retired farmer. 

Kimble, C. B.. miller. 

Kindrick, William. 

Kirk, Richard, dry goods. 

Kirkpatrick, D. E., clerk. 

KIRKPATRICK, W. F., Jus 

tice of the Peace ; born in Adams Co., 
Ohio, Nov. 23, 1812 ; lived in the same 
neighborhood for forty-two years ; was 
engaged in mercantile business ; also in 
milling business ; came to Benton Co. in 
1855, and engaged in farming about one 
mile southe;\st of town ; has lived in this 
county twenty-two years. Has held the 
office of Justice of the Peace in Ohio ; 
has held office of Supervisor in this 
county for eight years, and has held the 
office of Justice of the Peace for past six 
years. Married Miss Lydia McVey, 



486 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



daughter of Col. McVey, of Ohio, in 
1833 ; they have seven children — Will- 
iam M., Mary E., Robert H., Leonidas 
N., Martha J., Dynes and Lydia ; they 
lost four children. Robert was in the 
army, in the 8th I. V. I. ; was wounded 
twice, and was a prisoner in Libby 
Prison ; Leonidas was in the 28th I. V. 
I., and was slightly wounded. 

Klemme, J. C, clerk. 

Klemme, J. P., restaurant. 

KXAPP, CHARLES, farmer, 
Sec. 3 ; born in Indiana Feb. 8, 1839 ; 
lived in Indiana and in De Kalb Co., 
111., until 1852, when they came to 
Iowa, to Linn Co., and came to Benton 
Co. the same year and located near Wm. 
Cottrill's, and were among the early 
settlers here ; only a few here then ; has 
lived here since, except a short time 
spent in Kansas. Was in the army, in 
the 8th I. V. I., Co. D ; was in the bat- 
tle of Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, and in 
all the battles of the regiment, except Ft. 
Blakely ; he was taken prisoner at the 
battle of Shiloh, and was a prisoner six 
months and ten days ; was in the service 
about five years. Owns a farm of eighty 
acres. Married Miss Martha Swaim, 
from North Carolina, in November, 
1866 ; they have two children — Susan 
A. and Stephen Eugene, and have lost 
two children. 

Knapp, G. R., absti-act business. 

KXAPP, S. A., PROF., Presi 
dent Farmers' Loan and Trust Co., and 
breeder of fine stock ; born in Essex 
Co., N. Y., Dec. 16, 1833 ; after attend- 
ing school there, entered Union College, 
Schenectady ; after graduating, he went 
to Fort Edwards and was associated with 
Dr. King in the management of the 
—Fort Edwards Institute for seven years ; 
he then founded and was proprietor of 
Ripley Female College, at Poultney, 
Vt., which was under his management 
until 1866, when his health being affect- 
ed and change of climate advised, he 
came to Vinton, and was pastor of the 
M. E. Church here for two years ; then 
was elected Principal of the College for 
the Blind for six years ; he organized 
the Farmers' Loan and Trust Co. in 
1873, and has filled the ofiice of Presi- 
dent since its organization ; he owns 
three stock farms, and is largely inter- 



ested in raising blooded stock, princi- 
pally swine ; also Short-horn and Jersey 
cattle, and is managing editor of the 
Western Stock and Farm Journal, 
published at Cedar Rapids. Married 
Miss Maria Hotchkiss, from Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., Aug. 6, 1856; they 
have five children — Maria, Herman, 
Bradford, Arthur S. and Helen. 
KXOX, GEORGE, retired ; born in 
Oneida Co., N. Y., March 7, 1840 ; 
when 4 years of age, he came with his 
parents to Kendall Co., 111., in 1844 ; 
lived there twenty-five years, and came 
to Vinton in 1869 and engaged in lumber 
business ; after some years he retired from 
the farm, and is not now engaged in act- 
ive business. Married Miss Bessie Whit- 
lock, from Vermont, June 2, 1875 ; 
they have one daughter — Laura. 
AGRANGE, A. H., retired farmer. 



L 



Lagrange, J. W., physician. . 

Lagrange, L. 

Lambertson, A., stock dealer. 

Landabaught, John, money broker. 

Langham, J. W., far., Sec. 25. 

Langstroth, E. F. B., physician. 

Latham, J. F., far., Sec. 25. 

Latham, L. W., far.. See. 25. 

Lawton, C. C, plasterer. 

Lawton, W. C., plasterer. 

Lindsley, J. M., freight agent. 

L.OCKE, JAMES B., stone mason 
and contractor ; born in Susquehanna 
Co., Penn., Jan. 31, 1828 ; when 9 
years of age, went to State of New 
York and learned his trade ; came to 
Iowa in 1853 ; contracted one year in 
Davenpoi't, and came to Vinton in Oct., 
1854, and engaged in contracting and 
building ; is one of the early settlers ; 
has put up most of the best buildings 
here in Vinton ; he and P. S. Fink- 
bine built the State College for the 
Blind ; Mr. Finkbine, now superintend- 
ing the State Capitol, did carpenter 
work, and Mr. Locke did the mason' 
work, the whole costing about $264,000 
the cheapest State work done in Iowa 
he built the shops at Cedar Rapids for 
the B., C. R. &. N. R. R., and is now the 
Contractor for the Company, building 
bridges ; he has been actively interested 
in the interests of this town and county ; 
was in the army and commissioned 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



487 



Captain by Gov. Kirkwood, but went 
out as private. Married Miss Elsie 
Walley, from near Albany, N. Y., in 
Jan., 1853; tbey have four children — 
Mattie, Katie, Sadie and Frank. 

Lock, P. A., plasterer. 

Loizaux, P. J., minister. 

Loizaux, T. C, minister. 

Lonir, C. P., farmer. 

I.OREE, WIIil.IAHM., dealer 
in groceries and provisions ; born in 
Pittsfield, Mass., April 15, 1834; came 
to Ohio when 6 years of age, and lived 
there about fifteen years ; engaged in 
mercantile business at Columbus ; came 
to Vinton in 1856, and has been en- 
gaged in business here twenty-two years, : 
and is the oldest merchant in Vinton. 
Married Miss Jennie C Hawkins, from : 
Fremont, Ohio, in 1855 ; they have two 
children — Annie and Charlie. j 

L.OWE, JOHN I>., farmer. Sec. 34; | 
born in Mercer Co., Ky., Aug. 10, 
1832 ; when 12 years of age, moved to j 
Johnson Co., Ind., and lived there until 
1853 ; came by wagon to Benton Co. ; 
was sixteen days on the way, and ar- 
rived here Oct. 27, 1853; was one of 
the early settlers ; only a few here now 
that were here when he came ; he work- 
ed for Mr. Young, Mr. Vannice and 
Mr. Boggs ; entered 160 acres from 
<jrovernment, and engaged in farming ; 
has hauled wheat to Iowa City, 50 
miles, and sold it for 25c per bushel ; 
he owns farm of 180 acres, and timber, 
thirty-five acres ; has held town, school and 
road oflBccs, and was Secretary of School 
Board three years. Married Miss 
Martha Chalfen, from Scioto Co., Ohio, 
Oct. 9, 1855 ; she died Oct. 9, 1872. 
the same day of the month and the same 
hour of the day on which they were 
married, leaving seven children — five 
boys and two girls. 

Lowe, Samuel, farmer, Sec. 34. 

Lowe, L. W., laborer. 

Lowe, W. D. 

Luton, Daniel, laborer. 
nV/rcALLISTER, W. A., grain dealer. 

McCartney, John, retired lawyer. 

McCASLIN, JA3IKS W.. Su- 
perintendent Evergreen Cemetery ; born 
in Scott Co., Ind.," Feb. 16, 1831 ; lived 
tliere about twenty-five years ; came to 



Iowa in Fall of 1856; has been engaged 
in farming, cooper business and dealing 
in stock ; he has held town, school and 
road oflSces. Married Miss Elizabeth 
Tail, from Scott Co., Indiana, Feb. 21, 
1852. 

McConnell, W. R., laborer, 

McCulley, H. A. 

McDaniels, J. A., fine stock dealer. 

McDaniels, J. A., Jr., clerk. 

McDuif, Wm., wagon maker. 

McElruy, H. H., hardware. 

McElewain A., teacher. 

McElewain, T. C, teacher. 

McHeflPer, George, farmer. Sec. 1. 

McKinstry, R., fine stock dealer. 

McLean, S. C. 

McWhorter, E. T., stock dealer. 

McWhorter, J. T., stock dealer. 

Manning, J. M., laborer. 

Maples, D. D. 

Marrietta, D. S., farmer. 

Marietta, Harry, livery. 

Marietta, J. E., insurance agent. 

Marietta, J. W. 

Marine, S. A. 

Marine, W. T., farmer. 

Marquis, C. R., clerk. 

Mathews, J. H., carpenter. 

Mathews. J. P., agricultural agent. 

Martin, William, carpenter. 

MAYES, JOHN B., former, Sec. 
31 ; born in Logan Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 
185^; came to Iowa with his parents 
when 8 years of age and lived in Black- 
hawk Co. ; came to Vinton Co. in 1873 
and is engaged in farminu'. 

MEANS, ^W. W., ^City Marshal 
Vinton ; born in Portage Co., Ohio, 
June 14, 1832 ; moved to Indiana and 
learned the trade of carpenter and 
joiner; came to Iowa by wagon, being 
five weeks on the way ; arrived here in 
July, 1855, and went to work at his 
trade. Was in the army ; enlisted in 
28th Reg. Iowa Inf , Co. D ; was in 
battles of Sabine Cross Roads, Yellow 
Bayou, and returned with the regiment. 
Holds office of City Marshal and is 
serving his tenth term. Married Miss 
T. E. Slajtery, from the State of New 
York, in May, 1852; they have six 
children — Harriet E., Alice M., Fannv 
C, Missouri R., William T. and Ed- 
ward C ; lost one son. 
Mease, J. P., carpenter. 



488 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



Mehan, A., stone mason. 

Mehan, Edmond. 

Mekins, Henry, laborer. 

Mehvin, W. T., aunsmith. 

MEREDITH, MARION, DR., 
physician and surgeon ; born in Decatur 
Co.; Ind., May 21, 1831 ; received his 
education and studied medicine and 
graduated at the Medical College of 
Ohio in 1866 ; he was Surgeon of the 
68th Ind. V. I. during the war ; came to 
Vinton in 1866, and has practiced his 
profession here since ; has held the 
office of President of the Iowa Union 
Medical Society, and is physician for 
the State College of the Blind. Mar- 
ried Miss Sarah F. Lathrop, from 
Decatur Co., Ind., May 21, 1856; they 
have one adopted daughter. 

Mickey, John, stone mason. 

Mickey, L. W., gardener. 

Mickey, Samuel, stone mason. 

Mickey, William, stone mason. 

Miller, C. W., grocer. 

Miller, E. L., minister. 

Miller, E. S., shoemaker. 

Miller, Henry, shoemaker. 

Miller, J. A., grocer. 

Miller, Hoover, laborer. 

Miller, John, shoemaker. 

Miller, J. R. 

MlELiER, JOHN C, retiredfermer ; 
born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., March 
6, 1806 ; lived in Pennsylvania twenty- 
five years. Married Miss Margaret 
McKinstry, of Pennsylvania, in 1827; 
they moved to Ohio in 1831, and lived 
there nine years ; in 1840, they came by 
wagon there, nine in family, to Iowa, 
and arrived in Davenport Oct. 4, and 
only had 75 cents in money ; they were 
among the early settlers ; only a very 
few buildings of any kind were there ; 
he engaged in farming ; they used to 
have to go to Dubuque to mill, and the 
snow was so deep at times they could 
not go, and they lived only on potatoes 
and meat six weeks, without flour or 
bread ; it was a hard struggle, but by 
industry, economy and good manage- 
ment he secured a comj^tency. His 
wife died, leaving six children; in 1873, 
he married Mrs. Mary G. White ; she 
was one of the earliest settlers in this 
State ; he sold his farm and came to 
Vinton in 1875. 



MIL.I.ER, LEVI »., of the firm 
of Tinkham & Miller, grocers ; was 
born in Highland Co., Ohio, Jan. 7, 
1829; lived in Ohio tweuty-sis years; 
learned the trade of merchant tailor ; 
came to Marvsville, Benton Co. ; was 
clerk in store; came to Vinton in 1858; 
started in the tailoring business ; was 
also in the insurance business ; engaged 
in the grocery business with J. L. Tink- 
ham in July, 1866 ; they have been in 
business twelve years. Has held the 
office of Town Clerk six years, and City 
Assessor four years ; also Township 
Assessor ; holds the office of Mayor of 
Vinton ; was elected March, 1878. 
Married Miss Sarah Jane Hughey, 
from Ohio ; they have five children — 
Sarah A., Charles W., John A., Laura 
B. and James E. ; lost one daughter — 
Mary E. 

Miller, W. T., far.. Sec. 29. 

Mills, D. W. laborer. 

MITCHELL, JAMES R., Su- 
perintendent Benton County Poor Farm, 
Sec. 22 ; born in Scott Co., Ky., July 
4, 1837 ; when 7 years old moved to 
Indiana ; lived there ten years, and came 
by wagon to Benton Co., and arrived 
here Sept. 24, 1854 ; located in Vinton. 
Was in the army ; enlisted in Co. D, 
28th Iowa V. I.; was in the battles of 
Port Gibson, Champion Hills, siege of 
Vicksburg, New Orleans, up the Red 
River with Gen. Banks, in the battle of 
Sabine Cross Roads, then in Virginia 
under Sheridan, in the battles of Win- 
chester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek ; 
was slightly wounded in the head at the 
battle of Cedar Creek ; was in the serv- 
ice three years. He was appointed by 
the Board of Supervisors Superintend- 
ent of the Poor Farm of this county in 
the Fall of 1877. Married Miss Laura 
Knapp, from Indiana, in 1857 ; she died 
Sept. 25, 1875 ; they had three chil- 
dren; lost them all. Married Miss J;ine 
Culver, from this State, Nov. 14, 1876. 

Mitchell, Irwin, butter and eggs. 

Moon, A. B., carpenter. 

MOORE, HUBRARD, carpenter 
and builder, firm of Bloodsood & Moore ; 
born in Essex Co., Vt., Nov. 19, 1819; 
lived in Vermont eighteen years, then 
went to Wisconsin in 1838, and lived 
there eleven years; learned the trade of 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



489 



carpenter and joiner ; went to California 
in 1849; lived there two years; came 
to Bremer Co., Iowa, in 1864, and came 
to Vinton in 1868, and engaged in the 
building business. Married Emma Gr. 
Peck, from Massachusetts, in 1858 ; she 
died in 1861. Married Kate Peck, 
from Massachusetts, in 1863; has two 
children — Louisa A. and Stephen W.; 
lost two children in infancy. 

Morton, Andrew, dairyman. 

Morrow, J. A. grain merchant. 

Morton, D. R. laborer. 

Morton, M. D., laborer. 

Moss, C. E., farmer, Sec. 23. 

Moss, Joseph, farmer, Sec. 23. 

Mount, C. v., jeweler. 

MOYER, JOHX Z.,_ proprietor of 
the City Market ; born in Northamp- 
ton Co., Penn., Feb. 28, 1838; lived 
there sixteen years ; lived in New Jer- 
sey twelve years, and returned to Penn- 
sylvania for some years, and came to 
Vinton, Iowa ; engaged in the market 
business Jan. 1, 1877. Married Miss 
Gertrude Correll, from Pennsylvania, 
m 1865 ; they have three sons — Ed- 
ward, Clarence and Joseph ; lost two 
sons — Henry and Charles. 

Moyer, S. G., Deputy Clerk. 

Murphy, W. F., carpenter. 

Myers, A. J., laborer. 

nSTTEVIN, J. R., farmer. 

NICHOLS, JOHN D., attorney at 
law; born in Canada West July 22, 
1834 , lived there twenty-two years, and 
learned carriau;e making; ; came to Iowa 
and studied law with Traer & Gilchrist, 
of Vinton, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1872 ; has practice his profession 
here since then. He represents this 
District in the Iowa State Senate, being 
elected in 1876. Married Miss Sarah 
Stevens, from Canada, in 1854 ; she died 
in 1870, leaving four sons — Malcolm E., 
Clarence, Clifford G. and Frank Benn. 
Married Miss P. J. Breman, from Can- 
ada, in Iowa Falls, March, 1872. 

Nickelson, David, night police, 

Nixon, Alex., blacksmith. 

Nixon, James, blacksmith. 

XOBI.E, IS BAND, farmer. Sec. 
■4; born in Ontario, Canada, April 16, 
1827 ; lived there twenty-three years 
and came to Benton Co., Iowa ; in No- 



vember, 1850, he and his brother lived 
in a cabin on the river bottom during the 
Winter ; in the Spring, he went to Min- 
nesota. In 1852, he returned to Canada ; 
married Miss Hannah P. Geddes, sister 
of Gen. James L. Geddes, of Iowa Col- 
lege, Oct. 27, 1852 ; she was born in 
Edinburgh, Scotland ; they came to this 
county in November, 1852, and located 
where they now live, and entered land 
from the government ; they were among 
the earliest settlers ; only one man in this 
neighborhood that was here when they 
came. Has held township and school 
offices. It used to take him three and 
four days with ox team to go to mill 
at Cedar Rapids and return, leaving 
his wife alone ; she was as brave as he ; 
the Indians and wolves did not frighten 
her ; when they cami', they had but lit- 
tle, and now own over 600 acres of land ; 
they have five children — James A., 
Isband, Libbie, Andrew and Charles G. 

Noble, Isband, Jr., farmer. Sec. 4. 

Noble, James S., farmer, Sec. 4. 

/^DELL, M. G., carpenter. 

Oppelt, S. C, plasterer. 
Oppelt, W. H., farmer, Sec. 6. 
Osgood, S. R., carpenter. 
Owens, Garrett, farmer, Sec. 33. 
CALMER, W. S., clerk. 



P 



PAIiMER, H. X., drugs, books and 
stationery ; born in Richland Co., Ohio, 
Oct. 27, 1843 ; lived in Ohio until 12 
years of age, when he came to Vinton 
in 1854 ; has lived here twenty-four 
years ; he has been engaged in the drug, 
book and stationery business since 1866. 
Married Miss Nellie Cleveland from 
Michigan, in January, 1872 ; they have 
two children — Paul Correll and Florence 
May. 

PAL.MER, T. S., druggist; born in 
Richland Co., Ohio, July 17, 1825 ; lived 
there until 21 years of age, then went 
South, to Tennessee and St. Louis, and 
came to Burlington, Iowa, in April, 
1848 ; in the Spring of 1849, he went 
overland to* California ; returned in 1851 
to Ohio, and came to Vinton in April, 
1852, being one of the earliest settlers, 
there being no one in business here now 
that was here when he came ; he en- 
saaod in the drug business in 1855. 



490 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Has held town and school offices. Mar- 
ried ^Nliss Nancy Hale, from Richland 
Co., Ohio, in May, 1853 ; they have 
three children — Walter S., Etta and 
Charles S. ; they have lost one daugh- 
ter. 

Palmer, W. S., clerk, drug store. 

Palmerter, J. C., farmer, Sec. 7. 

Parker, M. W., nursery, Sec. 30. 

Payne, J. H., blacksmith. 

PEACOCK, E. F., dentist, born in 
Troy,N.Y., March 11, 1845; lived in that 
State eighteen years ; then lived in 
Pennsylvania for five years ; removed to 
Rockford, 111., and studied dentistry ; 
came to Vinton in 1871 and has been 
engaged in the practice of his profession 
here since, except several years in Wis- 
consin and elsewhere. Married Miss J. 
M. Shoonmaker from Illinois in 1872 ; 
they have two children — Sarah L. and 
Frank H. 

PEARCE, ISAAC, retired; born 
in Rhode Island June 24, 1815; he 
moved with his parents to Washington, 
Ohio, and lived there, and in Columbus 
and Lancaster learned the trade of 
woolen manufacturer; he came from 
Ohio on horseback to Vinton, Benton 
Co., being about three weeks on the 
way and arrived here in June, 1851, 
and was one of the early settlers here ; 
only several here now that were here 
when he came ; he selected some land 
and went to Dubuque and entered it ; 
still owns 160 acres of land adjoining 
the city limits, which he entered ; also, 
owns other town property. He was 
among the first to enlist in 1861 in the 
three-months service in the 17th Reg. 
Ohio Inf., Co. B ; enlisted for three 
years in the same regiment ; after serv- 
ing three years, enlisted in the 6th Reg. 
Hancock's Corps and served one year ; 
was in battles of Mill Spring, Murfrees- 
boro, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Res- 
aca and Atlanta. 

Perrine, Lew, clerk. 

Pettit, H. L., farmer. Sec. 10. 

Pettit, William A., farmer, Sec 10. 

PHEIiPS, STEPHEN, Pastor 
First Presbyterian Church, Vinton ; 
born in Lewiston, Fulton Co., 111., Feb. 
6, 1839 ; he attended Jefi'erson College 
Pa., three years, and entered the 
Western Theological Seminary; he was 



licensed to preach in the Summer of 
1801, and supplied the pulpit at Bedford, 
Pa., during seminary vacation ; after 
graduating, he refused several calls from 
churches in the East, and accepted the 
call from the Presbyterian Church in 
Sioux City ; after being there two and 
a half years he was called to the Presby- 
terian Church at Waterloo, where he 
labored until obliged to resign his charge 
on account of his health ; he was called 
to his present pastorate in October, 
1871, and has the largest church in 
Iowa. He is Chaplain of the Iowa 
State Guards; has been moderator of 
the Synod, and has represented the 
Presbytery three times in the general 
assembly. Married Miss Amelia Mc- 
Comb, from Lewiston, Fulton Co., 111., 
June 20, 1862; they have four children 
—Albert M., Myron, Ella and Clara. 
His father, Myron Phelps, was one of 
the earliest settlers in Illinois, emi- 
grating there before the Black Hawk 
war ; he has been a successful merchant 
for fifty-four years. 
Pierce, Isaac, money lender. 

PIERCE, NEHEMIAH R., farm 
er ; born in Barnstable Co., Mass., Nov. 
11, 1823; lived in Massachusetts until 14 
years of age ; lived in Maine five years, 
then was engaged in the cotton mills in 
Massachusetts nine years. Married 
Miss Anna M. Allen, from Maine, Dec. 
7, 1852 ; they came to Iowa in 1854, and 
lived in Allamakee Co. fourteen years ; 
they came to Benton Co., to Big Grove, 
May 1, 1868, and engaged in farming. 
Mr. Pierce had but little when he 
started, and now owns over 1200 acres 
of land in this county ; has held office 
of Assessor and other town and school 
offices; they have four children — 
Thomas A., Wendell P., Abbie A. and 
Ruth Ella. Mrs. Martha Pierce, 
mother of Mr. Pierce, lives with him, 
and is 86 years of age. His father died 
Nov. 27, 1873. 

PIKE, J AMEN C, grain dealer; 
born in Albany, N. Y., March 4, 1852, 
and lived there thirteen years, and came 
to Whiteside Co., 111. ; lived there until 
1869, when he came to Benton Co. and 
engaged in farming ; in 1873, he en- 
gaged in his present business — buying 
and shipping grain. Man'ied Miss 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



491 



Ella M. Young, daughter of W. H. 

Young, of Vinton, Dee. 28, 1867 ; they 

have one son — Charles R. 
Pitts, Emery, farmer, Sec. 11. 
Place, S. M., laborer. 
Porter, C. E., hardware. 

PORT EX FIELD, WILLIAM, 

REV., Sec 18; born in city of Glasgow, 
Scotland, in the year 1820, and was edu- 
cated for the ministry in the Free 
Presbyterian Church ; emigrated from 
Scotland in 1850 and lived in Canada 
ten years, and came to Benton Co. in 
1860; pi'eaches some yet, but on account 
of nervous derangement, engaged in 
the nursery business ; he and his sons 
have done a large business, selling as 
high as $10,000 of nursery stock in one 
year ; his sons having engaged in busi- 
ness he is closing out his nursery. Mar- 
ried Isabella Stewart, from Montreal ; 
they have four children — John 0., mer- 
chant at Reinbeck ; David A., merchant 
at Traer ; Simon, merchant at Traer ; 
George, at home ; lost one son — William 
S. 

Postle, John, laborer. 

Powell, Joseph, farmer, Sec. 22. 

Pray, C. U., clerk. 

PRESTOX, CASE, farmer. Sec. 
32 ; born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Oct. 
16, 1852 ; lived in Ohio eighteen years, 
then came to Benton Co. in 1870 
and engaged in farming ; he owns a 
firm of sixty acres. His parents reside 
in Vinton, the county seat of Benton Co. 

Preston, G. S., lawyer. 

Preston, L. C. 

Preston, L. A., farmer. 

PYXE, JOHN F., boots, shoes and 
harness; born in town of Ovid, Seneca 
Co., N. Y., Feb. 23, 1830 ; moved to 
Cazenovia when 10 years old; he was 
the oldest of the family; when he was 
18 years old he bought a house and lot 
there, paid for it, and gave the deed to 
his mother ; came to Vinton, Iowa, in 
June, 1855, and when he got here was 
$2.50 cents worse off than nothing ; he 
engaged in the boot and shoe and dry 
goods trade ; was book-keeper and cashier 
in Traer's bank four years, and was en- 
gaged in the saddlery and harness busi- 
ness ; published the Benton County 
Democrat during the campaign of 1856, 
and again in the campaign between Lin- 



coln and Douglas; in 1868, published 
the Democratic Standard; he had 
four brothers in the army, but lie "staid 
at home and stood the draft like a 
man." Married Ruth A. Stringham, 
from Broome Co., N. Y., in 1854 ; she 
died in 1863, leaving two sons — Edward 
A. and Joseph S., and lost two sons. 
Married Lovina F. Burruss, from In- 
diana, in 1865 ; they have one daughter 
Rosa May ; lost one daughter. 
i^UINN, R. H., grocer. 

QIJIXX, LOUIS, retired ; born in 
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Feb. 2, 1832; 
lived in Ohio until 11 years of age, 
then came with his parents and four 
brothers, by wagon, to Iowa ; located at 
Muscatine in 1843, while the State was 
a territory ; lived in Muscatine twelve 
years ; went to Washington, in Wash- 
ington Co., in 1855, and engaged in 
mercantile business for ten years, and 
was in business at Boonesboro two 
years; came to Vinton in 1867, and 
engaged in the grocery, provision and 
crockery trade, and did a large busi- 
ness ; sold out his stock and business od 
account of his health, in November, 
1877; he owns the store and property 
and other city property ; is also stock- 
holder and Director in the Farmers' 
Loan and Trust Company's Bank, and 
also loans money. Is a member of the 
School Board. Married Mary L. Har- 
ris, from this State, in 1861 ; they have 
five children — Charlie D., Kate, Birdie, 
George and Jessie. 

T^ ALYEA, F. R., stationery and news. 

RALYEA, L., proprietor of the 
Ralyea House ; born in Broome Co., 
N. Y., June 1, 1829; lived in York 
State twenty-five years ; was engaged in 
the dairy business and railroading ; 
came to Davenport and then to Vinton 
in 1854; there was not much improve- 
ment here ; only a few here now that 
were here then ; has been engaged in 
buying and shipping grain, produce and 
game; in 1862, he kept the Treniont 
House, and was in the livery business 
some years ; in 1 874, he built the Ral- 
yea House, and it is the largest and 
most complete hotel in Benton Co. 
Married Martha L. Roberts, from Ring- 



492 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



hampton, Broome Co., N. Y., August, 
1858; they have one son — Frank R., 
and lost one son — Bertie, in infancy. 

Balston, James, harness maker. 

Ravenscroft, J. E., grocer. 

Ray, F. G., agricultural implements. 

Ray, Guy, money loaner. 

•Read, Leonard, stone mason. 

Read, Richard, stone mason. 

Reeder, A. S., teamster. 

Reed, G. W., farmer, Sec. 33. 

REDFIELD, STEPHEN D., 
boot and shoe maker ; born in Clare, 
mont, N. H., Oct. 11, 1806 ; lived there 
about twenty-two years, and removed to 
Cazenovia, N. Y.; engaged in the boot 
and shoe business ; lived there over 
thirty years ; came to Vinton, Iowa, in 
1856, and engaged in the boot and shoe 
trade. Was in the army during the war ; 
enlisted as private in Co. A, 37th Iowa 
V. I., and was promoted to Lieutenant ; 
was in service three years. Has been a 
member of the M. E. Church fifty-five 
years. Married Miss Rosanna Clark, 
from Connecticut, in May, 1834:; they 
have two daughters — Sarah and Rosa, 
and have lost one son — Wilber Fisk. 

Reynolds, W. B., Sr., Justice of the Peace. 

Reynolds, W. B., Jr., agl. implements. 

RICH & MURPHY, editors of the 
Vinton Eagle. 

Richey, James, tailor. 

Rickel, I. H., printer. 

Ridge, G. W., carpenter. 

Ridge, Thomas, carpenter. 

Rinker, John, laborer. 

Ryder, John, butter and eggs. 

Robinson, Edwin, stock dealer. 

Robinson, Stimson. 

Rock, A. H., hardware. 

Rock, G. T., hardware. 

Rose, A., grocer. 

Rose, A. P., janitor of schools. 

Rose, C. B., grocer. 

Ross, G. F., clerk. 

Rowlands, J. W. 

Rumbaugh, F. M., boot and shoe dealer. 

Rush, Oscar, laborer. 

Russell, Beniamin, farmer. 

RYDER, JOHN, butter, eggs, hides 
and furs ; born in Sandusky County, 
Ohio, August 22, 1831 ; lived in 
Ohio thirty-nine years ; was exten 
sively engaged in mercantile business, 
the sales amounting to $160,000 in 



one year ; also had two elevators, bought 
and shipped grain largely ; came to Vin- 
ton, Iowa, in 1870, and engaged in buy- 
ing and shipping butter, eggs and coun- 
try produce, and is doing a very large 
business, the most extensive of any house 
iu this State in the same line, except 
one, shipping to the markets of New 
York, Boston, Philadelphia and San 
Francisco. Married Miss Mary J. Tyler, 
from Fremont, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1854. 

SANDERS, E. J., Street Commis- 
sioner. 

Sanders, John W., far.. Sec. 27. 

Sanders, Leonard, farmer. Sec. 25. 

Sanders, H. R., teamster. 

Sandison, Alex., fine stock. 

Sawyers, J. S., in Stewart College. 

Schall, William. 

Scott, S. L., jeweler. 

Scott, Sam., furniture dealer. 

Seaman, L., house mover. 

Seben, S. S., farmer. Sec. 25, 

Seburn, M. H., laborer. 

Secrest, J. R., blacksmith. 

Seed, Robert. 

Seyfarth, Edward, blacksmith. 

Sexton, George. 

Sexton, G. B., cooper. 

Shafer, L. H. 

Shaflfer, John, carpenter. 

Shaffer S. A., restaurant. 

Shaffer, J. M., restaurant 

Shain, John, District Judge. 

Shaw, G. E., laborer. 

Shaw, James. 

Sheets, John D., farmer. Sec. 14. 

SHERRY, JESSE M., retired 
farmer ; born in Ross Co., Ohio, Dec. 4, 
1814 ; lived in Ohio ten years ; removed 
to Tippecanoe Co., Ind., in 1824 ; was 
one of the early settlers there ; used to 
cart grain from there to Chicago ; was in 
Chicago in 1831 and was therein 1832 
when Gen. Scott landed there ; only five 
families there then ; he was teamster in 
Col. Russell's Regiment during the 
Black Hawk War, and got a land war- 
rant ; came by wagon to Benton Co., 
and was seventeen days on the way, and 
arrived June 17, 1855 ; located in Canton 
Tp., and engaged in farming ; has carted 
wheat to Iowa City and sold it for 
33 cents per bushel ; owns 245 
acres laud, and has held town and school 
oflSces. His first wife was Louisa 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



493 



Markle, from Ohio; she died in 1843 ; 
they had two children — Elizabeth is the 
only one living. Married Mary Parker, 
from Decatur Co., Ind., in the Fall of 
1862 ; they had one son, who died when 
four months old. 

Shields, J. C, well digger. 

Shields, J. H. 

Shifferdker, George, clerk. 

Shloy, John. 

Shockley, M. 0., painter. 

Shockley, P., painter. 

Shortess, S. L., agricultural implements. 

Singleton, John, farmer. 

Skiffington, John, retired farmer. 

Slason, J. C, fence builder. 

Stattery, John, retired farmer. 

Smalley, E. L., painter. 

Smith, Gr. W., County Surveyor. 

Smith, H. B., carpenter. 

Smith, M. D., market. 

Smith, J. W., auctioneer. 

Smock, J. W., Recorder. 

SMITH, P. S., Sheriff of Benton Co.; 
born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 
1830; lived in that State for twenty- 
five years ; came to Benton Co., Iowa, 
in 1855, and has lived here twenty-three 
years, except two years spent in Linn 
Co.; he has been engaged in farming and 
in dealing in stock ; has held the office 
of Assessor, town of Eden, eleven years. 
Town Clerk nine years and Justice of 
the Peace eleven years ; was elected 
Sheriff of Benton Co. in 1873, and re- 
elected in 1875, and again re-elected in 
1877 ; is serving his third term. Mar- 
ried Gertrude Richards, from New York 
State, in 1851 ; she died in Aug., 1871. 
Married Elizabeth DeWault, daughter 
of Jonathan DeWault, of this county, 
in Nov., 1875. 

Smith, Worth, patent right. 

Smock, A. H., farmer. Sec. 30. 

Smock. H. L., farmer. Sec. 32. 

SMOCK, JAMES W., County Re- 
corder ; born in Johnson Co., Ind., Feb. 
19,18-10; lived there twenty-one years, 
and then went in the army. Enlisted in 
Co. F, 19th Ind. V. I., old Sol Mere- 
dith being the first Colonel of the regi- 
ment ; was in the battle of Fredericks- 
burg, second battle of Bull Run, South 
Mountain. Antietam, Gettysburg and 
the Wilderness, and in many other fights 
and skirmishes ; was wounded at the 



siege of Petersburg, June 18, 1864 ; 
was in the service three years. Came to 
Benton County in 1865; was elected 
Recorder of this county in the Fall of 
1872, and re-elected in 1874, and again 
re-elected in 1876; also holds the office 
of City Treasurer. Married Miss Jen- 
nie Shotwell, in Vinton, Nov. 26, 1874. 

Sonders, J. B., gardener. 

Spaulding, E., farmer. Sec. 25. 

Spalding, W. D., laborer. 

SPEXCER, EDWIN B., retired 
farmer, Sec. 11 ; born in Orange Co., 
Vt., Jan. 10, 1812 ; lived there until 
21 years of age, and then went to the 
city of New York for two years; he 
traveled with a show for two years, and 
came to Iowa in the Fall of 1839 ; came 
to Linn Co in the Spring of 1840 ; came 
to Benton Co. in the Fall of 1845; and 
was one of the earliest settlers ; only 
several in this county that were here 
then ; there were plenty of Indians ; only 
one log house in Cedar Rapids, and not 
a road laid out in the county ; Vinton 
was not thought of He held the office 
of County Commissioner when Benton 
Co. was first organized ; was elected Jus- 
tice of the Peace, and has held town and 
school offices. He went to California in 
1850, and returned in 1852. Married 
Martha Davis, from Illinois, in March, 
1844. Owns over 500 acres of land. 

Spencer, J. A., professor of music. 

Springer, Henry, restaurant. 

Spurr, J. F., jailer. 

Squires, Robert, in College for the Blind. 

Stanton, H., retired. 

Starks, L. H., cabinet maker. 

Steadman, E. D., Deputy Co. Treasurer. 

Steadman, E. M., Deputy U. S. Marshal. 

Steadman, E. P., clerk. 

Steares, Jacob, money loaner. 

Steece, Arch. 

Steece, G. M. 

STEPHENS, JAMES, farmer, 
Sec. 35 ; born in Clarion Co., Penn., 
Jan. 2, 1847 ; when 5 years of age, 
came with his parents to Benton 
Co., April 27, 1852, and was one of the 
earliest settlers ; there are not many here 
now that were here when he came ; 
there were plenty of Indians ; he has 
lived here twenty-six years. He has 
held the office of Assessor, and road 
offices. Married Miss Althea Dicken- 

2 



4 94 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY : 



son, from New York State, Sept. 5, 
1874; they have two children — Gertie 
and Edgar. Henry and Margaret Steph- 
ens, the parents of James Stephens, 
were born in Pennsylvania, and came to 
Benton Co. in j. April, 1852 ; they were 
among the ea liest settlers here ; after 
living in this county about a quarter of 
a century, they died, leaving three chil- 
dren — James, Joseph H. and Mollie J.; 
left an estate of 160 acres of land. They 
lost two children — Harrison was in the 
28th I. V. I., Co. D ; was wounded at 
the battle of Cedar Creek ; died from 
his wounds. 

Stern, M., dry goods and clothing. 

Steves, J. D., stock scales. 

Stevens, James, far., Sec. 35. 

Sterens, R. E. 

Stewart, J. G., retired farmer. 

STICK, DAXIELr, of the firm of 
D. Stick & Son, dealers in groceries and 
crockery ; born in Adams Co., Penn.. 
May 22, 1831 ; moved to Stark Co., 
Ohio, when 6 years of age ; lived there 
twenty years, and learned the trade of 
merchant tailor ; came to Linn Co., 
Iowa, in the Fall of 1857 ; lived there 
two years, and came to this county in 
the Fall of 1859, and engaged in farm- 
ing ; came to Vinton in 1864, and en- 
gaged in mercantile business, and has 
continued here since. Has held ofl5ce 
in City Council, one of the first elected. 
Married Miss Margaret A. Marietta, 
from Ohio, June 5, 1851 ; they have 
two children — David L. and Etta R. ; 
they lost three children — two sons and 
one daughter. 

Stick, D. L., grocer. 

Stickney, John, lumber dealer. 

Stickley, P. J. 

STICKNEY, SHERMAX, firm 
of Stickney and Bros., dealers in lumber 
and building material ; born in the town 
of Jay, Essex Co., N. Y., April 19, 
1838 ; the day he was 20 years old, he 
started to Iowa, and came to Vinton in 
April, 1858 ; engaged in teaching schqol, 
and was in the County Treasurer and 
Recorder's office ; he went to Chicago, 
and was in the insurance business two 
years ; returned to Vinton and engaged 
in the lumber business in 1868, and 
continued ever since. Married Miss 
Kate C. Boynton ; born in the town of 



Jay, Essex Co., N. Y., July 19, 1871; 
they have one son — Eugene L. 

Stickney, Walter, feed store. 

Stickney, W. W., farmer, Sec. 32. 

St. John, L. W., grocer. 

Stock, J. M., laborer. 

Stocking, G. H., farmer. 

Stevenson, W. R., retired. 

STONE, HORATIO G., carpen- 
ter and builder ; born in Essex Co., N. 
Y., March 30, 1830 ; came to Scott Co. 
with his parents when 12 years of age, 
1842 ; learned trade of carpenter and 
joiner ; lived in Scott Co. twenty-two 
years, engaged in building in Davenport 
for many years ; came to this county in 
1865, and since then has lived here ; has 
lived in this State thirty-six years. 
Married Susan Carlton from New York 
State ; they have one daughter Lillie ; 
lost one son in infancy. 

Stone, Ostrum, retired farmer. 

STOOKEY, DAVID J., stock 
dealer, buying and shipping stock ; born 
in Ross Co., Ohio, Dec. 22, 1824 ; lived 
in Ohio nineteen years ; removed to In- 
diana; came to Iowa in 1851 ; afterward 
engaged in milling and mercantile busi- 
ness at Moscow ; entered 400 acres of 
land in Cedar Co. ; was in stock busi- 
ness at Wilton Junction ; came to Vin- 
ton in Oct., 1867; engaged in stock 
business. Was in the army ; enlisted in 
the 35tli I. V. I., Co. I ; was instrumen- 
tal in getting up the company, and 
furnishing the means ; was commis- 
sioned Captain. Married Louisa Slaugh- 
ter ; born in Indiana ; she died in 1866, 
leaving six children ; lost one. Married 
Phebe McCord, from Linn Co., Iowa, 
in 1869 ; they have two children — 
Harry and Maud. 

Story, Williamson, stock dealer. 

Stout, G. W., stone mason. 

Stout, W. R., farmer. Sec. 32. 

Stuben, P. N., farmer. 

Sturling, H. H., boarding house. 

Sulvert, William, laborer. 

Swaim, J. J. 

Swaim, Marcus, farmer. 

AGGART, G. M., clerk. 



T 



Taggart, J. A., harness maker. 
Taggart, Samuel, farmer, Sec. 17. 
Tanhill, G. W., money loaner. 
Taylor, F. J. 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



495 



Taylor, J. W., harness maker. 
Taylor, D. J., carpenter. 
Tewkcsl)ery, W. A., attorney. 
THATCHER, SAMrEL. L., 

farmer; born in A'^ermont, Oct. 28, 
1819; lived in that State twenty-four 
years ; came to Wisconsin, and was en- 
gaged in selling agricultural implements; 
came to Benton Co. in 1860 ; has been 
engaged in farming and in ditching and 
draining by machinery and in moving 
buildings ; when he came he had noth- 
ing, and was $1,000 in debt, and now 
owns over HOO acres of land. Married 
Miss Sarah J. Baley, from Pennsylvania ; 
they have two children — Ida and 
James. 

Thayer, D. W., farmer, sec. 22. 

Thompson, J. C, bridge builder. 

TILFORD, JOHX S., retired; 
born in Clark Co., Ind., July 30, 1811 ; 
lived there until 1832, when he enlisted 
in the U. S. service in the Black Hawk 
War ; he was in the Ranger Corps ; 
Captain Ford commanded the company, 
and when they reached Rock Island 
they were under General Scott, and 
four companies of them went South to 
make treaties with the several tribes ; he 
returned to Johnsou Co., Ind., and was 
engaged in the cabinet and coffin busi- 
ness ; in 1850, he came to Iowa and lo- 
cated land, and in April 1851 came 
here to reside ; he entered the land upon 
which part of the city is now built ; only 
three persons here now that were here 
when he came ; there were more In- 
dians than white people here then ; 
owns several farms, and has been identi- 
fied with all the interests of the county. 
Married Margaret J. Young, from 
Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., April 21, 
1835 ; they have three children — J. Y. 
Tilford, Mrs. Ann J. Hanford and 
Helen A. Tracy ; they have lost three 
children. 

TIL.FORI>, JOHN Y., farmer and 
stock rai.ser, Sec. 14 ; born in Franklin 
Co., Ind., Feb. 11, 1830; lived there 
until sixteen years of age ; came to Vin- 
ton in April, 1852; one of the early 
settlers here, there being only a few per- 
sons here now that were here when he 
came ; owns farm of 120 acres. Mar- 
ried Miss Mahala Harper, from Ohio, 
in 1857 ; she died in 1872, leaving three 



children — Cora M., Margaret A. and 
Minnie L. Married Miss Hattie Wil- 
cox, from near Columbus, Ohio, in Nov., 
1873; they have one son — John E. 
Tilford. 

Tillotson, C. K., 

Tilson. W. A., laborer. 

Tinker, G. S., drayman. 

TIXKHAM, JACOB L., firm of 

Tinkham & Miller, grocers ; born in 
Franklin Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 1832 ; lived 
there twenty-six years, and came to 
Benton Co., Iowa in 1858 — to Marys- 
ville ; engaged in cabinet making and 
building business. Was in the army ; en- 
listed in 8th Iowa V. I., Company D ; 
was in battle of ShUoh, and was taken 
prisoner ; after going to Tuscaloosa and 
Montgomery, was paroled, and returned 
to his regiment ; was in the Vicksburg 
campaign; was slightly wounded at 
Memphis during the Forrest raid ; was 
in the campaign against Mobile. Re- 
turned here in 1866, and engaged in 
business with Levi S. Miller ; holds of- 
fice of Town Trustee, and has held town 
and school offices. Married Virginia M. 
Mossman, from Ohio, in 1862; they 
have two children — Edwin M. and 
Bertha L. ; lost two children — Leslie and 
baby. 

Titus, Calvin, laborer. 

Titus, H. 

TOBIN, THOMAS. The subject of 
this biography was born in Ireland Aug. 
15, 1835 ; his father's name was Rich- 
ard Tobin, who died when the Professor 
was a child; he lost his mother when 
7 or 8 years of age ; then the family was 
broken up, the oldest members, two 
brothers and two sisters, coming to 
America, leaving Mr. Tobin and a young 
sister, orphans, in a country then pass- 
ing through the period of the famine, 
when the crops failed to be harvested 
three years During these three years 
the children lived upon what the hand 
of friendship could in these trying times 
supply. In 1850, one of the brothers 
mentioned above, Richard Tobin, now 
of Oswego, N. Y., sent money to Ireland 
for his young brother, then about 15 
years of age ; the lad started for Ameri- 
ca, without friends or education, and 
landed in New York hatless and bare- 
foot, not having a single penny in the 



496 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY : 



world ; two years afterward he learned 
his letters, went to school and passed 
rapidly through the common school ; 
although he attended school in the Win- 
ter, he made such progress that his 
friends advised him to seek higher ad- 
vantages ; in 1857, he left Long Island 
and venturing upon the road to learn- 
ing, entered Fort Edward Collegiate 
Seminary ; there he first met Prof. S. 
A. Knapip and wife. After enduring 
many vicissitudes in the preparatory 
and collegiate courses, he graduated in 
June, 1862, and was ordained to preach 
the Gospel in the Baptist Church in 
1863. He often remarks that he spent 
three months in school, during which 
time he had not money enough to buy 
a postage stamp. He has taught some 
part of each year since, with fair success. 
In 1868, Mr. Tobin learned for the first 
time since he came to America where 
his brother who had sent for him was ; 
the meeting was a joyous one ; at that 
time, also, he learned that the little sister 
whom he had left in Ireland had also come 
to America, was married and settled 
near Green Bay, Wis., in the enjoyment 
of a large, smart, healthy family, one of 
which, C. McCarty, now is in the Acad- 
emy. The brother of whom we have 
spoken still resides in Oswego, N. Y., 
and among other sources of happiness, 
rejoices to see the little orphans, whom 
he so kindly remembered in sending 
them his hard earned money, so well 
situated in this life, an honor and a com- 
fort to himself In March, 1871, Mr. 
Tobin came to Vinton, and through the 
advice of Prof Knapp, he laid out all 
he had accumulated in the enterprise now 
known as Tilford Academy ; within six 
days after Mr. Tobin landed in Vinton, 
the plan for the Academy was completed, 
and thirteen teams and twenty-five men 
were at work upon the grounds and 
building, setting out trees, grading, etc., 
and within five months from the time of 
commencing, the Professor had com- 
pleted and furnished the Academy ; had 
gone to Vermont, married, returned and 
had a school of one hundred students in 
full andsuccessful operation. When the 
Academy was dedicated, Prof S. A. 
Knapp delivered the address in Watson's 
Hall in which he quoted, by way of re- 



I commendation, what the President of the 
Institution from which Mr. Tobin grad- 
i uated, said of him, " he can be de- 
pended upon." Mr. T. has been before 
the public and the people of Benton Co. 
for the last seven years ; he has organ- 
ized and conducted a first-class Academy, 
with but little help from the community 
and in no wise connected with Church 
' or State ; and to-day Tilford Academy, 
with its fine buildings, furniture and 
j surroundings is known to Benton Co. 
and a large portion of Iowa, and merits 
to be considered worthy of favor and 
patronage. The Institution, with all its 
equipments, cost over $26,000. It is 
well arranged for 125 students and five 
teachers ; everything is taught that the 
public requires ; sixty students find a 
good home in the Academy building. 
The buildings are well calculated for 
school and school purposes and are the 
special pride of Vinton and Benton 
County. Prof Tobin has been aided 
from the beginning by his excellent and 
accomplished wife, Allie C, daughter of 
Philip and Mary Griswold, of Castle- 
town, Vt., to whom he owes much of 
the success and efficiency of the insti- 
tution. Mrs. Tobin has also acquired a 
high reputation as an artist ; as a teacher 
she has no superior, and is highly be- 
loved by all who know her. Mr. Tobin 
is also happy in the company and assist- 
ance of his nephew, T. F. Tobin, son of 
the brother and benefactor spoken of 
above ; this young man has made rapid 
improvements in his studies, and has 
worked his way through and up to the 
Sophomore year in College, and is deter- 
mined to go through tlie highest avail- 
able course. He is a good teacher and 
highly esteemed by all who know him. 
The State and Nation will hear from him 
yet, and be pleased to honor him. The 
Professor's life and success thus far 
should stimulate our young men to look 
forward to the privileges and opportuni- 
ties they have to enjoy, of the life be- 
fore them, and it should be an incentive 
and an inducement to noble undertak- 
ings and perseverence. Young men, 
so live that men of worth and integrity 
can say of you, '' he can be depended 
upon." 
Thompson, C., retired farmer. 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



497 



TRAER, J. €v DR., of the firm 
of Truer Brus., bankers; born in Knox 
Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1825, and came to 
Iowa in 1845,. and lived in Muscatine 
Co. one year, and in Cedar Co. one 
year, and in Cedar Rapids three years ; 
came to Benton Co. in August, 1851, 
and is one of the earliest settlers here ; 
he practiced medicine several years ; 
was the first physician in Vinton ; he 
studied law, and has practiced his pro- 
fession for twenty years ; lias also been 
engaged in the banking business since 
1855 ; he was a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention in 1857, and has 
held the ofiice of Mayor two years. 
Married Miss M. W. Ferguson, from 
Portage Co., Ohio, in November, 1849; 
they have eight children — William N., 
Florence E., George E., Glenwood, 
Jesse F., Mary, James F. and Clif- 
ford A. 

Traer, U. E., physician. 

TRAER, WILLIAM MOXT- 
GrOMERY", of the banking house of 
Traer Bros. ; was born in Vinton, Ben- 
ton Co., May 21, 1852 ; he is the first 
person that was born in Vinton, and he 
has lived here twenty six years ; he has 
been connected with the active manage- 
ment of the bank since 1871. Married 
3Iiss Delia Boggs, daughter of A. W. 
Boggs, Esq., of this county, Sept. 4, 
1873 ; they have two children — James 
Ferguson and William Traer, Jr. 

Tryon, Jesse, farmer. 

Tyler, Fred, butter and egg dealer. 

"TTLLOM, W. T., farmer. 

Uttley, P. L., Assistant Postmaster. 
^TANHOBN, W. B., grain buyer. 

Vannice, J. N., retired farmer. 
V'erharen, H., harness maker. 
VERHAREX, FRAXK T., of 

the firm of Verharen & Ray, dealers in 
agricultural machinery and farm imple- 
ments ; born in Prussia Nov. 1, 1843; 
came to America in 1 850 ; lived in 
Illinois for some years, in Gralena and in 
Whiteside county ; lived in Dubuque 
three years; came to Vinton in 1870, 
and engaged in his present business. 
Married Miss Lottie B. Drake, from 
Massachusetts, in July, 1871; they 
have two dauiihters — Lena and Lula. 



Vorhies. A. J., farmer. 

VORIS, FIEEDIl^t} R.; bom 

July 10, 1810, in Mercer Co., Ky. In- 
heriting an iron will and untiring perse- 
verance, at the early age of 18, for the 
purpose of making a home for his 
parents, he plunged into the woods 
of Indiana, then the border of civiliza- 
tion, and almost within hearing of the 
red man's war whoop, and purcliased for 
his father an eighty acre tract of land, 
and, after returning for his father's 
family, cleared up the land and prepared 
a farm by cutting out the dense and 
heavy forest growing thereon. Tak- 
ing these things into consideration, 
young Voris had undertaken no small 
task ; but with filial aff"ection he strug- 
gled to get a home for his parents. 
He enlisted in the United States service, 
in 1832, in the Black Hawk war; a part 
of his army life in that year was sjient 
on the grounds where the city of Chicago 
now stands, which, at the time men- 
tioned, was but a mere trading point, 
with some five or six rude buildings ; 
and right here it may be added that 
when the guns of Fort Sumter }>ro- 
claimed the morn of the rebellion at 
hand, although surrounded by relatives 
and neighbors unfriendly to the Union, 
Mr. Voris fearlessly and manfully un- 
furled the flag and boldly proclaimed 
that, as for him and his, they were for the 
Union; and to show his faith by his 
works, notwithstanding the infirmities of 
age were creeping upon him, when John 
Morgan crossed the line into Indiana, he 
left family and property and rushed 
to the front to meet the invader, and 
was color-bearer under Col. Lamberson 
for Capt. A. C. Woods until his dis- 
charge became necessitated on account 
of sickness. In politics, Mr, Voris 
may be classed as a thorough Repub- 
lican, as he affiliated with that party 
in its organization, and has t'ver since 
earnestly and vigorously supported its 
principles. He married June 22, 1835, 
Miss Sarah Smock, who died Jan. 9, 
1844; was again maiTied June 23, 
1845, to Mrs. Ann .Smock, who is still 
living, and the name of " Mother Voris" 
is a synonym of matronly goodness ; his 
family, which consists at present of 
three boys and two girls, all of whom 



498 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



have been finely educated and teachers 
of the highest type ; two of his sons 
have adopted the law, the other, mercan- 
tile pursuits ; the young ladies have won 
a reputation second to none as practical 
teachers. Mr. Voris moved from Indi- 
ana to Benton Co., Iowa, in August, 
1864, and purchased a farm of 160 
acres from A. W. Boggs, upon which 
himself and family resided for eight 
years; and in 1872, he purchased a fine 
home in the city of Vinton and retired 
from active life, and is now a member of 
the City Council, and brings ro bear all 
his energies in transacting oflScial busi- 
ness, in consequence of which has been 
constantly re-elected in his ward. 
VORIS, DAVID E., Vinton, Iowa; 
although a young man, he has by in- 
dustry and a careful and systematic 
course of legal training, developed into 
one of the most reliable attorneys in the 
State ; Mr. Voris is a native of Indiana, 
born in Johnson Co. Sept. 17,1850; 
emigrated to Benton Co., Iowa, in Aug., 
1864, with his father and family, and 
worked on the paternal acres for several 
years ; like most men who carve out an 
enviable reputation for themselves, Mr. 
Voris has almost, it might be said, worked 
his own way upward in the path of 
knowledge, as he had but few educational 
advantages beyond some three months 
in each year at the district school, until 
he was 17 years old, when he attended 
Rev. J. S. Dunning's select school, some 
eighteen months, and one term at Til- 
ford's Academy, under charge of Rev. 
T, Tabin, in Vinton, Iowa; Mr. Voris' 
chosen profession was the law, upon the 
study of which, he commenced with 
Traer & Gilchrist, in Vinton, Iowa, 
defraying all incidental expenses by 
teaching school ; in due time he was 
admitted to the bar in Vinton, March, 
1874, and in April of that year, com- 
menced the practice of his profession at 
Sac City, Iowa ; in Nov. of 1874, 
he decided to return to Vinton, at which 
place he has vigorously followed the 
practice of law ever since ; first, in part- 
nership with H. Jones, afterward, with 
Robert St. Clair; but in Jan. 29, 1877, 
he purchased the interests of Mr. St. 
Clair, and has since been running the 
office alone. By strict integrity and close 



application to the interest of his clients, 
aided by his private irreproachable 
character, Mr. Voris has admirably suc- 
ceeded in building up a large and lucra- 
tive practice, which is annually increasing, 
and his service sought for by parties liti- 
gant throughout the State, from Daven- 
port to Council Bluifs. Mr. Voris was 
married Aug. 26, 1875, to Miss Mary 
Olivia Dukes, an estimable young lady, 
by Rev. Stephen Phelps ; time has de- 
veloped this matrimonial venture to be a 
wise one for both parties ; there being 
at this time no more cozier, happier or 
cheerful home than that of Mr. and Mrs. 
David E. Voris, in the State of Iowa ; 
and add to this, a flourishing practice, 
the subject of this sketch is to be envied 
for his deserved success in business and 
personal propularity as a private citizen. 

TTTADDINGTON, RICHARD, team- 
Wagner, C, merchant tailor. 

Waite, E. G., minister. 

Wakefield, Ira C, former, Sec. 14. 

Wakefield, M. A., far.. Sec. 14. 

Wakefield, Wm. L., far.. Sec. 10. 

Wallery, T. B., laborer. 

Walton, J. H., retired. 

Walton, P. R., farmer. 

Ward, Thomas, farmer. Sec. 34. 

Warner, Jacob, farmer. Sec. 29. 

WARXER, H. E., Clerk of District 
and Circuit Courts ; born in Lake Co., 
Ohio, Jan. 10, 1839 , went to Rock 
Co., Wis., at an early age. Was in the 
army ; enlisted in the 22d Regt. Wis. 
Inf., Co. E; was wounded in the battle 
of Resaca, Ga. ; was taken prisoner at 
Brentwood ; taken to Richmond, and 
afterward exchanged. Held the oSice of 
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors in Rock 
Co., Wis., two years ; was elected to his 
present office in 1874, and was re- elected 
in 1876. Married Miss Anna J. Riggs, 
from Beloit, Wis., in October, 1870 ; 
they have three children — Majora, Ar- 
thur H. H., and baby. 

WATKIXS, A. C, proprietor of 
Howard House ; born in Genesee Co., 
N. Y., July 28, 1826; lived in that 
State about seventeen years, and re- 
moved to Ohio ; went to California and 
was there four years, and returned to 
Ohio ; removed to Illinois, and was in 
the hotel business at Plainfield, Will 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



499 



Co. ; kept hotel at Cortland, Trumbull 
Co., five years ; came to Vinton in 
March, 1869, and has been engaged in 
hotel busine.ss here the past nine years. 
Was in the army ; enlisted in the 8th I. 
V. C, Co. K ; was elected First Lieuten- 
ant of Co. K, and was obliged to resign 
on account of ill health. Married Mar- 
ion E. Oviatt, from Summit Co., Ohio, 
May 2, 1851 ; they have seven children 
—Edwin F., Ida May, Mona M., 
Broderick E., Almeron, Daisy and Burt; 
lost two — Frank and Lily. 

Watson, A. K., speculator. 

Watson, Henry, grocer. 

WATSOX, P. W., of the firm of S. 
H. Watson & Sons, bankers ; born in 
Harrison Co., Ohio, Dec. 17, 1852 ; 
came with his parents to Iowa at an 
early age, and has been engaged in 
banking business with his father for the 
past six years ; is also engaged in the 
grocery and provision business, the firm 
of P. W. Watson & Co. Married Miss 
Blanche V. Hewes, from New York 
State, May 14, 1873 ; they have one 
son — Samuel H. Watson, Jr. 

WATSON, SAMUEL. H., of the 
firm of Samuel H. Watson <& Sons, 
bankers ; born in Ohio Co., W. Va., July 
3, 1828 ; when 6 years of age, moved to 
Harrison Co., Ohio ; came to Vinton, 
Iowa, Oct. 14, 1856, and engaged in 
the banking business with Judge Doug- 
lass ; he retired from the business in 
1861, and Mr. Watson continued it 
until 1866, when he organized a nation- 
al bank and continued for four years; 
then the organization was dissolved ; 
Mr. Watson continuing the business, 
his sons becoming interested with him. 
He ha."- held town and school offices ; 
has held the office of Treasurer, and 
one of the Trustees of the State College 
for the Blind about ten years. Married 
Miss Emeline Perrine, from Belmont 
Co., Ohio, Nov. 21, 1849; they have 
seven children — William P., Peter W., 
Clara, Clifi'ord, Frank, Lillie and Es- 
tella. 

Weaver, Amos, minister. 

Webb, A. K., plasterer. 

Webb, E. C, laborer. 

Webb, Gr. W., stock buyer. 

Webb, J. R., retired. 

Webb, J. W. 0., boot and shoe dealer. 



WEBB, M. D. li., retired ; born in 
Woodford Co.. Ky., April 2, 1824; 
when 15 years old, moved to Franklin, 
Ind.; lived there eleven years and came 
to Iowa ; his father's family came by 
wagon, and he came by stage and ar- 
rived at Vinton Oct. 10, 1851 ; he was 
one of the earliest settlers — Mr. Tilford, 
Dr. Traer and James Wood, the only 
ones here now that were here then. He 
married Miss Mary J. Beckett April 5, 
1853; she was born in Danville, Hen- 
dricks Co., Ind., and came with her 
parents to this county in 1847 ; they were 
the first couple married in Vinton ; they 
commenced housekeeping and have only 
moved once since then. Mr. Webb has 
been engaged in the farming, stock and 
mercantile business and says that for 
several years after he came, that he, or 
Dr. Traer, Russell Jones or Dr. Stan- 
berry, when they needed, could get all 
the money there was in the town in 
twenty minutes. Mr. and Mrs. Webb 
have two sons — Elliott C, born April 9, 
1855 ; Wilbert W., born Oct. 4, 1857. 
Mrs. Ruth Webb, mother of Mr. 
Webb, is 86 years of age and is living 
here ; her husband died in 1852. Mrs. 
Melinda M, Beckett, mother of Mrs. 
Webb, was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., 
she came herein 1849, one of the earli- 
est settlers ; she is 78 years of age, and 
is very active, and has a wonderful clear 
memory of the incidents of her early 
life here ; she has three children — 
James R. Webb, of Chicago, Mrs. Eliza 
Sanders, and Mrs. Y\'^ebb ; her hu.sband 
died in 1851. 

Webster, A. B., horse dealer. 

Weddle, G. D., miller. 

W^eed, William, carpenter. 

WENTZ, AKTHLR A., farmer 
and raiser of fine stock ; born in Ches- 
ter Co., Penn., Oct. 8, 1846; he lived 
there twenty years, and came to Linn 
Co., Iowa, in 1866, and engaged in the 
book business; came to Vinton in 1867 
and engaged in the abstract business for 
some years ; he made the present ab- 
stract books ; on account of his health 
he sold the abstract books to Mr. Knapp, 
and bought the farm where he now 
lives, just out of the city limits, and 
engaged in raising fine stock ; he held 
ofiice of Town Clerk for some years ; 



500 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



holds oflSce of Supervisor of this county; 
was appointed in June, 1876, and was 
elected to fill the same oflBce in the Fall 
of same year. Married Miss Clara 
Blackman, from Marion, Linn Co., Iowa, 
April 23, 1868 ; they have two children 
— Greorge E. and John T. ; they have lost 
three sons — Harry, Charley and Allen. 
West over, William, stock dealer. 
Wetz, Jacob, pension agent. 
Wetz, Wit., laborer. 

WH1PPI.E, CYRENIIJS T., 
farmer ; born in Licking Co., Ohio, Oct. 
11, 1827; lived in Ohio until 11 years 
of age, and moved with his parents to Lo- 
gansport, Ind. ; lived in Indiana fifteen 
years ; in 1850, in company with three 
other young men, came by wagon to 
Iowa, to this county, and selected land 
here and entered it ; there was only one 
log house here at that time ; returned 
to Indiana and came here aaain in 1852 ; 
in 1854, he came with his parents to 
reside permanently ; located on his land 
and built a house costing about $1,000, 
the best one around here then ; engaged 
in farming ; in 1860, he bought where 
he now lives and paid $50 an acre for 
it; he owns about 350 acres of land, 
most of it adjoining the city and very 
valuable. Married Nancy J. Cline 
March 6, 1856 ; she was born in Frank- 
lin, Johnson Co., Ind., and came here 
in October, 1850, and was one of the 
earliest settlers here ; they have three 
sons and one daughter — William P., 
Miles E., Selmon T., and Cora Jane ; 
they lost one daughter — Callie. 
Whipple, William P., farmer, Sec. 19. 
WHITE, CHARL.es G., carpen- 
ter and builder ; born in Rutland, Vt., 
Nov. 29, 1830 ; moved to New York 
State in infancy and when 5 years of 
age came with his parents to Davenport, 
Iowa, being forty days on the way ; they 
were among the earliest settlers ; there 
was not a house in Davenport except a 
ferry shanty ; the government soldiers 
were on the island and most of the in- 
habitants were Indians ; they were among 
the earliest settlers in the State ; learned 
the trade of carpenter and joiner in Le 
Claire ; came to Vinton in 1857 and en- 
gaged in building, and has built and has 
helped to build some of the best build- 
ings here. Has held ofiice of City Mar- 



shal and Collector in Le Claire, Iowa. 
Married Evelina Miller, from Allegheny 
City, Penn., Dec. 5, 1850 ; they have 
four children — Clarence L., William, 
Mary M. and Bessie ; they have lost 
two sons. 
White, C. L., carpenter. 
WHITE, DAVID H., carpent^er 
and builder ; born in Albany Co., N. Y., 
Sept. 7, 1818 ; learned the trade of 
carpenter and joiner ; Avas engaged in 
building there until 1865, when he 
came to Vinton and since then has been 
engaged in building here. Married 
Miss Catharine Walley, from Albany 
Co., N. Y., in September, 1837 ; they 
have ten children, six sons and four 
daughters, and lost two children. His 
son Jesse was in the army, 44th Regt. 
New York Vols., and was killed at the 
Battle of Gettysburg. Andrew was in 
the 91st Regt. New York Vol. Inf. 
James E. was Captain in Co. Gr, 13th 
Regt. Iowa Inf , and is now Superintend- 
ent of the Railway Mail Service, Sixth 
Division, with headquarters in Chicago. 
White, Grilman, carpenter. 
White, S., clerk. 
Whitehead, Alex., laborer. 
Whitehead, J. S., teamster. 
Whitlock, A. S., dairyman. 
Whitlock, J. A., retired. 
Whitney, M. G., teamster. 
Whitson, C. W., laborer. 
Wilford, Samuel, laborer. 
Wilkerson, John, farmer. Sec. 31. 
WILKINSON, C. R., editor Peo- 
pies Journal ; born in Hamilton Co., 
Ohio, Aug. 25, 1844; lived there 
twelve years, and came to Iowa in 1856 ; 
was in the army during the rebellion ; 
went out as Adjutant 18th Ohio V. I., 
and served on staff duty ; was in bat- 
tles of Perryville, Stone River, Chicka- 
mauga. Mission Ridge and Nashville ; 
came to Vinton in 1866 ; was local edi- 
tor Vinton Eagle^ and was connected 
with the Daily Observer at Cedar Rap- 
ids ; became connected with the Jour- 
nal in 1872, and is editor and manager. 
Married Miss Nette Cooledge, of N."Y. 
State, May 14, 1872 ; they have one 
daughter — Stella. 
Willcox, H., express agent. 
WILLIAMS, A. C, retired ; born 
in Wayne Co., Ind., Sept. 18, 1832 ; he 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



501 



received his education through his own 
eiforts, and prepared himself for teach- 
ing, and taught sc-liool some years ; he 
was Superintendent Schools Cambridge 
City, Wayne Co., Ind., for some years, 
and also in Plymouth, Ind. ; he was 
Professor Penmanship and Bookkeep- 
ing in White Water College, Wayne 
Co., Ind. ; came to Benton Co. in 1856, 
and engaged in teaching school, and 
taught penmanship ; went to Chicago 
and was in the commission business 
four years, then was engaged in selling- 
goods on the road for ten years ; hav- 
ing bought land here in 1865, he en- 
gaged in raising fine stock, principally 
hogs ; he was the first to introduce Poland 
hogs in this section ; on account of his 
health, he sold his farm, except eighty 
acres near town ; he made the largest 
public sale of hogs ever held in Benton 
County, Feb. 20, 1878 ; in March, 
April and May, of 1877, he answered 
over one thousand letters. Married 
Miss Inez E. Dwelle, from Michigan, in 
Jan., 1873 ; they have one son — Lewis 
Clifi"ord, born Sept. 13, 1877. 
Williams, J. G. 

Williams, J. I., farmer, Sec. 4. 
Williams, J. N. 
Williams, N. L., grocer. 
Williams, Stephen, minister. 
Williams, W. E., retired. 
WII.JLL,IAMS, W. F., banker ; 
born in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, 
May 22, 1830 ; lived there nineteen 
years, and went to California by way of 
Panama, in 1849, and engaged in mer- 
cantile business in Marysvillc, and in 
the mountains: in 1856, he came to 
this county and entered 500 acres of 
land, and spent the Summer in making 
improvements, and in the Fall returned 
to the Pacific coast ; he spent seventeen 
years in California ; he returned to Vin- 
ton, Iowa, in April, 1867, and engaged 
in banking business with Traer & Co. ; 
afterward, engaged in banking and 
dealing in lands, extensively ; he has 
done more building, and probably made 
more improvements here, than any man 
in Vinton, or in Benton Co. Married 
Miss Frances E. Fielding, from Lancas- 
ter, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1860; they have 
four daughters — Mae Ella, Lizzie, 
Maud and Jennie. 



years, 
stock 



Williamson, Daniel, farmer. Sec. 26. 

Wills, 0. F., teamster. 

Wilson, George, tinner. 

WI LSOX, HKXRY ^I., C APT., 

farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 30 ; born 
in Scott Co., Ind., Dec. 18, 1841 ; lived 
there until 14 years of age ; then came 
with his parents to Vinton, in April, 
1855 ; they were among the early set- 
tlers. Enlisted as private in the 28th 
I. V. I., Co. D ; was elected Orderly 
Serjeant; was in the battles of Magnolia 
Hill, Champion Hill, siege of Vieks- 
burg, Pleasant Hill, Winchester, Cedar 
Creek and a number of others, twenty- 
three in all ; he was promoted, and com- 
missioned Lieutenant, and then to Cap- 
tain and commander of Co. D, 28th 
regiment. Was elected Sheriff of Ben- 
ton Co., in 1868 ; re-elected in 1870, 
and again re-elected in 1872 ; served six 
Then engasred in farming and 
raising ; owns farm of 150 
acres. Married Miss C. J. Cline, from 
Johnson Co., Ind., in Sept., 1868 ; they 
have four children — Cdlie E., Evert 
Mav, Charles S. and Baby. 

Wilson, J. E. 

Wilson, Thomas. 

WITHROW, DAVID M., mer- 
chant tailor; born in Jefferson Co., 
Ohio, Feb. 3, 1830 ; lived in Ohio about 
twenty-six years ; learned the tailor's 
trade; came to Vinton in March, 1857, 
and has lived here twenty-one years ; he 
was the first merchant tailor in Vinton, 
and the oldest one in Benton Co., having 
been in business longest. Married Miss 
Mary S. Watson, from Harrison Co., 
Ohio, March 16, 1853; they have five 
children — Virginia, Frank, Anna, Carl 
and Clifford ; lost two sons — William and 
Joshua. 

Wittie, (x. D., shoemaker. 

Wood, A. M. 

MOOD, JAllES, HOX., was 
born March 28, 1822, at Barnesley, 
England, and was educated at the Gram- 
mar school located in his native town 
and founded by Queen Elizabeth, which 
he attended until he was 13 years of 
age, when he was apprenticed to the 
machinist trade, serving seven years, at 
Leeds, England. In May, 1842, he 
came to this country, locating first near 
Steubenville, Ohio, where he remained 



502 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



only a short time ; he worked at his 
trade for some time at New Philadel- 
phia, Ohio, where he was married in 
October, 1843 ; he also worked at 
Wheeling, W. Va., and Pittsburgh, 
. Penn., removing to Iowa in the Spring 
of 1850, and located at Fremont, now 
Vinton, where he has since resided, hav- 
ing been thoroughly identified with the 
growth and progress of the town and 
county ; he opened the first blacksmith 
shop, which he carried on for about 
three years, when he engaged in real 
estate business, which he followed for 
some time. In 1854, he was appointed 
Postmaster of Vinton, which office he 
held for nine years ; elected Justice of 
the Peace in 1862, and has since con- 
tinuously held the office by re-election, 
performing its responsible yet unpleasant 
duties to the satisfaction of the general 
public. He commenced reading law 
when in New Philadelphia, which he 
kept up by himself a» he had time or 
opportunity, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1865. He is the author of several 
books of reference for attorneys, which 
are regarded by competent judges as 
among the most valuable works of the 
kind ever published. 
WOOD, ROBERT, farmer, Sec. 
24 ; born in Canada in 1811, and lived 
there forty-five years ; came to the 
United States in 1856, and came to 
Iowa, to Benton Co., the same year ; they 
came with their team, and were six 
weeks and five days on the way, and 
arrived in Aug., 1856 ; they were 
among the early settlers here, and have 
lived here twenty-two years, engaged in 
farming ; used to haul grain to Cedar 
Rapids, and has sold wheat at 40 cents 
per bushel ; owns the farm where he 
now lives. Married Miss Eliza Tault- 
ner, from Lower Canada, in the Fall of 
of 1842 ; they have nine children — 
Mrs. Mary A. Barton, Mrs. Hannah 
Nichols, Mrs. Dorcas Ten Eyck, Mrs. 
Lucy Ditch, Mrs. Hattie Rhoades, Mrs. 
Amanda Owens, Maggie, William and 
Hiram ; lost two sons — Wellington and 
James ; Wellington was in Co. C, 47th 
I. V. I., and died at Helena, Ark., from 
disease, and his mother now draws a 
pension ; William was in the same regi- 
ment, and is now in Washington Terri- 



tory ; Mr. Wood had beside two sons, 
four sons-in-law, Mr. Barton, Mr. Nich- 
ols, Mr. Ten Eyck and Mr. Ditch, all in 
the army. 

Wood, W. H., laborer. 

Wood, W. T., laborer. 

Wood, William, dairyman. 

Woodard, James, carpenter. 

Woodburn, William, barber. 

Woodrow, S., carpenter, 

WORTHED, JOSEPH H., firm 
of Tewksbury & Worthen, attorneys; 
born in Thetford, Orange Co. Vt., 
Sept. 12, 1848; entered Dartmouth 
College, and graduated there in the class 
of 1873 ; went to Nebraska City in 1874 ; 
was Superintendent of Schools there two 
years. Studied law, and was admitted 
to the bar there in April, 1876 ; prac- 
ticed his profession in Sidney, Fremont 
Co., two years, and came to Vinton in 
Jan., 1878, and associated with Mr. 
Tewksbury. 

WRIGHT, THOMAS, of Trair & 
Wright, fine stock raisers ; born in En- 
gland Aug. 5, 1833 ; emigrated to 
America in 1853 ; came to Wisconsin, 
and lived there eleven years, and came 
to Vinton, Iowa, in 1864 ; has been en- 
gaged in raising fine stock for the past 
five years ; went to England and im- 
ported Yorkshire hogs, also raised Poland- 
China hogs and Short-Horned cattle. 
Married Miss Mary Ann Gray, from 
Yorkshire, England, Nov. 1,1855 ; they 
have eight children — Matilda Cshe mar- 
ried Thomas L. Manwell April 4, 1878), 
Sarah, Annie. Minnie, Mary, Ella, 
Leonard and Elsie ; they have lost two 
sons. 

Wcyofi", P. B., teamster. 

^^ERKES, HOWARD, laborer. 

Yerkes, John H., farmer, Sec. 25. 

YERKES, THOMAS J., farmer. 
Sec. 26 ; born in Dearborn Co., Ind., Nov. 
30, 1842; lived there until 12 years 
old, and came with his parents to Ben- 
ton Co., in 1856 ; located in the timber, 
and has lived here twenty-two years ; is 
engaged in farming, and owns farm of 
sixty-two acres of land. Married Mary 
J. Ferguson, from this county, in April, 
1866 ; they have four children — Mat- 
tie A., Harrison Edward, Elba S. and 
Clara A. 



TAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 



503 



Young, J. G., furniture maker. 

YOIJN(t}, JAMES F., proprietor 
of City Mills ; born in Johnson Co., 
Ind., April 26, 1825 ; lived there twen- 
ty-three years ; four of them came to 
Iowa by team, in 18-48 ; he spent the 
Winter in Cedar Rapids, and came to 
Benton Co., in Dec, 1849 ; located at 
Big Grove ; there was not a person liv- 
ing in that township when he came ; is 
one of the earliest settlers in the county; 
there were plenty of Indians there ; en- 
farmino; ; in 1855, he 



gaged 



in 



came 



to Vinton, and built a grist-mill ; 



the first mill built in this county that 
would grind wheat ; he is also engaged 
in the furniture business ; firm of J. F. 
Young & Co. Has held town and 
school offices. Married Mary Bergen, 
from Indiana in 1849 ; she died in 1855. 
Married Lucelia Fellows, from New 
York, April 17, 1857 ; they have four 
children — Joseph (>., Clara M., Carrie 
G. and James W. ; lost one son — Be- 
thuel M. 

Young, Joi^eph, Sr., retired. 

Young, R. N., grocer. 

Young, W. H., grain elevator. 




504 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



AHRBNS, CHRISTIAN, farmer, Sec. 
22 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Ahrens, E., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Ahrens, W., farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Aiserman, F., farmer. Sec. -1 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Alexander, William, retired farmer, Belle 
Plaine. 

Allen, Charles, shoemaker, Belle Plaine. 

Allen, F. L., merchant. Belle Plaine. 

Allen, 0. F., laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Allen, W. G., ticket agent. Belle Plaine. 

ALIiE]^, WII^WAII, farmer, Sec. 
35 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; was born in 
Jefferson Co., Ohio, June 30, 1830, 
where he remained until 1856, when he 
came to Cedar Co., this State, remaining 
two years, at the end of which time he 
moved to Le Roy Tp.,this county; he 
remained in Leroy until 1865, when he 
moved onto his present farm in Sec. 
35, this Tp. He married Miss E. J. 
Norick,in Carrol) Co., Ohio, 1851 ; she 
was born in Harrison Co., Ohio ; they 
have six children livfus; — Christiana ; 
she married S. A. Crawford ; John W., 
Elmer, Julia Ann. Wm. Lincoln and 
Bertha. Mr. Allen owns 240 acres of 
land. 

Anderson, A. B., bookkeeper. Belle Plaine. 

Armstrong, W. S., engineer, Belle Plaine. 

Atchison, James, City Marshal, Belle 
Plaine. 

Aulsbrook, Henry, furniture dealer. Belle 
Plaine. 

Aulsbrook, H. (firm of H. Aulsbrook & 
Son), furniture dealer. Belle Plaine. 

Aulsbrook, M. E., furniture dealer, Belle 
Plaine. 

Aye, Peter, laborer ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

T) AKER, P. F. 

BAII.EY, ROBERT ]«., pro- 
prietor of the City Flour Mill, Belle 
Plaine ; was born in New London Co., 
Conn., in 1839. Married Miss T. E. 
Hurlbutt, in the aforesaid county 
and State ; they moved to Belle Plaine 
in 1869. Mr. Bailey became proprietor 
of the Belle Plaine Flour Mill in 1870, 
and it has been run under his super- 
vision since. 



BAKER, JOSEPH, retired mer- 
chant. Belie Plaine; was born in Onon- 
daga Co., N. Y., Oct. 21, 1824; went 
to Battle Creek, Michigan, in the year 
1845, in which town he married Miss 
Lucy A. Webster, Feb. 3, 1853 ; she 
was born in Ingham Co., Mich., in Aug., 
1835 ; they moveH to Belle Plaine in 
1866, and Mr. Baker engaged in the 
mercantile business, in which he contin- 
ued until 1876 ; they have one child — 
W. N. ; he is now attending the Iowa 
University, at Iowa City, Johnson Co., 
this State. 

Ball, G. M., farmer ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Banden, C. C. 

Bard, S. E., R. R. employe; Belle Plaine. 

Bardwell, G. E., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

BARDWEL.L., S. I^., born in 
Franklin Co., Mass., July 19, 1815 ; 
came to Iowa in 1869 and opened the 
first banking oflice in Belle Plaine. 
Maiden name of wife Laura M. Smith ; 
children — George E., born in 1839, and 
Frank J., born in 1864. 

Barnes, Benjamin C. 

BARXETT, CHAS. R., farmer. 
Sec. 15; P. 0. Belle Plaine; was born 
in Chittenden Co., N. Y., Aug. 22, 
1843 ; in 1856, he went to Kane 111., 
where he remained until the breaking- 
out of the war of the rebellion ; he en- 
listed in Co. A, 52d Reg. 111. Vol. Inf , 
on the ]3th of October, 1861 ; served 
until the war was over ; was honorably 
discharged July 3, 1865; he volun- 
teered as a private soldier but was pro- 
moted through the various grades to 
that of Captain of Co. A ; was pro- 
moted Captain in December, 1864 ; was 
in many severe engagements ; the prin 
cipal ones being the battles of Fort 
Donelson, Pittsburg Landing (in which 
battle he was wounded), Corinth, Res- 
aca, Lays Ferry, and all through the 
Atlanta campaign. The war being over 
and peace restored he returned to Henry 
Co., 111., and remained thereuntil 1866, 
when he came to this township. He 
owns eighty acres of land ; is the present 
Assessor of the township, He married 
Miss A. E. Wilcox at her father's resi- 
dence, in this township, on 26th of No- 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



505 



vember, 1868 ; she was born in Bureau 
Co., 111. ; they have three children — 
Sherman E., Norman E. and Anson 
E. 

Barnes, Henry F. 

Barrett, B. 

Bates, A. J., carpenter, Belle Plaine. 

Barthels, F., far., P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Brathels, Henry, Sr., farmer, Sec. 15; P. 
0. Belle Plaine. 

Barthels, Henry, Jr.. farmer, P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Beal, W.,far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Beck, Mark, plasterer. Belle Plaine. 

Behonick, J., retired ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Bell, A. F., attorney, Belle Plaine. 

B£IiL, A. H., jeweler, Belle Plaine ; 
was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., in 
1835 ; came West in 1857. Married 
Miss Sarah E. Stone in Kane Co., 111., 
in 1863 ; she was born in the same 
connty in 18-42 ; they moved to Belle 
Plaine in 1865 ; they have three chil- 
dren living — Bertie May, born Feb. 1, 
1870 ; Hattie Camilla, born July 17, 
1873 ; Frank Azel, born May 3, 1875. 

Bell, L. B., engineer. Belle Plaine. 

Benda, Martin, saloon, Belle Plaine. 

Benich, Frank, clerk, Belle Plaine. 

Benson, J. Gr., carpenter. Belle Plaine. 

Benson, John, carpenter. Belle Plaine. 

Benson, W. W., mechanic, Belle Plaine. 

Berkheimer, Henry C, farmer, Sec. 36 ; 
P. 0. Luzerne. 

Berkheimer, Israel, farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Beyer. Cornelius S., farmer. Sec. 18 ; P. 
0. Belle Plaine. 

Beyer, H. F., retired farmer. Belle Plaine. 

Bickford, H., flirmer : P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Bird, E. A., clerk, Belle Plaine. 

Bird, F. P., R. R. emp.. Belle Plaine. 

Bishop, H., druggist, Belle Plaine. 

Bittner, Nicholas, farmer. Sec. 2. ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Black, J. T., tailor. Belle Plaine. 

Blair, A. B., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

BLAIR, JAMES, farmer, Sec. 7 i 
P. O. Irving ; was born in Fairfield Co., 
Ohio, 1819. Married Miss N. Mills ; 
she was also a native of Ohio ; they 
moved to this county in 1856, thus be- 
coming one of the pioneer families of 
thisTp. ; they own 165 acres of land ; 
have seven children living. 

Blake, D. W., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 



Blake, Jason, far.. Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Blake. J., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Blanchard J., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Blazek, Joseph, grocer. Belle Plaine. 

BliOOB, A. W., machinist, in the 
employ of the N. W. By. Co., Belle 
Plaine ; was bern in Windham Co., Vt., 
June 16, 1833; he remained in Ver- 
mont until he was 1 7 years of age ; he 
then went to Massachusetts, and com- 
menced railroading; the first two years 
he served as fireman, and the next four- 
teen years he was engineer on the fol- 
lowing railroads : Corn River R. R., 
New York Central, T. W. W., Illinois 
Central. C. B. & Q., and Michigan Cen- 
tral ; he came to Belle Plaine in 1866, 
and entered the employ of the N. W. 
Ry. Co., and has been in their employ 
since. ■ Married Miss Martha Wether- 
head, in Windham Co., Vermont, Dec. 
6, 1854; she was born in the aforesaid 
Co. and State, Dec. 1, 1835; they have 
had four children — Gertrude L., born 
in Aurora, Illinois, Sept. 20, 1863 ; 
Emma, born in Belle Plaine, Jan. 14, 
1868 ; Freddie W., born in Belle Plaine, 
March 24, 1871, died May 7, 1871 ; 
Lucy G., born in Belle Plaine, May 7, 
1874. 

Blue, J. D., clerk. Belle Plaine. 

Blunke, Henry E., farmer, P. 0. Luzerne. 

Boggess, Anthony C, teacher, Irving. 

Boison, Wm., far., S. 24 ; P. O. Luzerne. 

Bombke, Fred., shoemaker. Belle Plaine. 

Bope, John, laborer. Belle Plaine. 

Bosley, A. A., miller. Belle Plaine. 

Bosley, C. H., miller, Belle Plaine. 

Bosley, G. W., miller. Belle Plaine. 

Boswell, H., far., P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Brandt, George, laborer. Belle Plaine. 

Brandt, Thomas, laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Breckenridge, David L., Irving. 

Brieholz, Henry, carpenter. Belle Plaine. 

BREWER, G. C, dentist. Belle 
Plaine; was born in Washington Co., 
Md., on the 14th of Aug., 1847 ; he re- 
mained in Maryland until 1871; he 
then went to Polo, 111., and engaged in 
his profession at that place until 1876, 
when he established in this town (Belle 
Plaine). 

Bridge, David, laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Brimm, W. A., far., P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Brown, N. D., farmer, P. 0. Belle Plaine. 



506 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



BROWN, S., carpenter and builder, 
Belle Plaine ; was born in Ontario Co., 
N. Y., on the 25th of April, 1817; 
moved to Walworth Co., Wis., in 
1856 ; remaining there until 1865, at 
the end of which time, he moved to 
Belle Plaine. His wife was Mrs. Ade- 
line Holcomb ; they were married in On- 
tario Co., N. Y., in 1840 ; she was bom 
in aforesaid county and State in 1820, and 
died in Walworth Co., Wis., in the year 
1860. Mr. Brown has held the offices 
of Postmaster and Justice of the 
Peace, the former three years, and the 
latter one year. 

Bruno, Moses, retired. 

Buck, A., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Buck, Jacob, Sr., farmer, P. Luzerne. 

Buchman, John ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Budy, E., far., S. 18; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Budy, F., far.. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Budy, Geo. R., far., P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Budv, H., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Budy, Simon H., far., S. 3; P.. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Buck, James, laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Burkhart, J. F., fireman, Belle Plaine. 

Burley, B. B., hotel keeper, Belle Plaine. 

Burns, R. M., butcher. Belle Plaine. 

Buterfield, David, R. R. switchman, Belle 
Plaine. 

Byram, J. W. 

CAMERON, ALEX, R. R. employe. 
Belle Plaine. 

COL.DWEL.L., J. M., proprietor of 
livery stable. Belle Plaine ; was born 
in Westmoreland Co., Penn, in 1840, 
where he remained until 1858 ; he then 
came to Tipton, Cedar Co., this State, 
in which place he engaged to learn mar- 
ble cutting, which business he followed 
a number of years ; in 1860, he went 
to Clinton Co., this State. While in Clin- 
ton Co. he enlisted in the regimental 
band of the 1st Reg. Iowa Cav., in 
June, 1861 ; he served until October, 
1862 ; was honorably discharged and 
returned to Clinton Co. Married Miss 
Eliza Morley, in Clinton, this State in 
1865; she was born in England; they 
came to Belle Plaine in 1872. Mr. 
Coldwell keeps first-class rigs, and nice 
turnouts furnished at fair prices. 

Carmody, Michael, farmer, Sec. 14 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Carney, N. H., grocer, Belle Plaine. 



Carroll, Michael. 

Carter, Harrison H., far., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. 

Luzerne. 
Carter, William F., far., Sec. 35 ; P. 0. 

Belle Plaine. 
Casselberry, Arnold, far.. Sec. 18; P. 0. 

Belle Plaine. 
Catron, James, farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. 
Catron, John, far., S. 30; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Cavanaugh, M., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Chadock, 0. F., farmer ; P.O. Belle Plaine. 
Chapen, Oliver, barber, Belle Plaine; 
Chase, J. W., laborer, Belle Plaine. 
Chase, J. W., Jr., carpenter. Belle Plaine. 
Chase, S. T., machinist. Belle Plaine. 
Chevis, J., farmer, S. 27 ; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Christian, Charles. 
Christie, A., laborer, Belle Plaine. 
Christopher, Nelson, laborer, Luzerne. 
Clarey, Andrew, brakeman. Belle Plaine. 
Clarey, P., R. R. employe. Belle Plaine. 
Clark, C. G. 

Clark, E. C, farmer, Belle Plaine. 
Clark, G. F., dairyman. Belle Plaine. 
Clark, J. F., plasterer. Belle Plaine. 
Clark, L. E., painter. Belle Plaine. 
Clarman, Lewis A., saloon, Belle Plaine. 
Clegg, G. H., train master. Belle Plaine. 
Coleman, Wm. H., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Coleman, H., R. R. employe, Belle Plaine. 
Colleeter, H., wagon maker. Belle Plaine. 
Collins, D. L., far., P. 0. Irving. 
Collins, W. S., shoemaker, Belle Plaine. 
Collister, C. H., clerk. Belle Plaine. 
Collister, J., general business. Belle Plaine. 

COIIPTOIV, SARAH, MRS., 

Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Irving ; owns 143 acres 
of land ; was born in Pickaway Co., 
Ohio, in 1829; her husband was I. 
Compton. They were married in Allen 
Co., Ohio, in 1849; he was born in 
Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1826 ; he 
died in this township in January, 1872 ; 
they came to Benton Co., and settled in 
this township in 1855 ; their children 
are Martha Ann ; she married John 
McGrahan ; Joseph R., he married Miss 
E. Hildenbrand ; Lydia Maria, she mar- 
ried William H. Harrison ; Eliza Almeda 
and I. Newton. 

Cook, George, laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Cook, S. M., M. D., Belle Plaine. 

Cox, J. B., M. D., Belle Plaine. 

Craven, A. J., teacher, Irving. 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



507 



CRAVEX, JOHX G., Proprietor 
and Principal of Irving Institute, at 
Irving, Iowa ; was born in Franklin Co., 
Ind., in 1823; in 1888, he entered the 
Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, from 
which school he graduated in 1845 ; he 
then commenced attending the Theolog- 
ical Seminary at Covington, Ky., and 
graduated in 1847 ; was ordained Bap- 
tist minister the same year ; he labored 
in a ministerial capacity until 1872 ; 
his labors, principally, were in Indiana, 
Ohio, Minnesota and this State ; came to 
Irving in 1872, and engaged in his 
present avocation. He married Miss 
Martha Wilson, in Ross Co., Ohio, in 
1849 ; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, 
in the year of 1827. 

Crelley, Thomas J., far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Cress, John W., lab. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Cruson, E. B., vet. surg.. Belle Plaine. 

Cuison. J. R., Street Com., Belle Plaine. 
AMES, JOHN, clerk, Belle Plaine. 



D 



DAXIEIiS, J. B., proprietor harness 
shop, Belle Plaine ; was born in Fayette 
Co., Penn., Jan. 3, 1839 ; he remained 
in Pennsylvania until he was 18 years 
of age ; he then came to Cedar Rapids, 
\ this State, in which place he remained 

\ until 1862 ; he then came to Belle 
Plaine and established himself in his 
present business ; his was the first har- 
ness shop in this town ; he does a good 
business and employs from three to five 
men. At the breaking out of the war 
of the rebellion, he enlisted in the First 
Regt. I. V. I. in 1861 ; was honorably 
discharged. He married Miss Adda 
Cole, in Iowa Co., this State, Nov. 23, 
1862; she was born in Cleveland, Ohio, 
1844 ; they have two children — Mary 
and Myrtle ; both were born in Belle 
Plaine. 

DAMELS, JOSEPH, dealer in 
real estate and builder. Belle Plaine ; 
was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1832 ; 
remained there until 1856; he then 
moved to Clinton Co., this State, thus 
becoming one of the pioneer settlors of 
that county ; 1865, he moved from Clin- 
ton Co., to this city (Belle Plaine), since 
which time he has been actively engaged 
in buildiuiT and dealing in real estate, 
which interests require his constant atten- 
tion ; still he is not indifferent to the 



public interests of the city, as the many 
fine buildings he has caused to be erected 
bear evidence of; he is a practical busi- 
ness man of energy and excellent judg- 
ment, as his success in life give ample 
proof of, though never an aspirant for 
oflice of any kind. The citizens of Belle 
Plaine brought him out as a candidate 
for member of the City Council, to 
which office he was elected, and is now 
of the present Board ; he is also one of 
the present School officers. He has been 
married twice, first wife was Frances E. 
Vance ; she was born in New York ; 
died in this city in 1867 ; present wife's 
maiden name was Miss Maria L. Wright ; 
they were married in this city in 1869. 

Daniels, M., Rev., Baptist minister. Belle 
Plaine. 

Dank, Frank, cabinet maker. Belle Plaine. 

Danes, Joel, Belle Plaine. 

Daugherty, D., gardener; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Dayton, C. E., baggage master. Belle 
Plaine. 

Dayton, G. B., conductor on N. W. Rv., 
Belle Plaine. 

Dayton, J. M., railroad employe. Belle 
Plaine. 

Dean, W., farmer ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Deere, J. M., railroad employe, Belle 
Plaine. 

Delare, B., peddler. Belle Plaine. 

Deuand, A. J., laborer. Belle Plaine. 

Denoon, J. 0., far., P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Douglass, John, carpenter, Luzerne. 

Douglas, W. A., engineer, Belle Plaine. 

Doughty, J. F., clerk, Belle Plaine. 

Donlon, J., shoemaker, Belle Plaine. 

Dorman, T. M., laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Drahos, J., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Drahos, J. R., railroad employe. Belle 
Plaine. 

Draisen, J. H., clerk, Belle Plaine. 

Drahos, Vencil, clerk. Belle Plaine. 

Dunlap, Samuel, railroad employe. 

Dunne, C. C, tinner, Belle Plaine. 

Durand, C. H., merchant. Belle Plaine. 

DURAIVD, JAMES A., firm of 
Durand & Son. Belle Plaine; born in 
Crown Point, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1822 ; his 
father moved there- soon after the close 
of the war of 1812, using it as a farm. 
Was married in Vermont in 1846, to 
Anna C. Beers ; she was born in that 
State, April 17, 1824. Moved to Ken- 



508 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



dall Co., 111., in 1854; came to this 
place in 1869 ; engaged in the mercantile 
business ; is engaged in same at present ; 
carries a stock of from $6,000 to $7,000, 
and does a business of about $20,000 
annually ; has one son — Cassius H., born 
Feb. 16, 1849 ; has been a partner in 
the business since 1869. Are all mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church. 

Durston, J., Deputy Sheriff, Belle Plaine. 

Dingman, C. R., carpenter, Belle Plaine. 

Ealy, E. M., farmer, P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Ealy, H. B., insurance agt., Belle Plaine. 

Ealey, W. C, mechanic, Belle Plaine. 

Eberhart, Universalist minister. Belle 
Plaine. 

Ehles J., teamster, Belle Plaine. 

Ellis Lewis, clerk. Belle Plaine. 

Emerson J. P., R. R. emp.. Belle Plaine. 

Erlenger, A., merchant. Belle Plaine. 

Everest, A. E., Congregational minister, 
Belle Plaine. 

Ewen, Mat, blacksmith, Belle Plaine. 

Ewen, Peter, saloon keeper, Belle Plaine. 

FANRON, CLARK D., farmer, Sec. 
6 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
FARRIXGTOBf, HERETO S., 
Belle Plaine : born June 25, 1840, near 
Bucyrus, Crawford Co , Ohio ; he was 
the eighth child and fourth son of 
Moses and Armelia Farrington, who 
emigrated to that county in 1828, and 
settled upon eighty acres of land bought 
from the Government ; the father died 
Aug. 20, 1840, when the subject of this 
sketch was two months old, leaving a 
widow and eight helpless children, the 
the eldest being only thirteen years old ; 
in 1856, Mr. Farrington left the scenes 
of his childhood, and came to Spring- 
dale, this (Cedar) county, when he went 
to work by the month, in the nursery 
of G. T. Wood, where he remained un- 
til Nov., 1857 ; he then went to Mar- 
shall Co., to visit relatives ; on the 10th 
day of Dec, 1857, he commenced to 
learn the printer's trade in the Express 
office at Marietta, which was then the 
county seat of Marshall Co.; in Nov., 
1859, the Express was discontinued; 
Mr. Farrington next worked for Mrs. 
Edwards, editress of the Marengo Citi- 
zen ; in March, 1860, he went to Morri- 
son, 111., and finished his trade in the 
Sentinel office, where he gave his first 
vot(i for Abraham Lincoln ; in June, 



1861, he left Morrison for Iowa, and 
worked at the printing business at Des 
Moines until Aug. 15, 1862. Heenlisted 
from the Register office in Co. I, 39th 
I. V. I., H. J. B. Cummings, Colonel ; 
he served until the close of the war. 
He returned to Des Moines, and worked 
in the Register office until Sept., 1867, 
when he came to Belle Plaine and 
bought the Transcript of Dickson & 
Campbell ; he sold the same to D. H. 
Frost, in Feb., 1869 ; in Oct., 1874, Mr. 
Farrington started the Belle Plaine Re- 
viewy and remains at present its proprie- 
tor and editor ; the Revieio is now the 
leading newspaper published in Belle 
Plaine, and enjoying the largest home 
circulation and is the ©fficial paper of 
the city. 
Fawer, Samuel, farmer, Belle Plaine. 
Fechner, Gustave. 

Feenay, Henry, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine 
Feenay, John, farmer. Sec. 4; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Felker, Valentine ; P. 0. Irving. 
Fcrree, S. R., carpenter, Belle Plaine 
FILKI^S, J. W., farmer; P. 0. 
Belle Plainp ; was born in Winslow Co., 
N. Y., Nov., 1823, where he remained 
until 1840 ; he then went to Wisconsin, 
where he remained a few years ; he 
came to Benton Co. in 1850 ; was 
elected Treasurer of this county in 1855, 
which office he occupied five years ; pre- 
vious to being elected County Treasurer, 
he was elected to the office of County 
Surveyor, which position he held two 
years ; he was also appointed Deputy 
State Secretary in 1854. He married 
Miss Rachel Kupid, in this county, in 
1857 ; she was born in Troy, N. Y. ; 
they have four children — Douglas C, 
Clara, Fannie and Daniel G. Mr. Fil- 
kins has been very successful in life, and 
has acquired a large property ; he lives 
a few rods outside the corporation of 
the city. Belle Plaine, but has always 
taken an active interest in the advance- 
ment of that place. 
Fish. Titus, farmer. Belle Plaine. 
Fisher, W. S., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Fitzgerald, E. C, harness maker; P. 0. 

Luzerne. 
Fletcher, James J., far., Sec. 19 ; P. 0. 

Belle Plaine. 
Fogg, E. H., merchant, Belle Plaine. 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



509 



Folbricht, J., M. D., Belle Plaine. 

Foot, L. A., printer, Belle Plaine. 

Fouest, Wni. K., blacksmith. Belle IMaine. 

Frazee, Leroy, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Freeman, Patrick, saloon ; Belle Plaine. 

Freeman, George C., P. 0. Irving. 

FROST, DA^^IEL H., Editor of 
Belle Plaine Union and Postmaster, 
Belle Plaine; D. H. Frost is a native 
of Augusta, Oneida Co., N. Y. ; re- 
moved with his father's family, in 1836, 
to Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y. ; 
attended school in Augusta and Stock- 
bridge Academies ; graduated at Hamil- 
ton College, Clinton, N. Y., in 1844; 
engaged in farming for the first few 
years thereafter. Married June 28, 
1848, to Miss Caroline Eaton, of Stock- 
bridge. In 1851, sold his land in 
Stockbridge and moved to Oneida, Mad- 
ison Co., N. Y., where, in October of 
that year, he established the Oneida 
Telegraph, the first newspaper published 
in that town ; the Telegraph alone, 
of the papers in that Congressional 
District, advocated the principles of the 
" Free Soil " or " Free Democratic " 
party ; in 1852, it aided in the election 
of Gerrit Smith to Congress, in oppo- 
sition to the Democratic and Whig par- 
ties ; Mr. Frost continued the publica- 
tion of the Telegraph till 1854, when 
he sold the office to John Crawford, 
who changed the name of the paper to 
the Dispatch, still published at that 
place. In 1855, Mr. Frost took part in 
the organization of the Republican par- 
ty, as a member of the first Republican 
State Convention held in that State. In 
1856, he removed to the Territory of 
Minnesota, having purchased an interest 
in certain mill property at Northfield, 
Minn., from the founder of the town, 
Hon. John W. North ; after a few 
months, he disposed of the property ; 
served two or three years, at Northfield, 
as Justice of the Peace, and was admit- 
ted to practice as an attorney ; elected, 
in 1858, to the State Senate for a term 
of two years, and served in the first 
Republican Legislature of Minnesota; 
Appointed Postmaster at Northfield, 
under President Lincoln, in 1861, and 
served four years ; established the same 
year the Northfield Tlegraph, but sold 
the same to C. H. Mann, before the 



close of the year. Elected, in 1861, 
Judge of Probate for Rice Co., Minn. ; 
re-elected in 1863, thus serving four 
years ; was also, at diiferent times, a 
member of the State Normal Board and 
the Board of Trustees of the Deaf, 
Dumb and Blind Asylum of Minnesota. 
In 1865, removed to Vinton, Benton 
Co., Iowa, and purchiised a half-interest 
in the Vinton Eagle, of W. W. Han- 
ford, then sole proprietor, and became its 
editor, so continuing until October, 1 868, 
when he sold his interest in the Eagle 
to A. C. Holt; in February, 1869, 
bought the Belle Plaine Transcript pub- 
lished in the same county, which had been 
in existence a little over a year,under three 
or four different proprietors ; changed 
its name to the Belle Plaine Union, and 
has been its editor and proprietor ever 
since. Appointed in December, 1872, 
Postmaster at Belle Plaine, and re-ap- 
pointed, in January, 1877, for a term 
of four years. Is at this time the 
editor of longest service in Benton 
County. 

Frost, Henry A., printer, Belle Plaine. 

Furnace, H. S., far.. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Furnace, James, lab., Belle Plaine. 

Furnace, S. H., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

GARDNER, II., farmer; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine : born in Steuben Co., N. 
Y., in 1820; remained in New York 
until 1846. In the mean time he mar- 
ried Miss Maria A. Smith in 1842 ; she 
was born in Tompkins Co , N. Y., 1827 ; 
they moved to Wisconsin in 1846; re- 
mained in that State until 1852 ; they 
then moved to Delaware Co., this State, 
thus becoming one of the pioneer fami- 
lies of that county ; they lived in Dela- 
ware Co., until 1867 ; then moved to 
Keokuk Co. ; remaining in that county 
two years, or until 1869 ; they then 
came to this township, and it has been 
their home since ; he owns a good farm 
and considerable town property. 

GARLING, JOHN, farmer, Sec. 24 ; 
P. 0. Luzerne. 
Garen, Patrick, Sec. Boss, N. W. R. R. 
Gay, P. L., lab. ; Belle Prairie. 
Gibbs, R. M., baker. Belle Plaine. 
Goble, Horace, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Goedeck, R. N., watchman. Belle Plaine. 
Gorby, Joseph W, 



510 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



OORIi, C W., dealer in agricultural 
implements, chain pumps, etc., Belle 
Plaine ; was born in Windham Co., Vt., 
May 17, 1835 ; accompanied his parents 
to Franklin Co., Mass., when a child ; 
moved to New .York in 1853; came 
West in 1856 ; spent two years in Wis- 
consin ; in the Spring of 1861 crossed 
the plains to California ; remained there 
until 1867, when he returned ; settled 
in this place, and has been in business 
here since. Was married to Louisa 
Fox ; she was born in Ohio ; they have 
four children — Grace, Fannie, Warren 
S. and Emma. Mr. G. was Township 
Trustee, one term, and is at present a 
member of the Council. 

Gouldey, G. W., far., Sec. 18; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Gransby, Albert, engr. ; P.O. Belle Plaine. 

Graybill, Charles., far., P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

GREEX, E. H., magnetic doctor, 
Belle Plaine ; was born in Halifax, Vt., 
June 1, 1876 ; his parents moved to 
Massachusetts in 1837, where the sub- 
ject of this sketch remained until the 
year 1855, when he came to Vinton, 
this county, where he married Miss A. 
E.Smith, Jan. 1, 1862 ; she was born in 
Zanesville, Ohio, 1843 ; they have had 
two children — Una J. L., born Jan. 5, 
1875 ; Willie, born Dec. 27, 1864, died 
9th of May, 1868. Mr. Green has met 
with marvelous success in his method of 
treating the afflicted. 

OREEXLEE, Alil.EN, farmer. 
Sec. 17. ; P. O. Belle Plaine; was born 
in Shelby Co., Ohio, in 1832; when he 
was twelve years of age his parents 
moved to Miami Co., in which our sub- 
ject remained until 1848, when he went 
to Henry Co., Illinois, where he re- 
mained but a short time ; came from 
the latter county to Iowa Co., this State, 
in 1850 or 51, and came to this town- 
ship in 1865. He married Miss M. 
Kiler, in this county ; she was born in 
Richland Co., Ohio ; they have seven 
children — Florence E., W. Franklin, 
Minnie May, Eifie, Ada, Margaret J., 
Carrie M. and Dora E. Mr. Greenlee 
owns 118i acres of land. 

GREEXLEE C. R., farmer. Sec. 
33; P. 0. Belle Plaine; owns 122 
acres of land ; was born in Iowa Co. in 
1849 ; lived in Iowa Co. until 1874 ; he 



then came to this Tp. Married Miss 
Sarah Guinn,in thisTp., Feb. 10,1875 ; 
she was born in this county May 3, 
1856 ; they have one child — Wm. H., 
born in this Tp., Feb. 23, 1877. 

Greenlee, D. A., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

GREENLEE, F. M., farmer. Sec. 
30 ; P. O. Belle Plaine ; was born in 
Greene Co., Tenn., in 1828, in which 
place he married Miss E. M. Guinn ; 
they moved to this Tp. in 1855 ; there 
were only a few cabins in this vicinity 
at that time, and Cedar Rapids was 
their nearest market ; they have seven 
children living — Wm. T. (he married 
Miss Effie Husted ; they reside in Mus- 
catine Co., this state) ; Laura L. (she 
married Alonzo Marion ; they reside in 
Belle Plaine) ; Josephine (she married 
Fred Eberts ; they reside in Iowa City j ; 
James N., John H., Jackson and Mary. 
Mr. Greenlee owns 245 acres of land ; 
has held various school offices for a 
number of years. 

Greenlee, J. M., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Greenlee, John B., farmer. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Greenlee, Wm. M., stock dealer ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Greenlee, Wm. R., farmer ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Greenlee, Wm. T., farmer ; P. O. Belle 
Plaine. 

Groth, F. W., far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Grummer, John, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Guiney, J. C, clerk. 

Guiney, Robert, R. R. Conductor, Belle 
Plaine. 

GUINN, A. J., farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine; was born in Greene Co., 
Tenn., in 1825; came to this Tp. in 
1855, thus beconiino; one of the Pioneer 
settlers of Iowa Tp. He married Miss 
C. N. Earner, in Greene Co., Tenn ; 
their children are — R. F. M., born in 
] 847 ; Rachel E. (she married A. D. 
Ealy, and they reside in Iowa Co., this 
State); J. H., born in 1851; Rebecca 
(she married I. L. Booth, and they re- 
side in Crawford Co., this State) ; Wm. 
S., born in 1853 ; Miss P. J. (she mar- 
ried P. W. Shober, and they reside in 
Poweshiek Co., this State) ; Mary H., 
Minnie E., Gertrude M. and Melvin J- 
Mr. Guinn owns 173 acres of land ; he 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



511 



and his sons R. F. M. and J. H., are 
members of the I. 0. 0. F. 

GlIINN. H., farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine ; owns about 1,20(1 acres of 
land ; was born in Greene Co., Tenn., 
1820 ; moved to this county in Novem- 
ber, 1846, thus becoming one of the 
first settlors of Benton Co. ; he entered 
the first claim that was entered in this 
(Iowa) Township ; he was one of the 
Board of Trustees appointed for the pur- 
pose of organizing this township ; after 
they had organized the township, he was 
elected one of the first Board of Trustees, 
which office he held a good many years 
was County Supervisor seven years, and 
has held various other township and 
school offices. Has been married twice, 
first wife was Miss Dunwoody ; she died 
in 1862 ; present wife was Ellen Hus- 
ton. Mr. Giiinn has always taken an 
active part in the promotion of the educa- 
tional and other public interests of this 
township ; by his own unaided exertions 
and industry he has accumulated a large 
property, which requires the most of his 
time in attending and overseeing. 

Guinn, Jackson, far. ; P. O. Belle Plaine. 

Guinn, J. H. far., ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Guinn, J. A., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Guinn, R. F. M.. far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

GriNX, WILI.IAM J., farmer. 
Sec. 33; P. 0. Belle Plaine; owns 210 
acres land ; was born in this township, 
1852. Married Miss Julia Benson in 
this county, Dec. 28, 1877 ; she was 
also born in this county on the 10th of 
June, 1857. Previous to his marriage, 
Mr. Guinn followed the business of teach- 
ing ; he has taught in the Belle Plaine 
school five terms ; previous to teaching 
in Belle Plaine he taught in the district 
where he resides. 

Gulk, Thomas, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

HAHN, SAMUEL, farmer; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 
Hale, Andrew, stock buyer, Belle Plaine. 
Hale, Isaac, grain buyer, Belle Plaine. 
Hale, Jacob, stock dealer, Belle Plaine. 
Halonpck, F., R. R. employe, Belle Plaine. 
Hannen, J. R.,far., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Hannes, W., far., S. 21 ; P.O. Belle Plaine. 
Hannes. Joseph. 

Hanson, W. P., jeweler, Belle Plaine. 
Hapgood, G. P., far., S. 8; P.O Belle Plaine. 
Hardy, L. S., farmer ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 



Haren, A., retired farmer. 
Harland, A., drayman, Belle Plaine. 

Harland, E. M., teamster. Belle Plaine. 

Harnoek, J., R. R. employe. Belle Plaine. 

Hart, Samuel, miller, Belle Plaine. 

Hart, S. B , printer. Belle Plaine. 

Hartman, A. J., grocer, Belle Plaine. 

Hartman, L. W., grocer, Belle Plaine. 

Hartwoll, M., teacher, Belle Plaine. 

Hanschild, C, grain dealer. Belle Plaine. 

HAFSHILD, HEXRY, 
grain merchant, Belle Plaine ; was born 
in Holstein, Germany, Jan. 1, 1818 ; 
came to this country in 1851 and settled 
in Scott Co., this State, in which county 
he remained until the year 1870, when 
he came to Belle Plaine and engaged 
in the grain trade. He married Miss 
Annie Slickton, in Davenport, this 
State; she was born in Holstein, Ger- 
many. 

Hanschild, H. M., grain merchant, Belle 
Plaine. 

Hawley, H. A., farmer, Belle Plaine. 

Hawley, H. D., laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Head, A. B., carpenter. Belle Plaine. 

Heim, Clans, far. ; P. O. Luzerne. 

Heldenbrand, A. H., attorney and general 
insurance agent. 

Heldt, John M., far., P. 0. Luzerne. 

Henderson, J. F., R. R. employe, Belle 
Plaine. 

Henry, J. P., lumber dealer, Belle Plaine. 

Herrick, Marten, R. R. employe. Belle 
Plaine. 

Herrick, Vincel, clerk. Belle Plaine. 

Heseltine, M., farmer. Belle Plaine. 

Hess, W. L., tinner, Belle Plaine. 

Hessig, F. C, carpenter. Belle Plaine. 

Hidy, H. B., grain dealer. Belle Plaine. 

Higgens, M. D., retired farmer, Belle 
Plaine. 

Hochreiter, J., cigar maker, Belle Plaine. 

Hofl^man, Henry, far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Hogan, Patrick, R. R. employe, Belle 
Plaine. 

Holboegh, J., R. R. employe, Belle 
Plaine. 

Holland, John far., P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Hollenbeck, M. D., laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Hollis, Thomas, merchant. Belle Plaine. 

Hondeck, Vencil, clerk. Belle Plaine. 

Horak, F. J., law student, Belle Plaine. 

Hovey. H. F., farmer, P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

HOS31ER, €. P., proprietor of tin 
shop, and dealer in tin, copper, and 



512 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY ; 



sheet iron ware, Belle Plaine ; was born 
in Dodge Co., Wis., in 1852; came to 
Belle Plaine in 1870, and engaged in 
his present business in this place in 
1871. Hft married Miss Emma J. Du- 
val in this town in 1874 ; she was born 
in Oneida Co., N. Y. 

Hoteling, C, merchant, Belle Plaine. 

Hottel, H. B. far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Hottel, 0. H., farmer, P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Howard, Allen H., farmer, P. 0. Luzerne. 

Hoyt, J. A. clergyman, P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Huchiogs, Gid., carpenter. Belle Plaine. 

Hudson, A. H,, far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Hungerford, F. H., clerk, Belle Plaine. 

Hunt, F., firmer, Belle Plaine. 

Husk, F., R. R. employe. Belle Plaine. 

Husted, Ira, saloon. Belle Plaine. 

HUSTON, GEORd^E, Justice of 
the Peace, Belle Plaine ; born in Fayette 
Co., Penn., March 4, 1822 ; accompa- 
nied his parents to Ohio in 1823. Was 
married in Ohio in 1857 to Edna Pal- 
miter ; she was born in Trumbull Co., 
Ohio ; have one child living — Arthur 
C. ; lost one — Wilbur. Came to this 
county in 1868 ; is Town Clerk, a posi- 
tion he has held for seven years, and 
Justice of the Peace, which he has held 
for eight years. They attend the Con- 
gregational Church here, of which Mrs. 
Huston is a member ; politics. Repub- 
lican. 

Hutton, Presley, capitalist, Belle Plaine. 

"TLTEN, CHRISTIAN, far., S. 24 ; P. 
JL 0. Luzerne. 

Ilton, Edward P., farmer, P. 0. Luzerne. 
Irish, I. L., teamster. Belle Plaine. 

JACKSON, JOHN F., laborer, P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Jauss, P., farmer, Sec. 20; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Jelinek, C, harness maker. Belle Plaine. 

JOHXSOX, E. S., attorney at law, 
Belle Plaine. 

Johnson, John, far. ; P. O. Irving. 

JOHNSON, JOHN, of the firm of 
Johnson and Marsh, dealers in dry 
goods, groceries, hardware, crockery, 
wooden and willow ware, ready-made 
clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes, 
etc., etc., Irving, Iowa; Mr. Johnson 
was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1844 ; 
went to Knox Co., Illinois, in 1864, and 
thence to this county in the same year. 
He married Miss C. Harland, in this ' 



county ; she was born in Indiana ; they 
have five children — Silas, Jennie M., 
Robert H., Clara M., Emma and Ma- 
belle. 

Jordan Henry, farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. 
Irving. 

Jordan, W. H., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Juergens, Herman, clerk, Luzerne. 

JUN^itE, M. F., dealer in all kinds 
of agricultural implements, Main street, 
N. E. Depot, Belle Plaine; he was born 
in Germany, in 1834; he followed sea- 
faring life eighteen years. He married 
Kathrine Scharlotte Nagle, in Belle 
Plaine ; she was born in Germany ; they 
have three children living. Mr. Junge 
came to Belle Plaine in 1873, and en- 
gaged in his present business — that of 
dealer in agricultural implements. 

Jurgemeyer, William, far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

KABLE, James, wagon maker. Belle 
Plaine. 

Kallsen, Crist, saloonist, Belle Plaine. 

Kallson, Peter, carpenter, Belle Plaine. 

Keeho, Edward, far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Kellar, James M., farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Kelo, Thomas, R. R. emp.. Belle Plaine. 

Kennedy, D. A., agent. Belle Plaine. 

Kenner, George W., farmer ; P. 0. Belle 

Kenner, J. F., laborer. Belle Plaine. 

Kenner, Richard, firmer. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Kenner, Wm. W., farmer ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Kessel, Joseph, clerk, Belle Plaine. 

KESIi, v., dealer in groceries, crock- 
ery, glass ware and a general stock of 
hardware. Belle Plaine ; he was born in 
Bohemia, in 1847 ; came to this country 
when a boy ; came to Belle Plaine in 
Dec, 1875, and engaged in his present 
business. He married Miss Kathrine 
Harvert, in Toledo, Tama Co., this 
State ; she was born in Bohemia. 

Khile, Anthony, blacksmith, Belle Plaine. 

Kirkpatrick, B. L., carpenter. 

Kirkpatrick, Peter, R R. emp., Belle 
Plaine. 

KITHCART, C. _R., farmer, Sec. 
7 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; was born in 
Sussex Co., N. J., in 1817 ; he left 
New Jersey in 1838, and went to Knox 
Co., Ohio. While in the aforesaid county 
he married Miss Elizabeth Fletcher ; she 



I 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



513 



was born near Zanesville, Ohio ; they 
moved to Linn Co., this State, in 1853, 
and remained there about a year and a 
half, at the end of which time they 
moved to this county, and located in this 
Tp., on their present farm ; they have 
six children living — Philander, born in 
Knox Co., Ohio, March 19, 1842; Jas., 
born in Knox Co., February, 1814; 
Cornelius, born in Knox Co., March 12, 
1846 ; Jackson, born in Knox Co., July 
18, 1848 ; W. B., born in this Tp., 
Aug. 9, 1857 ; Rhoda, born in this Tp., 
Dec. 10, 1863. Mr. Kithcart owns 180 
acres of land ; 140 of it is in this county, 
and the balance in Tama Co., this State. 

Kletzing, Henry, farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Koehule, F. C. 

Kop, Clans. 

Kosta, Albert, laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Krabbenhoft, Fred, saloonist. Belle Plaine. 

Kramer, Frederick G., far., Sec. 25 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Kreiger, Frederick, far.. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Kreiger, Levi, far. ; P. O. Belle Plaine. 

Kreiger, Wm., farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Kroh, Stephen K., farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Kubla, Frank, saloonist. Belle Plaine. 

Kucera, Joseph, R. R. emp., Belle Plaine. 

Kulb, Emanuel, R. R. emp., Belle Plaine. 

Kulb, J. G., laborer, Belle Plaine. 

LAGESCHULTZ, GARRETT, far.; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Lamphiar, J. H., farmer, Belle Plaine. 

Lane, D., Congi-egational minister, Belle 
Plaine. 

Lane, Hans, farmer. Belle Plaine. 

La Quette, Belle Plaine. 

Larell, W. H. H. far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Ir- 
ving. 

LaRue, James, engineer, Belle Plaine. 

Lawrence, T. J., Jr., merchant, Belle 
Plaine. 

Learell, S. C, clerk. Belle Plaine. 

Learens, F. A., blacksmith. Belle Plaine. 

Lederman, A. C, merchant. Belle Plaine. 

Leo, Fred., farmer ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Lest«r, Daniel, farmer ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Lester, M. B., far., S. 11 , P. O. Luzerne. 

Lewis, Richard, barber. Belle Plaine. 

LESTER, WILLrlAM, farmer, S. 
10 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; owns 190 acres 



of land; was born in Delaware Co., N. 
Y., Dec. 18, 1839 ; remained in New 
York until 1855 ; he then moved with 
his parents to Henry Co., 111., remaining 
in that county twelve years, at the end 
of which time, they moved to this town- 
ship ; his father, Daniel Lester, was born 
in Connecticut, and married Miss Mary 
Carr ; they came to this county in 1867. 

Little, Alex. H., mechanic ; P. O. Luzerne. 

Lord, T. J., far., S. 29; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Lorschester. Mat., brewer, Belle Plaine, 

McCANDLESS, THOMAS, farmer, 
S. 5 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

MeCormick, C. M., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

McCormick, D. C, railroad employe, Belle 
Plaine. 

McCune, E. P., drayman, Belle Plaine. 

McClune, J. v., for., S. 23 ; P.O. Luzerne. 

McCrWE, WILLIAM H., con- 
tractor in brick and stone work, Belle 
Plaine; was born in Adams Co., Penn., 
in 1825 ; in 1831, his parents moved to 
Darke Co., Ohio, in which county the 
subject of this sketch married Miss 
Mary E. McDowell, in 1854 ; she was 
born in Miami Co., Ohio, in 1835 ; they 
remained in Darke Co. until 1865 ; they 
came to Belle Plaine. remaining a short 
time, thence to Marshalltown, where 
they remained about eighteen months ; 
they then removed to Union Tp., this 
county, where they purchased a farm, 
and engaged in farming, which he con- 
tinued in until 1869 ; he then rented his 
farm and moved to Belle Plaine, which 
place has been their home since ; they 
have six children living — Sarah E., 
Mary L., Anna Bella M., Charley A., 
Harvey and Franc Anita. 

McCurdy, F. E., far., S. 19; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

McMannes, J. F., trader. Belle Plaine. 

McMasters, C. A., R. R. employe, Belle 
Plaine. 

McvflOKKIN, JAMES, M. D.; 

the subject of this sketch was born in 
Crawford Co., Ohio, March 17, A. D., 
1836 ; during his boyhood days the 
only educational advantages within 
his reach consisted in what could be ob- 
tained in the " old log school house " 
during the Winter months, the remain- 
ing nine months of the year being de- 
voted to labor on the farm ; at the age 
of 20 years, he commenced a course of 



514 



DIRECTOR! OF BENTON COUNTY; 



studies at Oberlin College, Ohio, which | 
was frequently interrupted by being 
obliged to earn his own funds by teach- 
ing School ; on leaving college, he turn- 
ed his attention to the study of medi- 
cine, which studies he pursued for four 
years, at Goshen, Ind. ; thinking him- 
self now fully prepared to receive med- 
ical lectures understandinglv he attended 
his first term at the University of Mich- 
igan, and the second at the Rush Med- 
ical College at Chicago, graduating from 
the latter institution ; he commenced the 
practice of his profession at Goshen, 
Ind., where he remained several years, 
removing to his present field of practice 
at Belle Plaine, Iowa, in Feb., 1869 ; 
while pursuing his studies, he was elect- 
ed Superintendent of Public Instruction 
for Elkhart Co., Ind., in which position 
he served the cause of education both 
faithfully and efiiciently during his term 
of ofiice ; in his present location, he has 
served for five years on the Board of 
Education, acting as its President for 
the last three years ; he is a member of 
both the State and Iowa Union Medical 
Societies, serving the latter as its Presi- 
dent during the last year. 

McVey, Thomas, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Mackey, Andrew, iron molder, Belle 
Plaine. 

MAGOO\, DARWIW E.. physi- 
cian and druggist. Belle Plaine ; born in 
Whitewater, Wisconsin, Dec. 22, 1852 ; 
came to this place and engaged in drug- 
trade in 1875 ; is unmarried. 

Mahanne, H. C, station agent. Belle 
Plaine. 

Maheata, Frank, laborer. Belle Plaine. 

MAHOLiM, C, attorney at law 
and banker, Belle Plaine ; born in 
Holmes Co., Ohio, May 31, 1842 ; came 
to Iowa in April, 1858 ; enlisted in 
Company C, 10th Iowa I. V., July 31, 
1861 ; .served through the war, and was 
in every battle his regiment was in ; at 
the close of the war, engaged in mercan- 
tile business for two years and a half, 
'disposed of same, studied law, and was 
admitted to the Bar in Feb., 1869, and 
at once engaged in the practice of his 
profession ; in March, 1873, formed a 
partnership with J. Q. Hutton, and 
went into the banking business, and is 
now engaged in both of said occupations. 



He was married, in 1868, to Miss R. E. 
Hutton, daughter of Presley Hutton, 
formerly owner of town site of Belle 
Plaine ; by said marriage had one 
daughter — Jessie M. 

Maha, C. 

Mall, Francis, farmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

MAL.L., WII.L.IA1I, former, Sec. 
8 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; was born in 
Baden, Germany, in 1838 ; came to 
this country in 1855 ; stopped in Ken- 
dall Co., Illinois, about eighteen months, 
then came direct to this county ; he is 
the present School Treasurer of the Dis- 
trict in which he resides ; has held va- 
rious Tp. offices, among them being that 
of Tp. Trustee, which ofiice he held two 
terms. He married Miss Katharine 
Steimmer, in Clayton Co., this State, in 
Dec, 1860; she was born in Baden, 
Germany ; they have three children' — 
Wm. A., born in 1861 ; Samuel, born 
in 1863 ; Charley B., born in 1867. Mr. 
M. owns 180 acres of land ; his farm is 
well-improved and nicely located ; it is 
about two miles from the city of Belle 
Plaine. 

Marean, Aaron, blacksmith. 

Marean, Alonzo, engineer. Belle Plaine. 

Marston, J. B., merchant, Belle Plaine. 

Martin, A., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Marty, Samuel, blacksmith, Belle Plaine. 

Mason, W. S., laborer. Belle Plaine. 

Matzek, Vincel, tailor. Belle Plaine. 

Mattox, J. C, laboror. Belle Plaine. 

Mead, A. L., road master N. W. R. K., 
Belle Plaine. 

Meehan, Edward, carpenter, Belle Plaine. 

Mercer, B. H., railroad employe, Belle 
Plaine. 

Merrill, J. C. 

Merrel, 0. L., harness maker, Belle Plaine. 

Michal, M., brewer. Belle Plaine. 

Miles, S., keeps boarding house, Belle 
Plaine. 

Miles, W. H., jeweler. Belle Plaine. 

Millions, Isaac C, grain dealer. 

Miller, A., laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Miller, C. W., retired. Belle Plaine. 

Miller, D. L., propr. livery stable, Belle 
Plaine. 

Miller, H. G., carpenter. Belle Plaine. 

Miller, Isaac, merchant, Belle Plaine. 

Miller, J. M., propr. livery stable. Belle 
Plaine. 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



515 



Miller, S. W., retired merchant, Belle 
Plaine. 

Minott, S., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Moeller, J., farmer, P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Moiford, W. J., farmer ; Belle Plaine. 

Moore, C. W., mail carrier, Belle Plaine. 

Morand, J., R. R. employe, Belle Plaine. 

Marfan, R. H., engineer. Belle Plaine. 

Mordoff, I^"., train dispatcher, Belle Plaine. 

Morrison, E. G., photographer. Belle Plaine. 

MOSXAT, J. J., attorney at law. 
Belle Plaine; born in Bohemia Sept 28, 
1849 ; came to the United States with 
his parents in 1853 ; settled in Weston, 
Mo., where they remained until 1862, 
when they moved to Wisconsin and. to 
this place in 1870 ; studied law with 
Johnson & Tewksbury ; afterward at- 
tended the law department of the Iowa 
State University ; graduated in June, 
1874; speaks Bohemian, English and 
German fluently ; began the practice 
of law here in October, 1874. Was 
married Nov. 10, 1875, to Julia E. 
Ricker ; she was born in Manitowoc, 
Wis., March 3, 1855 ; have two chil- 
dren — Roy H., and an infant ; served 
one year as City Attorney. 

Murch, A. J., M. D., Belle Plaine. 

Murry, William, live stock. Belle Plaine. 

T^TTEWTON, A., Justice of the Peace, 

IN Belle Plaine. 

Newton, L. W., painter. Belle Plaine. 

Nich, A., cigar maker. Belle Plaine. 

Nicholson, Robert, merchant. Belle Plaine. 

Norak, John, laborer. Belle Plaine. 

North, S. D., laborer, Belle Plaine. 

O'BRIEN, John, former ; P. 0. Lu- 
zerne. 
O'Brien, T., far., S. 13; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Odwarker, Charles, retired hardware dealer. 

Belle Plaine. 
Okey, Wood, far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Oliver, L. D., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Oliver, S. E., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Orchird, Andrew, saloon. Belle Plaine. 

PALDA, ALOIS, cigar maker ; Belle 
Plaine. 

Paris, Benjamin, far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

P ARRIS, W. A., farmer. Sec. 19 ; 
P. O. Belle Plaine ; was born in Dela- 
ware Co., N. Y., in July, 1835 ; he came 
to this township in 1856. He married 
A. M. Crommett, in Marengo, Iowa Co., 
this State, in 18G7 ; she was born in 
Maine; they have one child — Nellie ; Mr. 



P. owns 120 acres of land in this county 
and 160 acres in Tama Co., all of which 
is improved ; he resides only a few rods 
outside of the corporation of the city of 
Belle Plaine. 
Parmelee, Arthur, merchant ; Belle Plaine. 
PATTERSON, D., proprietor of 
the Iowa Valley Nursery and farmer. 
Sec. 9 ; P.O. Belle Plaine ; he was born 
in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1833 ; came to 
this county and settled in this township 
in 1855. He married Miss E. Kennedy 
in this county, Sept. 24, 1856 ; she was 
born in Chenango Co., N. Y. ; they 
have seven children living — James T., 
born 3d of June, 1859 ; Lucy R., born 
6th of January, 1865 ; Emma May, 
born 10th of May, 1867 ; Charles Elmer, 
born 27th March, 1869 ; John Frank- 
lin, born 2d of Aug., 1872 ; Edith Lyle, 
born 27th April, 1873 ; Alice, born 16th 
of May, 1877. Mr. Patterson owns 380 
acres of land in this county and 240 
acres in Nebraska ; his apple orchard in 
this township is the largest in the State ; 
it contains 240 acres of land, and con- 
tains 25,000 apple trees ; in his nursery 
he grows all varieties of trees that are 
grown in the northwest. 

P A U L I C E K , J., merchant, Belle 
Plaine ; was born in Bohemia in 1849 ; 
came to Marshall Co., this State, 1869, 
in which county he remained one year ; 
he came to this place, Belle Plaine, in 
1871, and engaged in his present busi- 
ness. He married Miss Mary Schlicht- 
ing, in this town, Sept. 13, 1875 ; she 
was born in Davenport, this State, 1857 ; 
they have two children — Emiler R. and 
Julia. Mr. Paulicek keeps a full line of 
dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, 
ready made clothing, etc., 

Peco, W. C, railroad eng.. Belle Plaine. 

Perin, E. S., laborer. Belle Plaine. 

Petermann,G. H., far., S. 1; P.O. Luzerne. 

Petermann, J., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Phillips, John, far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Phillips, W., far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Pierce, E. L., iron molder, Belle Plaine. 

Pierce, J. F., iron molder. Belle Plaine. 

Pilbeam, H., M. E. minister. Belle Plaine. 

Pitcheneek, V., R. R. employe. Belle 
Plaine. 

Pitsor, C. J., hotel clerk. Belle Plaine. 

Piatt, W., P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Plumm, L. S., laborer, Belle Plaine. 



516 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY : 



Pool, M. H., mason, Belle Plaine. 
Pool, S. M., farmer ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Potter, Anthony, retired, Belle Plaine. 
Power, J., farmer, S. 24 : P. 0. Luzerne. 
Power, J., far., S, 11 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Power, William, farmer ; P.O. Belle Plaine. 
Price, C. W., drayman. Belle Plaine. 
Price, Frank, farmer ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Price, S. B., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Prentiss, M. L., painter, Belle Plaine. 

QUINLIBAN, JOHN, far., S. 21 ; P. 
O. Belle Plaine. 

RABBE, DETLEY, farmer, P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Radeke, Ferdinand. 

Radeke, Henry A., far., P. 0. Luzerne. 

Radeke, William A., far., P. 0. Luzerne. 

Ramey J. E., farmer, P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

READ, D. W., loan and broker's 
office, Belle Plaine. 

Read, H. A., engineer, Belle Plaine. 

Repple, Jacob, brewer. Belle Plaine. 

Reynolds, Luke, butcher. 

Rieck, Frederick, farmer; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Ris, Yincil, railroad employe. Belle Plaine. 

Bobbins, J., prop. Sherman House, Belle 
Plaine. 

Roberts, A., boiler maker, Belle Plaine. 

Roberts, B., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Roberts, H. R., painter. Belle Plaine. 

ROBERTS, J. F., Belle Plaine; 
was born in Jefferson Co., Wis., Nov. 
18, 1841. Aug. 15, 1862, he enlisted 
in Co. D, 29th W. V. I. ; was honora- 
bly discharged, July 5, 1865. The 
war being over and peace restored, he 
returned to Jefferson Co., Wis., remain- 
ing about one year, at the end of which 
time he moved to Belle Plaine ; during 
his residence in this city, he has held 
various offices, among them being the 
offices of City Marshal two terms. Dep- 
uty Sheriff four years, Constable seven 
years, and Deputy County Treasurer in 
1874. He married Miss Emeline Pot- 
ter, in Jefferson Co., Wis., Aug. 28, 
1862 ; she was born in New York, on 
the 1st of Dec, 1841 ; they have four 
children living — Blanche R., born in 
Jan., 1866 ; Claude A., born Sept. 16, 
1867 ; Mary R. and Mabel R. (twins), 
born Sept. 24, 1877 ; lost one child. 
Rush J., born Feb. 1, 1869, died March 
1, 1871. 



Roberts, T. M., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Robison, R., retired farmer, Belle Plaine. 

Robinson, W., restaurant, Belle Plaine. 

Robyn, Edward ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Robyn, William, druggist, Luzerne. 

Rogers, David, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Rogers, J. E., miller, Belle Plaine. 

ROSBURG, WM., proprietor of 
wagon shop, Luzerne ; was born in 
Germany in 1836 ; came to Davenport, 
this State, in 1856 ; remained there one 
year, then went to Clayton Co., in which 
county he married Miss Mary Nieland, 
in 1^54 ; they moved to this toAvn in the 
year 1868, since which time he has 
been engaged in his present business at 
this j^lace, Luzerne. 

Rostennondt, Paul, far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Rourk, James ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Royce, Miles D., far. ; P. 0. Irving. 

Rubenskey, J., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Rucker, Chas., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Rucker, Cornelius, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Rucker, D., far. P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Rucker, Geo. W., far. ; P. 0. Belle, Plaine. 

Rucker, James, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Rucker, John, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Rucker, Noah, far.. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

RUCKER, WILL.IAM, farmer, 
Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; owns 280 
acres of land ; was born in Monroe Co., 
Ohio, in the year 1818; went to Mis- 
souri in 1841 ; remained in Missouri 
until 1845 ; he then returned to Ohio 
and remained until 1853, when he came 
West and located in this township, 
which has been his home since. He 
married Miss Nancy Blake in Ohio, her 
native State. Mr. Rucker was one of 
the Trustees appointed for the purpose 
of organizing Iowa Tp., and was a mem- 
ber of the Board of Trustees elected at 
the organization ; he has also held vari- 
ous school offices. 

Ryson, John, cabinet maker, Belle Plaine. 

SAIN, DANIEL S., farmer. Sec. 19 ; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Sallach, C. H., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Sanders, U. B., Principal ind. school. Belle 

Plaine. 
Schabow, G., far., P. 0. Luzerne. 
SCHEEL, HAXS, farmer. Sec. 10 ; 

P. 0. Belle Plaine ; owns 480 acres of 

land ; was born in Germany, 1821 ; 

came to this country, 1861, and to this 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



517 



township, '1869. He married Miss 
Kate Peters in Germany ; they have five 
children. 

Schenken, R., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Schenning, Hans, saloonist, Belle Phune. 

Schewalen, W. W., laborer, Belle Plaine. 

Schild, C, for., S. 19 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Schild, C, far. ; P. O. Belle Plaine. 

Schild, H. K.,far.,S. 19; P.O. Belle Plaine. 

Schild, J., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Schlichting, H. W., com. mer., Belle Plaine. 

Scheming, Hans, clerk, Belle Plaine. 

Schrible, Fred., baker. Belle Plaine. 

SCHUCHART, CHRIST, pro 

prietor of harness shop. Belle Plaine ; 
was born in Rochester, N. Y., 20th of 
March, 1852 ; when he was 2 years old 
his parents moved to Iowa City ; where 
the subject of this sketch remained until 
1861, when he came to this county ; he 
commenced business in Belle Plaine in 
Oct., 1875; he keeps a full assortment 
of harness, single and double, saddles, 
bridles, etc., etc. ; repairing promptly 
and neatly done. 

Schuchart, J.,for.,S. 21; P.O. Belle Plaine. 

Schular, Mat., saloon, Belle Plaine. 

Schullen, J. S., R. R. employe, Belle Plaine. 

Schultz, J., far., S. 23; P.O. Belle Plaine. 

Schutt, Henry, clerk. Belle Plaine. 
. Sciple, W. K., barber. Belle Plane. 
^ Scr\mgeour, G,JD;, attorney, Belle Plaine. 

Searles, W. A., merchant, Belle Plaine. 

Seba, Martin, blacksmith, Luzerne. 

Selden, A. A., tailor. Belle Plaine. 

Selden, A. W., tailor. Belle Plaine. 

SEL 1>EX, N. P., tailor, Belle Plaine ; 
was born in Sweden on the 21st of Feb., 
1845 ; he came to Cass Co., this State, 
in 1869, remaining seven months, at the 
end of which time he came to Belle 
Plaine ; he has followed his present busi- 
ness since he was 15 years of age. He 
married Miss LouLsa A. Kletzing, in 
this city (Belle Plaine), on the 18th of 
July, 1872 ; she was born in Montgom- 
ery Co., Penn. 

Severa. W., clerk. Belle Plaine. 

SHEETS, G, W., retired farmer, 
P. 0. Belle Plaine ; was born in Wash- 
ington Co.. Penn., on the 8th of April, 
1828 ; while he was a child, his parents 
moved to Harrison Co., Ohio ; here he 
remained until the Spring of 1856; in 
the mean time, he married Miss D. Ma- 
holm, in Belmont Co., Ohio, on the 18th 



of Jan., 1855 ; she was born in Harri- 
son Co., O., on the 12th of July, 1838 ; 
they moved to this county in 1856, 
and settled in Kane Tp., where they re- 
sided on their farm of 200 acres of land 
(which they still own) until 1876, when 
they rented a farm and moved to Belle 
Plaine ; they have four children — G. F., 
born Dec. 20, 1856, f]losia E., born 
Sept. 1-4, 1858 ; Robert, born Jan. 10, 
1860 ; Charles, born Sept. 17, 1861. 

Sheldon, A. A., farmer, P.O. Belle Plaine. 

Shriver. W., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Shults, S. L., grocer. Belle Plaine. 

Sidwell, T. R., far.; P. 0. Irving. 

Sievers, H., farmer ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Swem, E. G., merchant, Belle Plaine. 

Slater, Jos., engineer. Belle Plaine. 

Slater, William, engineer. Belle Plaine. 

Smith, A. L., tailor. 

Smith, A. W., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Smith, J. D., dyer. Belle Plaine. 

Smith, Philip, former, Belle Plaine. 

Smith, P., carp, and joiner. Belle Plaine. 

Smith, R. F.,for., S. 21 ; P.O. Belle Plaine. 

Smith, S., for., S. 21 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

SMITH, WILLIAM, Belle Plaine. 
was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., in 
1836; in 1865, he came to Tama Co., 
this State, in which place he remained 
until 1867, when he came to Belle 
Plaine. He married Miss Mary Cruson 
at Cedar Rapids, on the 7th of Septem- 
ber, 1868 ; she was born in Lake Co., 
111., in 1848 ; they have two children — 
Mary Amata, born in Belle Plaine Oct. 
12,' 1874; William Garrett, born in 
Belle Plaine Dec. 22, 1876. Mr. Smith 
owns a house and eight lots, valued at 
$2,500. Mr. Smith's father was born 
in Pennsylvania, in 1803 ; he died 
in 1873. He was married to Mary 
Williamson ; she was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1813. Mrs. Smith's father 
(Garrett K. Cruson) was born in Ohio 
in 1800. He married Miss Amata 
Smith ; she was a native of New York^ 
born in 1813; they moved to Adams 
Co., this State, in 1869 ; they now re- 
side there. 

Smith, W. R., drayman. Belle Plaine. 

Snyder, Alf, mason, Belle Plaine. 

Snyder, C. furniture dealer. Belle Plaine. 

Snyder, George, plasterer. Belle Plaine. 

Sochren, G. D., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 



518 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Sochren, H. F., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Spencer, R. K., druggist, Belle Plaine. 
Spracklin, P., far., S. 19 ; P.O. Belle Plaine. 
Stabler. J. W., merchant. Belle Plaine. 
Staiford, B. A., laborer, Belle Plaine. 
Stanka, Gr. T., R. R. employe, Belle Plaine. 
SteflFens, Frederick W., far., Sec. 22 ; P. 

0. Belle Plaine. 
Stemmer, J., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Stephen, F. P., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Stephen, J. R., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Stewart, Ira, far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Stone, Amos, retired far.. Belle Plaine. 
Stone, G. H., carpenter, Belle Plaine. 
Storrs, Elijah, farmer ; P. 0. Irving. 
Strohbeen, John, tar. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Strohmeier, Conrad, farmer ; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Stuckenbruck, VVra. F., farmer ; P. 0. 

Luzerne. 
Sulivan, A. L., laborer, Belle Plaine. 
Sweet, L. T., banker. Belle Plaine. 

T ATM AN, J. W., butcher, Belle 
Plaine. 
TATGE CHRISTOPHER, far., 
Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; owns 483 
acres of land ; was born in (lermany in 
1830 ; came to this country in 1849. 
Married Mi*s Sophia Collman, in Ken- 
dall Co., 111. ; she was born in Hanover, 
Germany ; they moved to this country 
and settled at Buckeye Station, this Tp., 
in 1855. Mr. Tatge set out the first 
nursery in this county ; he engaged in 
nursery business until 1861 ; he then 
sold his place at Buckeye Station, and 
moved on his present farm, which is 
well improved, and has on it a fine or- 
chard of twenty acres ; he cultivates a 
fruit known as the German prune, 
( nine of them weigh a pound, on an av- 
erage). His family are — Charles, John 
W., Martha, Edward, Lizzie, Willie, 
Anna and George. Mrs. Tatge' s father 
(Henry Collman~), was born in Germany, 
in 1793 ; when he was 19 years of age, 
he entered the army, and remained in 
the service fifteen years ; he was in 
many battles ; the principal one was 
the battle of Waterloo ; in this battle 
was in the command of the Duke of 
Wellington ; he came to this county in 
1855, and is still a resident of it. Mr. 
Tatge is a member of the Farmers' Mut- 
ual Insurance Co., Iowa Tp., Benton 
Co., of which Company he was the 



principal in organizing, and Trustee for 
a number of years. 

Taylor, W. L., R. R. Conductor, Belle 
Plaine. 

Thompson, P. W., miller. Belle Plaine. 

Thompson, W. W., blacksmith, Belle 
Plaine. 

Thorn Job, retired farmer, Belle Plaine. 

Towns, R. N., laborer. Belle Plaine. 

Traverse, Jesse, farmer ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

TRAVERSE, JOHX, farmer. Sec. 
16; P. 0. Belle Plaine; owns 187 
acres of land ; was born near Cincinnati, 
Ohio, 1816; when he was 15 years of 
age he moved with his parents to Cass 
Co., Mich., in which county he re- 
mained until 1855, when he came to 
this county, and located on the farm on 
which he now resides. He married Miss 
Mary Shellenbarger, in Michigan ; she 
was born in Ohio ; they have four chil- 
dren — Robert J. Traverse, Sarah J., 
Charles and Elmer. 

Trueblood, Elijah, fiir.. Sec. 34; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Trueblood, Milton A., far. ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Truesdell, H. F., carpenter, Belle Plaine. 

Truesdell, Henry F., far., Sec. 31 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Trumbull, Amos Q., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Turner, Timothy, far.; P. 0. Luzerne. 

^TINTON, D. D., painter. Belle Plaine. 

Vogt, Hans, saloon, Belle Plaine. 

VAL-EXTI^E, W. H., foreman of 
Round House of N. W. R. R., Belle 
Plaine ; was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., 
1830, in which place he remained until 
1863, when he went to Chicago, 111., and 
entered the employ of the N. W. R. R. 
Co., and has been in their employ since ; 
he remained in Chicago two years, then 
went upon the Peninsula, where he re- 
mained until 1867; he then came to 
Clinton, this State. While there he mar- 
ried Miss Sarah E. Hinkley in 1868; 
she was born in Clinton Co., this State; 
they lived in Clinton until September, 
1875, when they moved to Belle Plaine; 
they own a nice property in Clinton, 
valued at about 82,000. 

Voozark, John, laborer. Belle Plaine. 

WARFIELD, W. H., laborer. Belle 
Plaine. 



IOWA TOWNSHIP. 



519 



Wass, H. N., merch. tailor, Belle Plaine. 

Watson. W. P., R. R. employe, Belle 
Plaine. 

Weaver, Wm. H., mechanic ; P. 0. Lu- 
zerne. 

Wehrman, Augustus, farmer ; P. 0. Lu- 
zerne. 

Werhman, Henry, far.. Sec. 23; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Wells, C. N., far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

W' ells, C. T., far ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

W^ells, E. J., far.; P. O. Belle Plaine. 

Welsh, John, far.; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

WENTZ, C, of the firm of C. & S. 
Wontz, dealers in groceries and provis- 
ions, etc., etc., Belle Plaine. Mr. C 
Wentz was born in Germany in 1838 ; 
came to this country in 1855, and 
stopped in Kendall Co., 111.; while in 
that county, he enlisted in Co. I, 36th 
111. Vol. Inf , in July, 1861; served four 
years and four months, and was honor- 
ably discharged ; he was in many severe 
battles, the principal ones being the bat- 
tles of Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone 
River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, 
Mission Ridge, and all through the At- 
lanta campaign, and also at the battle of 
Franklin, Tenn. The war being over 
and peace restored, he returned to Ken- 
dall Co., 111.; after remaining there a 
short time, he came to Belle Plaine ; he 
engaged in his present business in the 
Fall of 1870. He married Miss E. 
Beek, in Vinton, this county ; she was 
born in G-ermany. 

Wentz. Samuel, merchant, Belle Plaine. 

Wertley, J., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Wertley, Jno.,Sr.,far.,S. 14; P.O.Luzerne. 

Wertlev. John W.. far. ; P.O. Belle Plaine. 

WESSKL, HARTWIG, retired, 
Belle Plaine ; was born in Holstoin, 
Prussia, in 1835 ; came to Daven- 
port, this State, in 1852. where he re- 
mained until the Fall of 1868 ; the four 
years prior to 1868 he was engaged in 
the agricultural implements business in 
Davenport ; he came to Belle Plaine in 
1868, and engaged in dealing in agricul- 
tural iinplement.s, which business he con- 
tinued in until the Fall of 1873, when 
he sold to Mr. Junge. He married Mag- 
gie C. Nagel, in Davenport ; she was 
born in Holsteiu, Prussia ; they have five 
childrou living. Mr. Wessel has held 
the offices of Assessor, member of City 



Council, and various school offices. He 
owns 350 acres of land ; resides at cor- 
ner of 4th and Beech sts., Belle Plaine. 

Weyand, Daniel. 

White, Alexander, butcher. Belle Plaine. 

White, B. H., proprietor Fremont House, 
Belle Plaine. 

White, J. C, far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Wiley, J. J.. R. R. employe, Belle Plaine. 

WII^COX, S. A., farmer. Sec. 16 ; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine ; was born in Oneida 
Co., N. Y., in 1822; he remained in 
New York until 1843; he then went to 
Bureau Co., 111., and remained until 
1854 ; he then moved to Tama Co., this 
State, thus becoming one of the pio- 
neer settlers of the Northwest ; he re- 
sided in Tama Co. until the year 1857 ; 
he then moved on to his present farm in 
this township ; Mr. Wilcox owns 120 
acres of land. He is one of the present 
Board of Township Trustees, which 
office he has held three terms previous 
to this ; has also held various school and 
township offices; he was one of the Del- 
egates to the Convention held in Tama 
Co. for the purpose of organizing the 
Republican party ; this was the first Re- 
publican Convention held in that coun- 
ty, and we believe the first in this State. 
He married Miss P. M. Rogers, in New 
York, in 1845 ; she was born in Otsego 
Co., N. Y., in 1828; they have four 
children living — Daniel 0., Ann Eliza 
(she married Chas. R. Barnett), Miron 
C. and Sherman H. 

Wilcoxon, Geo. I., mason, Belle Plaine. 

Wilcoxon, I., for. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Williams, H. H., mer., Belle Plaine. 

Wills, G. W., engineer. Belle Plaine. 

Wilson, Andrew, lab.. Belle Plaine. 

Wilson, D. L., far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Wilson, J. D., lumber dealer. Belle Plaine. 

Wilson, R. C, printer. Belle Plaine. 

Wilson, Walter, laborer, Belle Plaine. 

WISE, DAXIEL, farmer. Sec. 20 ; 
P. O. Belle Plaine ; owns 137'i acres of 
land ; was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, 
1825, in which State he remained until 
1851 ; he then went to California, and 
followed mining three years, at the end 
of which time he returned to Ohio ; re- 
mained a short time, and came to Vin- 
ton, this county, in 1854. Married 
Miss E. Potter, in Marion, Linn Co., 
this State, in 1857 ; she was born in 



520 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY : 



New York ; tliey have seven children 
Hving— Alice Z., Effie G., Willard A., 
Blanche E., Caroline E., John Vincent 
and Maude E. Mr. Wise and family 
resided in Vinton until 1865, when 
they moved to this Tp., on their farm, 
which is only one-fourth of a mile from 
the city of Belle Plaine. 

Wonderlich, E. A., far. ; P. 0. Irving. 

Woods, H. D., blacksmith. Belle Plaine. 

Woodward, L. H., retired grocer, Belle 
Plaine. 

Warfield, James M., far.; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Worley, J., physician, Belle Plaine. 

Wright, Enos, laborer. Belle Plaine. 

WRIGHT, E. B., farmer. Sec. 17 ; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine ; was born in Meigs 
Co., Ohio, in 1824 ; while he was a 
child his parents moved to Indiana, in 
which State they remained until 1842 ; 
they then moved to Winnebago Co., 111., 
in which the subject of this sketch (E. 
B. Wright) married Miss Elizabeth Cor- 
maness ; she was born in Stark Co., 
Ohio ; they moved to this county in 
1854, and located on the farm on which 
they now reside ; they own 200 acres of 
land. Mr. Wright is the present Sec- 
retary of School District ; he has also 
held the office of School Treasurer sev- 
eral terms. His father, J. Wright, was 
born in Ohio, and married Miss L. 
Smith, who was born in Vermont ; they 
moved to this county in 1854 ; he died 
four years after coming to this county, 
aged 58 ; his wife still resides in this 
county. 



Wright, Franklin, farmer ; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Wright, H. H., laborer. Belle Plaine. 
Wright, J. A., far.. Belle Plaine. 
Wright, Leroy S., farmer; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Wrio-ht, W. J., far., Belle Plaine. 
W. 



Y 



OCOM, WM. 



Young, Jeremiah, farmer ; P. 



0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Young, Joseph, far., Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

YOraX, E., farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. 
Irving ; was born in Miami Co., Ohio, 
on the 10th of April, 1840 ; came West 
with his parents and settled in Iowa 
Township, this county, in 1856. He 
married Miss Emily Sink, in Iowa 
County, this State, Nov. 8, 1868 ; she 
was born in Miami Co., Ohio. Mr. E. 
Yount's father (John M. Yount, now 
deceased), was a native of Ohio ; he 
moved to this county, bringing his family 
with him in 1856, thus becoming one of 
the early settlers of this county ; his 
widow (Mrs. Yount), still resides in this 
county. 

f^ ALESKA, F. E., butcher. Belle Plaine. 

Zaleska, Joseph, butcher, Belle Plaine. 
Zaleska, F., Sr., far., Sec. 27; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Zaleska, Vincel, butcher, Belle Plaine. 
Zeka, Joseph, butcher. Belle Plaine, 
Zellar, John, far. ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Zimmerman, F. R., cabinet maker, Luzerne. 




LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 



521 



LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 



A BBOTT, WILLIAM, Constable, 

/\ Blairstown. 

Allen, A. F., banker, Blairstown. 

A L B E R S T E T T, F., manager 
of the grain warehouse owned by 
H. B. Hidy, Blairstown ; was born 
in Germany on the 7th of De- 
cember, 1850 ; came to this country 
with his parents in 1854 ; they settled 
in Stephenson Co., 111., where they now 
reside. Mr. F. Alberstett attended 
high school in the above named county 
and received a liberal educaton ; he 
came to this town in 1876, when he 
entered upon his duties as general mana- 
ger of the above-mentioned warehouse. 
His father, John Alberstett, served in 
the regular army in Germany. 

Allum, Q. L., barber, Blairstown. 

Anderson, David, carpenter, Blairstown. 

Anderson, F. M., farmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Anderson, G. W., plasterer, Blairstown. 

Anderson, Jerry, Blairstown. 

Anderson, M. F., blacksmith, Blairstown. 

AWDERSON, R. K., proprietor of 
carriage, wagon, and horseshoeing shop, 
Blairstown ; was born in Cumberland Co., 
Penn., on Sept. 1, 1852 ; came to this 
State in 1875, and commenced business 
at this place, and worked at his trade, 
that of blacksmith, in De Kalb Co., 
111., previous to his coming to this 
place. He married Helen Quilhot, 
in De Kalb County, Illinois, in 1873 ; 
she was born in De Kalb Co. in 
1858; they have one child — Francis, 
born in De Kalb Co., in June, 1875. 
Mr. R. K. Anderson's brother, M. F. 
Anderson, is in partnership with him 
in the shop ; they do first-class work 
and are the principal firm in the busi- 
ness of this place. 

Anderson, Richard, retired blacksmith, 
Blairstown. 

Andrew, C. W., Blairstown. 

Applegate, H., Blairstown, 

Arreson, Peter, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Asch, Oliver, drayman, Blairstown. 

ATHEY, JAS. W., farmer. Sec. 
24 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; was born in 
Parke Co., Ind., Oct. 26, 1829 ; he re- 



mained here until 1846 ; he then 
came to this State and settled in Iowa 
Co., in which county he remained until 
1852, when he came to this county ; he 
was early identified in the school in- 
terests in the township which he lives 
in, and took an active part in the or- 
ganization of district schools. Has been 
twice married, first wife was Sarah C. 
Brown ; they were married in Johnston 
Co., 1853; she was born in Ohio, and 
died on the 11th of November, 1865. 
Present wife was Minerva Haughen- 
burg ; they were married in iMarengo, 
Iowa Co., in 1866; she was born in 
Ohio. Mr. x\they owns 456 acres of 
land ; he also owns town property to 
the value of S2,300. 
|>AIRD, C, clergyman, Blairstown. 

Barnhart, H. S., carpenter, Blairstown. 

Barnes, W. H., express agt. and confec- 
tionery, Blairstown. 

Barnes, T. F., loan agt., Blairstown. 

BARNEY, M. D., farmer; P. 0. 
Blairstown ; was born in Jefierson Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 30, 1831 ; came to this 
• State in 1866, and settled in this county. 
He is the present Mayor of this town, 
which office he has held one term previ- 
ous to this ; he also held the office of 
Town Trustee one year and School Di- 
rector three years ; he is a member of 
the Masonic order ; is also a member of 
the A. 0. U. W. He married Miss C. 
L. Felt in Jefferson Co., N. Y., on the 
18th of February, 1852 ; she was born 
in Jeiferson Co., Aug. 3, 1835 ; they 
have three children — Flora, born in Jef- 
ferson Co., July 20, 1856 ; Carrie, born 
in Jeff"erson Co., April 3, 1859 ; Mary 
G.,born in Jefferson Co., Aug. 14, 1860. 

BASSETT, H. L., Postmiister at 
Blairstown ; was born in Rensselaer Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 1, 1833; he came to this 
State in 1838, and settled in Fau-field, 
Jefferson Co., which county he remained 
in until 1856 ; he then moved to Wash- 
ington Co., and from there removed to 
this county in 1863. In 1870, he was 
appointed Deputy United States Mar- 
shal ; he has held the office of Justice 
of the Peace four years, and has held the 



522 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



office of Town Assessor one year ; has 
been Postmaster at this place two years, 
and has also held various other town and 
school offices ; he has always exerted 
himself on the side of law and order, 
and is a strict temperance man. He 
married Miss Lydia Jones March 8, 
1857 ; she was born in England Oct. 
14, 1828 ; they have had six children, 
four of whom are living ; the living are 
Ida M., born in Washington Co., this 
State, Sept. 5, 1859 ; Harry and Bertha 
(twins) born in this county March 27, 
1866 ; Thaddeus, born in this county 
Sept. 25, 1869. 

Baty, Wm. I., far., Sec. 6; P. 0. Lu- 
zerne. 

BEATTIE, S. A., farmer, Sec. 28 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown ; was born in Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., Oct. 28, 1821 ; went to 
Illinois and settled in Kane County, 
where he remained one year ; he came 
from there to this county in 1855, thus 
becoming one of the pioneer settlers of 
this county. He married Miss Jane 
Battle, in Albany, N. Y., March 17, 
1849; she was born in Washington Co., 
N. Y., in the year 1812. Mr. Beattie 
was the first Assessor elected in this 
township ; at that time the townships of 
St. Clair, Union and Eldorado were in-' 
eluded in this. He owns eighty acres 
of land, which is well improved. 

BEATY, S. S., farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne ; was born in Washington Co., 
N. Y., July 8, 1818 ; in 1854, he went 
to Kane Co., 111., in which county he 
remained a few months ; he came to this 
township in the Spring of 1855, thus 
becoming one of the early settlers of 
this place ; this township, at that time, 
included the townships of St. Clair, 
Union and Eldorado ; he attended the 
first election here ; they polled 12 votes; 
the expense of the election to the county 
was |14. He has been married twice; 
his present wife was Sarah Larue, in 
this county, 1860. Mr. Beaty owns 
164 acres of land, which is well im- 
proved. 

Beckler, John, far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Becker, C. L., ret. far., Blairstown. 

BEL.L., HENRY, farmer. Sec. 34 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown ; owns 400 acres of 
land ; was born in Norfolk. England, 
1831 ; came to this county, 1855, and 



located in this township, thus becoming 
one of the early settlers of Benton Co. 
He married Miss Whitenack, in Cedar 
Rapids, this State. Mr. Bell visited 
his native country in 1866 ; remained 
one year, then returned to his home 
here, where he has since lived. 

Bell, John, Blairstown. 

Bell, Robert, Blairstown. 

Bell, Thomas, far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Black, Charles, Blairstown. 

BliACK, C. F., farmer, See. 27 ; P. 
0. Blairstown ; owns eighty acres of 
land ; was born in Athens Co., Ohio, on 
26th of November, 1851 ; came to this 
county with his parents in 1856. He 
married Miss Frances Lydie Dulin, in 
this county, on the 2d of March, 1873 ; 
she was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, on 
28th of January, 1853; they have had 
three children — George Hiram, born 
13th of April, 1875, died when 16 days 
old; Jennie Leora, born 26th of March, 
1876; Charles Henry, born 14th of 
November, 1877. 

BLACK, GEORGE, farmer. Sec. 
23; P. O. Blairstown; was born in 
Athens Co., Ohio, 17th of October, 
1822 ; in the year 1850, he moved to 
Indiana, and remained in that State 
about three years ; at the end of which 
time he moved to this State, thus be- 
coming one of the pioneer settlers ; he 
came to this county in 1856, and he has 
since made it his home ; he has held 
the office of Town Trustee several years ; 
has also been Assessor three or four 
years, and has held various school offices. 
He married Hannah Phillips, in Ohio, 
1843; she was born in Athens Co., 
Ohio, in 1823. 

Blutzer, John, far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

B«hmke, AYilliam, clerk, Ivizerne. 
BOOK, JOHN, retired merchant, 
Blairstown ; was born in Germany Dec. 
17, 1839 ; came to this country, 1854, 
and settled in Clayton Co., this State, 
where he remained until the Spring of 
1864 ; he then came to this town and 
formed a copartnership with A. J. Tan- 
geman, and entered the mercantile busi- 
ness ; he remained in that business until 
the Fall of 1874. He married Miss H. 
N. Washburn, in Clayton Co., this State, 
March 28, 1862 ; she was born in Liv- 
ingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 8, 1841 ; they 



LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 



523 



have two children — Jessie, born on the 
1st of January, I8G0, in Clapton Co.; 
Frank, born in Blairstown, July 21, 
1865. 

Bourugart, J., far., S. IT ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Boyd, H. J., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Brewster, J. T., tailor, Blairstown. 

BRIAX, JAMKS, tlirmer; P. 0. 
Blairstown ; was born in Carroll Co., 
Ohio, Dec. 19, 1831 ; he came to this 
State in 1852, and settled in Linn Co., 
where he remained until 1855, when he 
moved to this town ; he built and run 
the first blacksmith shop that was in this 
place. He is, at present writing, a mem- 
ber of the Town Council, and has held 
various school offices. In June, 1864, 
he enlisted in the 47th I. V. I., in Co. 
C ; served until the close of the war ; 
was honorably discharged. He married 
Emily Wood in Linn Co., Aug. 2, 
1855 ; she was born in the State of New 
York. Mr. Brian owns 160 acres of 
land, and residence lots in town. 

Brockman, Eli, nursery, Blairstown. 

Brockman, W. L., nursery, Blairstown. 

Brown, A. M., lab., Blairstown. 

Bruce, C. L., horse doctor, Blairstown. 

Bruce, Joseph, teamster, Blairstown. 

Buch, Conrad, grocer, Luzerne. 

Buffington, 0. J., clerk, Blairstown. 

Burnet, A., far.; S. 10 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Burns, B., clerk, Blairstown. 

Burnet, H. W., Sec. 10. 

Burnet, I. G., Justice of Peace, Blairstown. 

BL'RNET, S. G., farmer. Sec. 10 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown ; was born in Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1827; is a graduate 
of Woodward College ; came to this 
State and settled in this county in 1867. 
A few years later, he was nominated for 
member of the Iowa State Legislature by 
the Anti-Monopoly party, and was tri- 
umphantly elected ; he has also held 
various township offices. He married 
Miss Isabella A. Bromwell, in Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, in 1852 ; she was born in 
Cincinnati Sept. 16, 1834. 

Bushier, J., shoemaker, Blairstown. 

CARTER, JOHN, far., Sec. 24 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 
Carpenter, S. H., school tchr., Blairstown. 
Case, C. E., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Case, S., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Cayema, J., far., S. 34; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Chaffee, C. E., merchant, Blairstown. 



Chalupsky, F., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Chalupsky, J., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Chass, F., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Clint, Alex., lab., Blairstown. 

Clint, Geo., lab., Blairstown. 

CLARK, TIIO.IIAS, contractor 
and builder, Blairstown ; was born in 
the city of New York Nov. 29, 1819; 
in 1829, he went to Somerset Co., N. 
J., where he worked on a farm and at- 
tended school until he w:\s 18 years of 
age ; he then served an apprenticeship 
to a carpenter, and learned that trade, 
which trade he worked at in New Jer- 
sey until 1845 ; he then moved to Peoria 
Co., 111., where he followed the business 
of contractor and builder eighteen years ; 
thence to La Salle Co., 111., where he re- 
mained a few years. In September, 
1861, he entered the U. S. Navy, and 
was appointed Chief Carpenter by Com- 
modore Foote ; he remained in the U. 
S. Navy service until the Fall of 1863, 
and was honorably discharged ; during 
his service in the navy he was in eleven 
battles, the principal ones being the bat- 
tles of Fort Henry. Fort Donelson, Fort 
Pillow, Memphis, and a fight with the 
Arkansas Ram ; after being discharged, 
he returned to La Salle Co. and enlisted 
as a veteran in Cogswell Battery ; he 
served in this until the close of the war, 
and was again honorably discharged ; 
while in this battery he was engaged in 
the battles of Nashville and Mobile. He 
came to this town in September, 1865, 
and has since engaged in his present 
business ; he owns his place of business, 
and is the principal contractor and 
builder in the town. He married Sarah 
N. Breese in Newark, N. J., Sept. 25, 
1842 ; she was born in Somerset Co. N. 
J., Aug. 28, 1819 ; they have five chil- 
dren living. 

CODER,^ DANIEL,, farmer, Sec. 
18 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; was born in West- 
moreland Co., Penn., March 4, 1806; 
came to this county in 1857, and settled 
in Iowa Tp., thus becoming one of the 
first settlers in that township. During 
his residence there, he was elected Jus- 
tice of the Peace, which office he held a 
number of years. He married Catharine 
Hauck in Jefferson Co., Penn. ; she was 
born in Center Co., Penn., April 9, 
1827. Mr. Coder had four sons in the 



524 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



army, all of whom were engaged in 
active service, and were honorably dis- 
charged at the expiration of their term 
of enlistment, or at the close of the war. 

Colp, Thomas, lab., Blairstown. 

Colp, Wm., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Cook, Geo., agent ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Cook, G. E., far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Cook, book agent, Blairstown. 

Colton, H., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Colvin, A. T., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Copeland, Jos., agl. imps., Blairstown. 

CRAXDAI., G. B., loan agt. ; P. 0. 
Blairstown ; born in Smithport, Mc- 
Kean Co., Penn., 1835 ; removed to 
Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1845 ; thence 
to Louisville, Ky., in 1852; dealer, 
while there, in groceries ; thence to 
Galesburg, 111., in 1853 ; there lost his 
health, and attended school ; returned 
to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1855; 
attended school and teaching ; thence to 
Galesburg, 111., in 1856, improving land 
and teaching ; thence to Fremont, Steu- 
ben Co., Ind.,in 1857; remained seven 
years, with the exception of one year 
spent in Northern Wisconsin for his 
health, clerking, teaching and merchan- 
dising; thence to Benton Co., Iowa, in 
1865 ; since when he has been engaged 
in his present business ; has a farm on 
Sec. 8, Homer Tp., of 160 acres, and 
other property at Blairstown, Benton 
Co. Married Emma J. Brown, in 
1858 ; she was born in Steuben Co., 
Ind., March 26, 1841; her children 
were Herbert B., born in 1859 ; Emma 
E., born in April, 1873. Emma J. 
died in April, 1873. Married Mrs. A. 
Mason, Des Moines, Iowa, March, 1874 ; 
she was born in McKean Co., Penn., 
Dec. 12,1838; they have one child — 
George B., born Dec. 12, 1874. Poli- 
tics, Republican. 

CRANDEIili, WHililAM H., 
farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; 
owns eighty acres of land ; was born in 
Clinton Co., Penn., Jan. 4, 1840 ; came 
to Warren Co., 111., when he was 16 
years of age, in which county he re- 
mained until 1868; he then came to 
this county. During the war of the 
rebellion he enlisted in Company A, 
102d 111. V. I. ; was honorably dis- 
charged. He married Miss Mary Pres- 
ton, in Toledo, Illinois, in 1867 ; she 



was born in Missouri, in 1843 ; they 
have three children — Chas. Henry, 
Frank Preston and Amy. 
Cummings, Loren, Blairstown. 

DANOPNIK, FRANCIS, far.. Sec. 
27 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Dellzell, Charles, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Dellzell, D. P., farmer. Sec. 35; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Dellzell, William, farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Dickey, J. S., Presbyterian clergyman, 
Blairstown. 

Ditto, Goo. F., carpenter, Blairstown. 

DITZL.ER, E. J., merchant, Lu- 
zerne ; was born in Schuylkill Co., 
Penn., Aug. 13, 1832; in 1852, he 
went to Ohio, and remained there until 
the Fall of 1855 ; he then went to Will 
Co., 111., in which county he remained 
until the Fall of 1856 ; he then came to 
Cedar Rapids, this State, and remained 
about four years, at the end of which 
time he returned to his former home in 
Pennsylvania, and after remaining there 
a short time, he returned to Cedar Rap- 
ids, and bought grain there until the 
year 1860 ; thence to Mechanicsville, 
where he engaged in the same business 
until 1861 ; from there he went to 
Buckeye, and engaged in the grain 
trade until 1867 ; he then moved to 
this town (LiTzerne), and his was the 
first mercantile house erected in this 
place ; he carried a full line of staple 
and fancy dry goods, groceries, hard- 
ware, ready-made clothing, hats, caps, 
boots, shoes, etc. ; he also deals exten- 
sively in grain. Mr. Ditzler was the 
first Postmaster at this place, which of- 
fice he held a number of years. He 
married Miss Maria Williams, in Tama 
Co., this State, in 1866; she was born 
in Miami Co., Ohio, in 1842 ; they 
have five children — Sheridan, born in 
Buckeye, this State ; Myrtle, born in 
Buckeye, this State ; Edwin L., born 
in this town ; Loyd Sydney, born in 
this town ; Lawrence Bird, born in this 
town. 

Dodd, H. H., laborer, Luzerne. 

DODD, W.K., fiirmer. Sec. 19 ; P. 
0. Luzerne ; was born in this county, 
1861 ; his father, T. M. Dodd, was born 
in Tennessee, 1829 ; he came to John- 



LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 






son Co., this State, 1847, thus becoming 
one of the pioneer settlers of that county. 
While in that county he married Miss 
Mary J. Kellar, 1851 ; she was born in 
Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1830; a few 
years after their marriage, they moved to 
this county and located in this township. 
Mr. Dodd died at his residence in this 
township, the 2Tth of May, 187G ; his 
widow, Mrs. Dodd, still resides on the 
estate. 
Donahue, James, saloon keeper, Blairstown. 
Drake, D. T., laborer, Blairstown. 
Drinkert, F., Prop. Central House, Blairs- 
town. 

ECKERT, DAN., carpenter, Blairs- 
town. 
JEARIiY, P. H., ticket agent and 
telegraph operator for the C. & N. W. 
By.. Blairstown ; was born in North- 
umberland Co., Penn., Feb. 1, 1852 ; 
came to this town in 1872 ; has followed 
the business of telegraphing eight years ; 
has been ticket agent four years. He 
married Maria Kirby, in this place, Jan. 
11, 1874 ; she was born in Geneva, 111., 
in 1 853 ; they have one child — John 
Edward, born in this town on the 16th 
of Dec, 1874. 
Eddy, A. W., far.,S. 26 ; P.O. Blairstown. 
Edson, 0. S., retired farmer, Blairstown. 
Egen, D., far., Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
EHKliD, W, H., insurance and mar- 
ble agent, Blairstown ; was born in 
Petersville, Northampton Co., Penn., on 
the 21st of Oct., 1840 ; in 1859, he went 
to Wisconsin, in which State he re- 
mained until 18G1 ; then he retvirned to 
his former home, and remained there 
until 1867 ; he then came to this county ; 
during the time he was in Wisconsin 
and Pennsylvania, he was principally en- 
gaged in the mercantile business and 
teaching school ; during his residence in 
Blairstown, he has held the offices of 
Town Recorder and Alderman a number 
of years. He married Miss Mary E. 
Wehr, in Marshall Co., this State ; she 
was born in Carbon Co., Penn., on the 
31st of May, 1845; they have three 
children — Claude T., born in Blairstown 
on Oct. 26, 1870 ; Frank W., born in 
Blairstown on March 28, 1874; Mary 
A., born in Blairstown on March 16, 
1876. Mr. Ehred represents the follow- 
ing insurance companies : the Farmers' 



of Cedar Rapids ; the Germania Ameri- 
can of New York, and he also represents 
the marble works of Searlcs & Baxter, 
Cedar Rapids. 

TnARREL, JOHN, farmer. Sec. 20; 

_D P. 0. Luzerne. 

FERMA^, ROBERT, far.. Sec. 
11 ; P. 0. Blairstown; owns 580 acres 
of land; was born in Lanca.ster Co., 
Penn., on the 20th of Jan., 1835 ; in 
the year 1847, he went to Ohio, where 
he remained until the Fall of 1851, when 
he went to Henry Co., 111., where he 
remained until the breaking-out of the 
rebellion. He enlisted in 112th I. V. I., 
Co. A, on the 9th of Aug., 1862, and 
was honorably discharged on the 20th 
of June, 1865 ; he was in many severe 
engagements ; the principal ones being 
the battle of Atlanta, siege of Knoxville, 
Resaca, Allatoona, Nashville, Wilming- 
ton and Raleigh. After the war was over, 
he came to this county, and has since 
made it his home. Is one of the Town- 
ship Trustees at present writing, and 
also is the present incumbent of the 
office of School Treasurer. He married 
Miss Rebecca Hayden, in Henry Co., 
111., on the 10th of April, 1864; she 
was born in Indiana, in 1841, on the 
16th of February ; they have four chil- 
dren — Frederick William, born in this 
county on 15th of Aug., 1866 ; Lora 
Louise, born in this county March 28, 
1869 ; Corwin Kent, born in this county 
Dec. 57, 1872 ; Cordie Estelle, born in 
this county May 5, 1877. 

Eichmeyer, Fritz, lab.; P. 0.' Luzerne. 

Elias, Chas., far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Elias, Chas. H., far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Felt, G. W., stock-dealer, Blairstown. 

Field John T., drayman, Blairstown. 

FITZGERALD, M., druggist, 
Blairstown ; was born in Winnebago Co., 
111., Sepi. 29, 1854 ; came to Boone Co., 
this State, in May, 1866, and to this 
town in September, 1875. Mr. Fitzger- 
ald is undoubtedly as good a druggist as 
there is in the county ; he keeps reliable 
drugs, medicines and chemicals, and ev- 
erything necessary to complete a neat, 
tasty, and at the same time a large and 
finished stock. 

Fitzgerald, P. C, harness maker; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

4 



526 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Flygler, John L., far.; P. 0. Luzerne. 

FOSTER, B. F., Bkirstown; was 
born in Sandusky Co., Ohio, Sept 6, 
1833; one of the earliest settlers of this 
county, and erected the first frame build- 
ing in this part of the county ; carpen- 
ter and joiner. First wife was Martha 
Morford ; present wife was Jane Davis ; 
they were married in Iowa Co., this 
State ; she was born in Illinois in 1834. 

Fox, And'w, far., Sec. 30; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Frantz, A. D., far., Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Frantz, N. N., butcher, Blairstown. 

Frantz, Sam'l Gr., far.; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Frantz, Wane, renter. Sec. 9 ; P. O. Blairs- 
town. 

Frantzman, Jacob, far., Sec. 13 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Frenzel, H., baker, Blairstown. 

Funk, Joseph, far.; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Funk, William, far.; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Furnes, C. C, broker, Luzerne. 

Furnas, J. M., M. D., Luzerne. 

GEISKING, H. F., gardener, Blairs- 
town. 

Goodenough, Levi, retired stone mason, 
Blairstown. 

GOUJLDIXO, JAMES, farmer. 
Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; was born in 
Monroe Co., N. Y. ; when a boy he en- 
tered a carpet store and occupied the 
position of salesman several years. He 
married Miss Anna McGlaw in the city 
of BuflFalo, N. Y., June 4, 1858 ; she 
was born in 1840 ; after their marriage, 
they moved to Chili, seven miles west of 
Rochester, where he owned a farm ; he 
then engaged in farming, which occupa- 
tion he has principally engaged in since ; 
they moved to this county in 1869; 
have nine children — Patrick James, 
Maria Agnes, Katie A. C, Anna F., 
Laurence R., Amelia Elizabeth, Joseph 
E., Henry A. and Walter B. Mr. 
Goulding served in the New York State 
militia seven years ; he entered as pri- 
vate and was advanced to the rank of 
Sergeant Major. He owns 140 acres 
of land one and a half miles from Lu- 
zerne. 

Goss, G. W., miller, Blairstown. 

OOSS, MIIjO Cir., telegraph operator 
for C. & N. W. By. Co. ; was born in 
Dodge Co., Wis., Feb. 8, 1857 ; has fol- 
lowed the business of telegraph operator 



three years ; he came to this town in 
February, 1878. 

Greer, W. A., blacksmith, Blairstown. 

GREER, J. F., retired hardware 
merchant, Blairstown ; was born in 
Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1835 ; he went to 
La Salle Co., 111., and stopped in Men- 
dota about two years; came to this 
county in 1859. He married Miss 
Elizabeth King, in Michigan, in 1860 ; 
she was born in Kane Co., 111., in 1844. 
During the war of the rebellion, Mr. 
Greer served in Co. C, 47th I. V. I. ; he 
was honorably discharged ; he had one 
brother (James V.) in the army; he was 
killed in the siege of Atlanta ; he be- 
longed to Co. G, 13th I. V. I. 

GREUI.ICH, F. A. H., grain 
merchant and dealer in general produce, 
Luzerne ; was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, 
in 1846 ; came to Johnson Co., this 
State, in 1852, in which county he re- 
mained eighteen years ; he came to this 
county in 1870, and engaged in his 
present business at this place. He mar- 
ried Miss P. O'Donnell in Iowa City, 
Johnson Co., this State, in 1870 ; she 
was born in Maryland. 

Grosvenor, B. F., prop. Central House, 
Blairstown. 

ORUNEWALD, W. J., farmer. 
Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; was born in 
Germany in 1838 ; came to this country 
in 1853, and went to New Jersey, where 
he remained until 1864 ; he then came 
to this county, and it has been his home 
since. He married Mary Kupp in Vin- 
ton, this county, Dec. 7, 1868 ; she was 
born in Germany in 1849 ; they have 
had four children — William J., born in 
this county Nov. 8, 1869 ; Charles 
Ernest, born April 10, 1871 ; Henry, 
born Sept. 29, 1873, died aged two 
months ; Henry Julis, born Dec. 17, 
1871. Mr. Grunewald owns 162 acres 
of land. 

TTALSTEAD, M. S., Blairstown. 

Hadler, C, farrier, Luzerne. 

Haines, D., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. 'Blairstown. 

HAINES, JOSEPH, farmer. Sec. 
21 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; owns 200 acres 
of land ; was born in Greene Co., N. Y. 
on the 4th of November, 1812 ; in 
1835, he went to Peoria Co., 111., where 
he remained until 1855 ; he then came 



LE ROY TOAVNSHIP. 



527 



to this township and located on liis pres- 
ent form. He married Miss Sarah A. 
Miner, in Peoria Co., 111., on the 11th of 
October, 1840; she was born in Ross 
Co., Ohio, on the (5th of September, 
1822 ; her father, Thomas Miner, was 
one of the pioneers of this county ; he 
was born in Greene Co., N. Y., in 1798, 
and came to this county in 1854, and 
made it his home until his death which 
occurred at his residence in this town- 
ship, on the 19tli of April. 
HAXFORD, H. M., proprietor of 
Blairstown flour mills and grain dealer, 
Blairstown ; was born near Rochester, 
N. Y., in 1833 ; while he was a child, 
his parents moved to Will Co., 111., in 
which county the subject of this sketch 
remained until 1860 ; he then went to 
California, remaining one year, at the 
end of which time he returned to Will 
Co., 111., and remained there until 1862, 
thence to this county in the same year 
and engaged in the grain trade in this 
place ( Blairetown) ; was also engaged 
in the general mercantile business ; be- 
came proprietor of the Blairstown mill 
in 1866, and it has been under his su- 
pervision since. He married Miss M. 
B. Keyes, in this county, in 1866 ; she 
was born in Linn Co., this State, in 
1842. Mr. Hanford has held various 
town offices in this place. 
Hannen, J. B.,far.,S. 35; P.O. Blairstown. 
Hanson, Tim, laborer ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Hanson, Claus, laborer ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Hanson, Fredrick, farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. 

Blairstown. 
Hanser, John, com. merch., Blairstown. 
Hanser, Tim, butcher, Blairstown. 
Hartung, D. C, blacksmith, Blairstown. 
Hartung, G. W., stone mason and plaster- 
er, Blairstown. . 
HARTUNCi, HENRY, proprietor 
of livery stable, Blairstown ; was born 
in Beaver Co., Penn., April 20, 1848; 
came to this town in 1865, and estab- 
lished himself in the business of general 
blacksmithing and the manufacture of 
buggies and wagons, which business he 
continued in until August, 1877, when 
he engaged in his present business. He 
married Miss Julia Ellis in this county, 
June 20, 1869 ; she was born in Penn- 
sylvania ; they have one child — Alphe 
M., born in this town Sept. 1, 1870. 



Hartung, M., proprietor of Pennsylvania 
House, Blairstown. 

Hartung, John, retired farmer. Blairstown. 

Hartz, George W., farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Hartz, I. K., Sec. 36; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hartz, S., far.. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hartz, Solomon, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hayden, A. L., far., Sec. 2; P. O. Blairs- 
town. 

Hayden, J. M., far.. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

HAYDEX, J. M., farmer, Sec. 1 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown ; owns 160 acres of 
land; was born in Fulton Co., 111., Dec. 
13, 1849 ; came to this county in 1876. 
Was married to Miss Emma Thayer, in 
Knox Co., 111., March 25, 1877; she 
was born in Virginia Jan. 30, 1852. 

HAYES, C. S., dealer in watches, 
clocks, jewelry, silver and plated ware, 
spectacles, etc.; repairing and eng:-aving 
a specialty ; Blairstown ; was born in 
Vermont Feb. 18, 1855 ; became from 
there to Cedar Rapids, this State, where 
he was engaged four years in the jew- 
elry business ; he came to this town in 
1876, and established himself in the 
same business, and he is the principal 
jeweler in town. 

Hayes, J., teamster, Blairstown. 

Hearener-, Frank, farmer. Sec, 22; P. 0. 
Blairstown. • 

Hearener, Samuel, farmer. Sec. 22; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Hearener, Samuel, farmer. Sec. 22 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Heck, E. D., far., Sec. 27; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

HECK, JOHX, farmer. Sec. 23; P. 
0. Blairstown ; was born in Columbiana 
Co., Ohio in 1821 ; he came to this 
State in 1866, and located in this county. 
He married Cathrine Greenamyer in 
Mahoning Co., Ohio, in 1846 ; she was 
born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1820; 
they have four children — Ephraim B., 
born in Columbiana Co., April 2, 1848 
(he married Miss Sarah S. Lunenberg 
in this county, Dec. 25, 1873 ; she was 
born in Johnson Co., this State, April 
29, 1856 ; they have had two children 
— Theodore E., born June 27, 1874, 
died aged 2 years 1 month and 27 days ; 
Alvin Roy, born April 27, 1875) ; Sim 
eon R., born in Columbiana Co., Au;:. 



528 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



18, 1852; Melissa E., born March 18, 
1856 ; John Theodore, born in 1860, 
died March 26, 1864. Mr. John Heck 
owns 160 acres of land, and they are 
well improved. 

HK€K, R., farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown; owns 320 acres of land; 
was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 
1828; came to this county in 1864, and 
settled in this township; he has held 
the office of School Director several 
years. Married Samantha Rupert, in Co- 
lumbiana Co., Ohio, in 1855, in which 
county she was born in 1835. 

Heck, Simmion R., far.. Sec. 22 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Heinrich, C. A., far.. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Heldebrand, Adam, f;ir.; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Henry, M., Com. Highways, Blairstown. 

Henry, 0. S., renter; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Heury, Willis, Blairstown. 

HERKINC^, <^EORGE (de- 
ceased). The subject of this sketch was 
born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Dec 27, 
1822 ; he embraced religion and joined 
the Evangelical Association when he was 
13 years of age, and remained a faithful 
member of the same. On Dec. 26, 
1850, he married Miss Susana Keck, in 
Mahoning Co., Ohio ; she was a native 
of that county, and was born Jan. 28, 
1827. Mr. Herring hearing the glow- 
ing reports of the Northwest, and being 
favorably impressed with the advantages 
to be derived in a new country, came to 
this State in April, 1863, and was 
among the first settlers in the vicinity of 
Blairstown ; after being here some time, 
he was licensed as a local minister, in 
which capacity he served the church 
faithfully until death ; he was at the 
head of the building of an Evangelical 
church at BlairstowD, to which he con- 
tributed liberally, and which has been a 
great blessing to the community ; he 
also contributed largely toward the erec- 
tion of the Blairstown Seminary. Dur- 
ing his life, he was an extensive dealer in 
real estate, and accumulated a large 
property ; failing in health, he removed 
to Texas in the Spring of 1875, hoping 
that the change of climate would im- 
prove his failing health ; but finding that 
he kept getting worse, he returned and 
went to Alton, 111., in which place he 



remained until May, 1876, when he re- 
turned to this place (Blairstown), where 
he remained until his death, which oc- 
curred Aug. 8, 1877. Many are they 
that will long cherish his memory for 
his unbounded generosity and large 
heartedness ; he was ever giving, and 
many are his liberal acts ; his walk was 
upright, and his honesty and character 
without reproach. Such is the record 
left by him that we could fill a volume 
of recitals of his good deeds and his 
labors as a minister of God ; but no 
words that we could employ would add 
any new luster to the character be bore 
in the community where he lived so 
long. 
Gone where shadows ne'er gather nor sorrows 

come 
To darken the sky of the spirit home, far away, 

far away. 
Farewell, Christian friends, fare thee well. 

Where angels dwell 
Is now thy home, with sainted one unite 
And echo through that world which hath no 
night, 

Redeeming love. 
Gone from his partner's sight, 
Whose clinging heart 
Can scarce depart 
From the one loved through each changing year. 
From the one who in death is still more dear 
than when in life. 
Mrs. Herring is still a resident of this 
place (Blairstown), and their family of 
four children all reside in this county ; 
the children are M. S. Herring (whose 
biography we give in another place), 
born in Trumbull Co., Ohio ; Samantha 
C. and Amanda M. (twins), born in Co- 
lumbiana Co., Ohio ; (Samantha C. mar- 
ried H. B. Miller ; they reside in St. Clair 
Tp., this county ; Amanda M. married 
J. A. Rank ; they reside in Le Roy Tp., 
this county); Laurella J., born in Co- 
lumbiana Co., Ohio. 
HERRIXG, M. S., was born in 
Trumbull Co., Ohio; he came to this 
county with his parents, George and Su- 
sana Herring ( whose biographies we give 
in another place), in 1863 ; is a member 
of the Evangelical Church. 
Hess, E., laborer, Blairstown. 
Hickson, I. M., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
Higley, G. W., restaurant, Blairstown. 
HOEBEL, L.OUIS, hardware mer- 
chant, Blairstown ; was born in Stephen- 
son Co., 111., Dec. 17, 1842 ; he came to 



LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 



529 



this town in 1868, and eno-awd in his 
present business. He married Kathrine 
Sauer, in Freeport, 111., in 1865; she 
was born in Baden, Germany, April 30, 
1S45. 
HOEBEL. BRON., proprietors of 
the large hardware store and tin shop, 
Blairstown ; this is one of the best busi- 
ness houses in town ; it in 24 feet 
wide and 180 feet long; the front, 
seventy feet, is stocked with an exten- 
sive stock of hardware, stoves, tinware 
and everything to be found in a first- 
class hardware store ; the back 110 feet 
is filled with every desirable agricultural 
implement ; back here is iron, barbed 
fence wire, nails, ropes, belting, etc. 

HOEBEI., PHILIP, hardware mer- 
chant; was born in Germany on the 
19th of Dec, 1828 ; came to this country 
in 1842, and settled in Stephenson Co., 
111., in which county he remained until 
1868, when he came to this county and 
engaged in his present business. He 
married Elizabeth Holch, in Freeport, 
Stephenson Co., 111., in May, 1858 ; she 
was born in Germany in 1837. 

Hoeck, Frederick, far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Hoeck, William, fur. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

HOEPNER, FRED., dealer in 
wines, beer and cigars, Luzerne; was born 
in Germany, 1 846 ; came to this country 
in 1868 ; Mr. Hoepner has traveled exten- 
sively, has been all through the North- 
western States, and in California, Brit- 
ish Columbia, New Jersey, Washington, 
Oregon and Nebraska ; he visited several 
of the principal cities of each of the 
above named places, and in this State, 
he engaged in his present business, at 
this place, on the 1st of Jan., 1878. 

Koffman, Henry, retired farmer, Luzerne. 

Hogan, S. R., farmer, P. 0. Blairstown. 

Holaday, W., mfr. fanning mills, Blairs- 
town. 

Hooker, H. C, Blairstown. 

Home, 0., banker, Blairstown. 

Howard, Perry, teamster, Luzerne. 

Howai'd, Samuel,' teamster, Luzerne. 

Hutton, R., laborer. Blairstown. 

XLTEN, HENRY, hardware merchant, 

JL Luzerne. 

"TACKSON, JOHN, laborer, Blairstown. 

Jacoby, C, far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Jennings, C. G., school teacher, Blairstown. 



Jones, J. E., far.; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Jones, J. I., far.; P. O. Blairstown. 
Jones, M. B., renter ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Jones, N. J., M. D., Blairstown. 
Jones, W. H., far.; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Judle, F.. far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Justus, D. A., f;\rmer. Sec. 27 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

KEEPER, JERRY, laborer ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Kellar, John, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. O. 
Luzerne. 

Kellar, M. L., farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Kelley, James, merchant, Blairstown. 

Kern, Samuel, blacksmith, Luzerne. 

Kern, Christof, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Kiehn, Peter, shoemaker, Blairstown. 

KITE, O. P., farmer. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown ; owns one-fourth section of 
land ; was born in Page Co., Va., in 
1837 ; came to this State in the Spring 
of 1855, and settled in Cedar Co., where 
he remained until 1865, when he came 
to this county. He married Miss Su- 
san Kiser, in Cedar Co., this State ; she 
was born in Page Co., Virginia ; they 
have a family of six children. 

KINC,}, JOHX D., attorney and 
counselor at law, Blairstown ; was born 
in Morrow Co., Ohio, Nov. 17, 1839. 
At the breakins-out of the war of the 
rebellion he enlisted in Company A. 
33d Illinois V. I., Aug. 21, 1861 ; was 
honorably discharged in October, 1864 ; 
his discharge shows that he wasengaaed 
in thirteen pitched battles, among them 
being the battles of Jackson, Champion 
Hills, Black River, Yicksburg, and a 
series of battles around that place. He 
settled in this town in the Spring of 
1866, and was admitted to the bar in 
1873, since which time he has been en- 
gaged in the practice of his profession 
at this place (Blairstown) ; at the bar, 
Mr. King is regarded as an able lawyer, 
a man of sound legal judgment and high 
professional honor. He married Miss 
Sarah L. Cooper, in Whiteside Co., 111., 
Aug. 9, 1863 ; she was born in Morrow 
Co., Ohio, Feb. 24, 1837. 

King, S. T., clerk, Blairstown. 

Kluss, Frederick, farmer. Sec 5 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Kluss, F. H., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 



630 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Knecht, Ed., gardener, Blairstown. 
Knecht, R., gardener, Blairstown. 
Knorr, John, drayman, Luzerne. 
Koba, Peter, far., Sec. 29; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Kohlman, Christ, farmer. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. 

Luzerne. 
Kowas, Joseph, firmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. 

Blairstown. 
Kurst, Augustus, far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

LAMB, DENNIS, section hand, Blairs- 
town. 

LAMOREE, P. S., farmer, Sec. 7 ; 
P. 0. Luzerne ; was born in this county 
in 1855. Married Miss Margaret Hud- 
son in this county, in December, 1875 ; 
she was born in 1853. 

liAMOREE, STOUGHTOl^, re- 
tired farmer, Luzerne ; was born in 
Broome Co., N. Y., in 1818 ; when he 
was 16 years of age, he went to Plain- 
field, 111., where he remained about 
eighteen months, at the end of which 
time he went to Peoria Co., 111., in which 
county he married Miss Eliza Minor, in 
1844; she was born Aug. 18, 1825, 
died Feb. 5, 1851 ; his present wife was 
Miss Rosanna Sheets ; they were mar- 
ried in Stark Co., 111., Oct. 26, 1851 ; 
she was born in Switzerland Co., Ind., 
in 1830. Mr. Lamoree came to this 
county in the Spring of 1855, and was 
elected member of the first Board of 
Supervisors in this county, in which ca- 
pacity he served two years. He owns 
353 acres of land, besides his fine resi- 
dence, in which he resides at Luzerne. 

Larkins, P., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Larue, Isaac, broom maker, Blairstown. 

Larson, Paul, lab.; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Larson, Thomas, far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Laubach,'F. G-., harness mkr., Blairstown. 

Law, Gr. W.,far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Learch, Wm., butcher, Blairstown. 

Lee, Fred B., far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Lehr, Enos, merchant, Blairstown. 

Lehr, J. M., merchant, Blairstown. 

Leonard, H. M., lab., Blairstown. 

Lipe, H., surveyor, Blairstown. 

IjOXCw, D. N,, retired minister, Blairs- 
town ; was born in Somerset Co., Penn., 
May 17, 1813; in 1835, he was licensed 
minister of the Evangelical Association, 
and successfully labored in the States of 
Virginia, Pennsylvania, INIaryiand and 
Ohio; in 1860, he came West and 
located in this State ; he followed his 



ministerial duties in this State and Min- 
nesota several years. He married Su- 
sanna Flickinger, in Cumberland Co., 
Penn., in 1842 ; she was born in Lan- 
caster Co., Penn., in 1817 ; they have 
three children living — Belinda E. (now 
Mrs. J. Troutman), Susanna C. and 
Cynthia (now Mrs. Frank Leohner). 
Mr. Long owns 452 acres of land, and 
residence and three town lots. 

Lynch, P.H., Justice of Peace, Blairstown. 

Lyons, J., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

MCCARTY, JOHN, Principal of 
Blairstown Academy, Blairstown. 
McCoy, F. A., keeps billiard hall, Blairs- 
town. 
McElroy, M., far., S. 26; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
MACKLIN, O. P., painter. 



town ; was born in Mahoning Co 
on the 5th of June, 1841 



Blairs- 
, Ohio, 
went to Mad- 
ison, Wis., in 1861. In 1862, he en- 
listed in the 23d Wis. V. I ; served 
until the close of the war ; was honora- 
bly discharged ; his discharge shows 
that he was engaged in the battles of 
Chickasaw Bayou, Miss.; Arkansas Post, 
Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black 
River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg, siege 
of Jackson. Cross Roads, Cane River, 
Jackson, Spanish Fort, Atlanta, Blakely, 
Alabama, and was all through with Gen. 
Banks, in his Red River Expedition ; he 
was mustered out in Madison, Wis. He 
then returned to his former home in 
New York, and remained three years ; 
he then came to this town, and has re- 
sided here since. He married Julia 
Hitchcock, in Portage Co., Ohio, on the 
5th of Nov., 1868 ; she was born in Can- 
field, Ohio, in 1845 ; they have had three 
children — Freddie W., born Oct. 28, 
1871, died Aug. 16, 1873 ; Judsun V., 
born Nov. 21, 1873; Hattie D., born 
Sept. 24, 1869. 

Matter, E., retired farmer. 

Meaks, F., far , S. 33 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

MERRIIIAX, C. B., merchant, 
Blairstown ; was born in Henry Co., 
Ill, on the 20th of January, 1839; 
moved to this county in 1866, and set- 
tled in St. Clair Tp., where he engaged 
in farming until 1875 ; he then moved 
to Blairstown and engaged in his present 
business. He married Miss Rachel 
Raser, in Henry Co., 111., on the 8th of 



LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 



531 



Dec, 18G1 ; she was born in Ohio, on 
the i4th of July, 1841. During the 
war of the rebellion, Mr. Merriman an- 
.swered his country's call for recruits to 
defend the flag of the union of our 
fathers; be enlisted in Co. K, 112th 111. 
V. I., in Aug., 1862, and was honora- 
bly discharged in July. 1865 ; during 
the time he was in the service, he was 
engaged in seventy-two skirmishes, aside 
from the followinc: battles : Franklin, 
siege of Knoxville, Mt. Sully, Lenora 
Station, Louden, Bear Station, Charles- 
ton, Town Creek, Wilmington, Golds- 
borough, Raleigh and Greensboro, 
N. C, in which battle Gen. Johnston 
surrendered to Gen. Sherman. 

Mess, E., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Meyer, C, far., S. 18 ; P. O. Luzerne. 

Meyers, George, farmer ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Meyers, Harmon J., butcher, Luzerne. 

Meyer, J. H., butcher, Luzerne. 

Meyocks, John, fiir., S. 6 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Mickulaki, J., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Miller, Harry, carpenter, Blairstown. 

Miner, Hiram, far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Moeller, H. D., far., S. 16; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Mondle, C, far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Moller, Rudolph, merchant, Luzerne. 

Moore, E., far., Sec. 31 ; P, 0. Luzerne. 

Moore, H., far., Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Moore, W. C, far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Morey, Austin, laborer, Blairstown. 

Morey, G. W., carpet weaver, Blairstown. 

Morris, J., far.. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Mosier, D., far., See. 3 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Mosier, J. S., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Muller, C, far.. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

"VTAUMAN, J., dealer in hardware, 

_L>I Blairstown. 

Neibes, J., far., Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Nelson, Carl, laborer, Blairstown. 

Nelson, C, fiir.. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Nelson, H. P., laborer, Luzerne. 

XEIiSO^, J. A., proprietor of boot 
and shoe shop, Blairstown ; was born in 
Mercer Co., Penn., 0th of Jan., 1829; 
came from there to Peoria Co., 111. ; re- 
mained there until 1829 ; he then went 
to Colorado, where he remained until 
1862 ; be then returned to Illinois, and 
lived in Peoria until 1864 ; then he 
moved to iMoline, 111., remaining there 
until March, 1865 ; he then moved to 
this town, where he has since followed 



his business of boot and shoemaking. 
He was a member of the Town Council 
four years. Married Lucy A. Robinson, 
in Peoria Co., 111., on the 28th of April, 
1858 ; she was born in the State of New 
York Aug. 8, 1834. 

Newmeyer, H., far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

NICOI^AISEN, PKTER, farmer. 
Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; was born in 
Denmark In 1812. In 1832 he enlisted in 
the Denmark standing army as Corporal, 
and remained in the service until 1838 ; 
wasa also a member of the militia of that 
country from 1838 until 1851. He 
married Miss Hansine Paulina Maria 
Dethmer, in Copenhagen, Denmark 
(which was her birthplace) ; she was 
born in 1805 ; they came to this country 
in 1851 ; lived in New York three years; 
came to this county in 1854 ; they own 
82 J acres of land ; they have one child 
living in this township — Petra Hansine ; 
she married R. Olsen, in this county in 
1868. They own 108 acres of land. 

Nichols, A. J., flir.. Sec. 33; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

XIEL.AXD, HEXRY, far.. Sec. 
5 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; owns 320 acres of 
land ; was born in Germany, in 1821 ; 
came to this countr^^ in 1854, and set- 
tled in Clayton Co., this State ; remained 
there until 1865, then moved to this 
Tp., which has been his home since. 
He married Mary Lemmerinmann. in 
Germany, in 1846; she was born in 
1824. Mr. Nieland entered the army, 
in Germany, in 1842, and served until 
1848. 

XISWON(,}ER, M. L.., merchant, 
of the firm of Niswonger k Thomson, 
dealers in fancy dry goods, notions, 
ready made clothing, hats and caps, 
boots and shoes, etc., etc. ; Lu- 
zerne. Mr. Niswonger was born in 
Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1840 ; 
came to this State in 1865 ; remained 
one year in Cedar Rapids, Linn Co.; 
came to this town (Luzerne) in 1866 ; 
commenced business here in 1869, and 
has been Postmaster at this place seven 
years. Married Miss Elizabeth Kooser 
at Mt. Vernon, Linn Co., this State, in 
1866 ; she was born in Somerset Co., 
Penn., in 1842 ; they have three chil- 
dren — Jennie, born in this county in 
in 1867 ; Craig, born in this county in 



532 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



1870; Maggie, born in this county in 
1877. During the war of the rebellion, 
Mr. Niswonger enlisted in Co. D, 15th 
Penn. Cav., in 1862 ; was honorably 
discharged at the close of the war in 
1865 ; he was in many severe skirmish- 
es, and in the battles of Stone River, 
Chattanooga and Chickamauga. 

O'BRIEN, THOS., teamster, Blairs- 
town. 

Ohge, Charles, wagon maker, Blairstown. 

Olson, Rasmus, farmer. Sec. 19 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

O'SULL-IVAN, J. B., Principal pf 
public school, Blairstown ; was born in 
Columbiana Co., Ohio, July 16, 1847 ; 
moved with his parents to Jo Daviess 
Co., 111., in 1852 ; thence to Jackson 
Co., this State, which county he made 
his home for twenty years ; he followed 
his profession as teacher a number of 
years ; he came to this town in April, 
1876; was appointed Principal of the 
school in Sept., 1876. Was married 
to Miss C. T. Davey, in this place, Nov. 
14,1876; they have one child — Mary 
Winifred, born in this town Sept. 12, 
1877. 

Overbeck, John, far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

OVERBKCK, J. A., faimer; P. 
Luzerne ; was born in Clayton Co., this 
State, Sept. 8, 1854. He married Miss 
Mena Wencel, in Luzerne, this county, 
March 3, 1878 ; she was born in Le Roy 
Tp., this county. May 28, 1858. Mr. 
J. A. Overbeck's father (Wm. Over- 
beck), was born in Germany, whcrehe 
married Louisa Kramer ; they came to 
Clayton Co., this State, in 1845, thus 
becoming one of the pioneer families in 
that "county. Mrs. J. A. Overbeck's 
father (F. Wencel) was born in Ger- 
many ; he married Louisa Kollman ; 
they came to this county some time pre- 
vious to 1858, and were among the first 
families that settled in this portion of 
the county. 

Overland, Jesse, enpineer, Blairstown. 

PAINE, JAS., harness maker, Blairs- 
town. 
Pasko, Charles, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. 

Blairstown. 
Pasko, John, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. 

Blairstown. 
PIERCE, C}. R.,^ merchant, Blairs- 
town ; was born in Wales Nov. 3, 1 842 ; 



he came to this country with his parents 
in the Spring of 1843 ; they settled in 
Wisconsin, in which State he remained 
until the breaking-out of the war of the 
rebellion. He then enlisted in the 9th 
Wis. Battery ; served three years and 
three months, during which time he was 
in many severe engagements. After be- 
ing honorably discharged from the serv- 
ice, he went to Minnesota, where he 
remained until 1872, when he came to 
this town and engaged in the mercantile 
business, which business he still con- 
tinues in. He married Miss Elizabeth 
French, in this town Feb. 7, 1877 ; her 
father, the Rev. Ozro French, came to 
this county in 1864, and had pastoral 
charge of the Congregational Church 
until his death. 

Pelly, Patrick, far., S. 9; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Peters, Henry, shoemaker, Luzerne. 

Peterson, N. P., far.. Sec. 29 ; P. O. Lu- 
zerne. 

Poulson, Samuel, far.; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Pratt, A. S.,far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Probert, W., d(jaler in agl. imp., Blairstown. 

REISER, CHARLES, farmer, Sec. 3 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown. 

RAXK, J. A., farmer. Sec. 13 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown ; owns Z80 acres of land ; 
was born in Jefferson Co., Penn., Feb. 
5, 1850 ; came to this county in 1867 ; 
in 1874, Mr. Rank was licensed travel- 
ing minister of the Evangelical Associa- 
tion, which avocation he continued in 
for three years, traveling principally in 
Benton, O'Brien, Osceola and Iowa Cos. 
He married Amanda M. Herring, in 
this county, Sept. 14, 1876; she was 
born in Columbiana Co., Ohio ; they 
have one child — Orena Z., born June 
29, 1877. 

Reiser, H., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

RICHARDSOX, R., of the firm_ of 
R. Richardson & Son, druggists, Blairs- 
town ; was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., 
July 27, 1831 ; he came to this State in 
1867, and settled in this county in 1872 ; 
he came to this town and engaged in the 
grain trade, which business he continued 
in until 1873, when he established him- 
self in the drug business, which busi- 
ness he still continues in. Though not 
an aspirant for political honors, he has 
held various township offices, and was 
the nominee of the Greenback party in 



LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 



533 



this State for State Representative. He 
married Miss Mary F. Britton, in Wyo- 
ming Co., N. Y., Feb. 2, 1851 ; she was 
born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., March 2.3, 
1832 ; they have two children — Cora 
L., born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., April 
17, 1854 ; she married John Van Metre ; 
he was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, 
March 16, 184G ; he came to this State 
in 1855; in the year 1868, he com- 
menced the study of law, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1870 ; he speedily 
came forward to a leading position at the 
bar ; his success in the profession was 
almost without precedent ; in January, 
1874, he formed a copartnership with 
John D. King, the firm being known as 
Van Metre & King ; this firm continued 
until a few days before his death, which 
occurred Jan. 31, 1876 ; he was a fluent 
speaker, and his addresses to a jury were 
always efiectivc ; his intercourse with 
the bar was always marked with the 
utmost dignity and courtesy, and no 
man ever saw him betrayed into a 
wrangle with the opposing counsel or the 
court when trying a case ; he was never 
a promoter of litigation, never made the 
court of justice an engine of oppres- 
sion or used it as a weapon to further 
his own ambition and gratify personal 
malice or spite ; but, on the other hand, 
he endeavored whenever it was possible 
to harmonize disputes without resorting 
to courts. George A. Richardson was 
born in Wyoming Co., N. Y.; April 27, 
1857 ; he entered into partnership with 
his father a short time ago ; they keep 
a first-class drug store, and have a va- 
riety of drugs, medicines, paints, oils 
and everything to be found in a first- 
class drug store. 

Rickert, J., lab., Blairstown. 

Rieke, C, far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Ritter, F., barber and confec'y, Blairstown. 

Rocker, Wm., far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Rosa, Frank, far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Rosburg, C, far. ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Roswag, J., far., S. 17; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Rupp, Jacob, lab., Blairstown. 

Rupp, John, retired far., Blairstown. 

Russell, A., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

SALISBURY, HIRAM, far., S. 16; 
P. O. Blairstowji. 
SAXDERSON, LrEVI, painter, 
Blairstown ; was born in Oneida Co., N. 



Y., Feb. 28, 1847, from which State he 
went to New Jersey, where he remained 
six years ; he then went to Wisconsin, in 
which State he remained a short time. 
He enlisted in Co. I, 22d Regt. N. J. 
Vols., on the 1st of September, 1862 ; 
served nine months, and was honorably 
discharged. He came to this town in 
1867, and has since followed the business- 
of painting. 

Sanderson. W. M., lal)., Blairstown. 

SA YERS, REUBEN, farmer, Sec. 
19 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; was born in Athens 
Co., Ohio, Dec. 29, 1844 ; when he was 
10 years of age he moved to Morrow 
Co., Ohio, with his parents ; thence to 
Williams Co., same State, in which 
county his parents still reside ; he came 
to this State in 1869, and settled in this 
township. He married Miss Mary Car- 
penter, in Williams Co., Ohio, in 1866 ; 
she was born in same county in 1842 ; 
they have three children — Sarah, born 
in Williams Co., Ohio ; Rauel, born in 
this township ; George, born in this 
township. Mr. Sajers owns 1362 acres 
of land, one and a quarter miles from 
Luzerne ; it is well improved. 

Schwarz, C., retired butcher, Blairstown. 

SCHMIDT, OTTO, druggist, Lu- 
zerne; was born in Germany in 1841 ; 
came to this town in 1869 ; engaged in 
his present business at this place in 
1873 ; Mr. Schmidt keeps a full stock of 
pure and fresh drugs, paints, oils, arti- 
cles of toilet, and everything to be found 
in a first- class drug store. 

SCHREADER, HEXRY W., 
proprietor of the Luzerne House, Lu- 
zerne ; was born in Prussia Sept. 10, 
1840 ; came to Stephenson Co., 111., 
when a boy. He married Miss Eva 
Sauer, at Freeport, Oct. 9, 1862 ; she 
was born in Baden, German}-, March 
20, 1843. Five years after their marriage 
they moved to this county and pur- 
chased a farm of 160 acres on Sec. 14, 
Kane Tp., which farm they still own ; 
they resided on this until 1876 ; he then 
purchased the Luzerne House and en- 
gaged in keeping hotel, which is his 
present business. They have six chil- 
dren living — Sophia, Theresa, Juliixs A., 
Mary A., Kathrine Elizabeth, William 
Herman. 

Schreader, John, saloon, Blairstown. 



534 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



SCHUHMACHER, GEORGE, 

farmer, Sec. 12; P. 0. Blairstown ; 
owns 2n0 acres of land ; was born in 
Baden, Germany, Jan. 5, 1828 ; came 
to this country in 1846 ; he Uved near 
Rochester, N. Y., for a short time, then 
went to Erie, Penn., where he remained 
until 1867 ; he then came to this county, 
and has since resided in it. He is one of 
the present Board of Township Trust- 
ees, which office he has held for several 
years ; he has also been the occupant of 
various other town and school offices. 
He married Miss Kathrine Fesilie in 
Erie, Penn., in 1850 ; she was born in 
Baden, Germany, May 22, 1822 ; they 
have a family of ten children, all of 
whom are living. 

Schultz, John, far.. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Scovil, S. C, far., Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Seveik, J., far.. Sec. 20; P.O. Luzerne. 

Sear, Reuben, far., Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Shay, B., far., Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Sheets, Wm., blacksmith, Blairstown. 

.SHM^fX, A.J Deputy Sheriff of this 
county, also City Marshal of Blairstown ; 
was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, in 
1838 ; came to Blairstown in the Fall 
of 1863; was appointed Deputy Sheriff 
in the Fall of 1876 ; has been City 
Marshal since the Spring of 187-1: ; was 
elected Constable in 1872, which office 
he has held since. He married Miss 
Linah Ellyson in Mahoning Co., Ohio, 
in 1858 ; she was born in Stark Co., 
Ohio ; they have four children living — 
Wm. H., John, Mary, Frankie. 

Shinn, H. Wm., farmer; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Shirley, Charles ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Shirley, Milton, Constable, Luzerne. 

Shierman, C, clerk, Blairstown. 

Shoenberger, Jacob, far.. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Shoenberger, M., far., Sec. 2 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Shreeves, J. R., Cashier, Blairstown. 

SHREEVES, B. W., banker (firm 
name, Shreeves & Tipton), Blairstown ; 
was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Nov. 
24, 1831. He married Miss Mary 
Ramsey, in Fulton Co., 111., in 1856 ; he 
came to this State in 1865, and located 
in the vicinity of this town ; he engaged 
in his present business (that of banking) 



in April, 1865 ; has held various offices ; 
they have three children — John R., 
born in Fulton Co., 111., April, 1858, 
and is Cashier in the bank ; Hattie, 
born Jan. 8, 1875 ; Jessie, born Dec. 9, 
1876. 

Shuck, J. D., jeweler, Blairstown. 

Shuhard, Charles, far., Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Lu- 
zerne. 

Shuhard, G., far.. S. 31 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Shuhard, J., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Silliman, John, merchant, Blairstown. 

Silliman, S. P., bookkeeper, Blairstown. 

Silliman, W. S., merchant, Blairstown. 

SIHMOXS, D. J., farmer, Sec. 23 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown ; owns property to the 
value of $1,000 ; was born in Parke Co., 
Ind., March 8, 1838 ; came to Johnson 
Co., this State, in 1849, and to this 
county in 1855, and settled in 
this township. There were not over 
ten families in this township at that 
time, and the surrounding country was 
comparatively a wilderness. He married 
Mrs. Martha A. Dill, in Linn Co., this 
State, Dec. 4, 1864 ; she was born in 
Fountain Co., Ind., Nov. 6, 1832 ; her 
father, R. G. Harbert, came to this State 
in 1844 ; in 1846, he settled in Linn 
Co. During the war of the rebellion 
he enlisted in 37th Regt. I. V. I. ; served 
until the close of the war ; was honorably 
discharged. 

Simpson, J., baggage master, Blairstown. 

Smith, C. D., retired farmer, Blairstown. 

Smith, Frank S., laborer, Luzerne. 

Smith, G. H., far., S. 10; P.O. Blairstown. 

Snider, John, wagon maker, Blairstown. 

SIVOW, W. S., Blairstown ; was born 
in Pennsylvania, April 21, 1829 ; went 
from there to Ohio, 1836 ; remained 
there until 1851 ; he then went to 
California, and remained until 1854 ; 
in the Fall of said year, he came to this 
county ; in 1862, he moved to this town, 
and in 1864-5, he was engaged in the 
mercantile business. Was appointed 
Postmaster of this town in 1863, which 
office he held until 1 866 ; was elected 
Mayor in 1874, to which office he was 
elected three consecutive terms; he is a 
member of the School Board at this 
place at present writing ; he has also 
held various other town and school offices. 
He married Miss Harriet P. Dwight, in 
Cleveland, Ohio, on Jan. 27, 1852 ; she 



LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 



535 



was born in Hampshire Co., Mass., June 
3, 1831 ; they have one child — Nina 
Belle, born in this county Aug. 8, 1859. 
Mr. Snow owns 350 acres of land. Mrs. 
Snow owns residence in town and several 
town lots. 

Snyder, F. E., cabinet maker, Blairstown. 

SPICER,_S. S., M. D. (deceased) ; 
was born in Waterbury, Vt., Jan. 25, 
1852 ; graduated at the St. Louis Med- 
ical College in 1873, and has since prac- 
ticed medicine in this place. He married 
Miss Elsie Porter, in this town, May 1, 
1877 ; she was born in Illinois, April 7, 
1856 ; her father, the Rev. G. D. Porter, 
born in March, 1805, in Juniata Co., 
Penn. ; in his youth he prepared him- 
self for the medical profession, and 
entered the practice thereof; but about 
this time he commenced the study of 
theology, privately with Father Hutch- 
inson of Mifflin, and a short time after- 
ward became one of the earliest students 
in the Western Theological Seminary ; 
after being licensed in 1830 or 1831, 
he for a time preached in Monongahela 
City, and thence removed to Newbury, 
where he was ordained and installed by 
the Presbytery of Huntingdon, in Nov. 
1833 ; a few years later, he became Pas- 
tor of Centre and Millerstown Churches, 
where he was much respected and his 
labors succes«sful ; he came to this State 
in 1851, where he followed his labors 
several years ; he then moved to Crow 
Meadow Church, 111., where he labored 
four years ; in the Winter of 1866-7, 
he arranged to supply statedly, the 
churches of Blairstown and West Irving 
in the Presbytery of Vinton ; here he 
labored until his death, which occurred 
on 17th of Dec, 1867. 

Hark ! the golden harps are ringing, 
bounds unearthly fill his ear; 
Millions now in Heaven singing, 
Greet his joyful entrance there. 

Sprinkle, S., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Starbuck, Abe. laborer, Blairstown. 

Starbuck, J. M., laborer, Blairstown. 

Starbuck, S., farmer, Blairstown. 

Stary, Adam, far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Stary, C, far., S. 30 ; P. O. Luzerne. 

Stc'fft^nson, A., far., S. 30. 

JSTKRI.IXG, J. S., farmer. Sec. 4 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown ; was born in Livings- 
ton Co., N. y., in 1822, in which 



county he remained until he was 17 
years of age; he then shipped on a 
whaler, and followed a seafaring life for 
five years, during which time he sailed 
around the world, and was in many of 
the principal seaports of the world ; after 
resigning his duties on the rolling deep, 
he went to Michigan, where he re- 
remained some years ; he also lived in 
Ohio some time. In 1845, or there- 
about, he went to Winnebago Co., 111., 
in which county he met and married 
Miss Juliette Pen nock, in 1846 ; she 
was born in New York in 1825 ; they 
moved to this county in 1856, and lo- 
cated in this township, thus becoming 
one of the pioneer families in this pan 
of the county ; they have two children 
— Carrie F., born in Winnebago Co., 
111., in 1855, (she married James Shuck); 
Frank P., born in this county in Sept.; 
1862. In 1866, Mr Sterling and family 
visited Colorado and other portions of 
the West, and were absent several 
months ; he owns 200 acres of land, 
which is nicely located and well im- 
proved. 

Stewart, N., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

STOXESIFER, E. II., farmer and 
stock raiser, Blairstown ; owns 600 acres 
of land in the vicinity of this place ; he 
was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, on the 
31st of Dec, 1824; when he was 15 
years of age, he went to Jefferson Co., 
and remained there until 1857 ; he then 
went to Louisville, Ky., in which place 
he remained about eight years ; from 
there he came to this town, and it has 
been his home since. He married Miss 
Catharine A. Black, in Jefferson Co., 
Ohio, in May, 1847; she was born in 
Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1825. 

Story, D., far., S. 13 ; P. 0, Blairstown. 

Story, G., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Story, W. S., far., 13; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Stoufer, B., far.; P. 0. Blairstown. 

STri>T,PH., REV., Pastor of the 
Lutheran Church, Luzerne ; was born in 
St. Clair Co., 111., in the year 1841 ; he 
remained in said county until his 22d 
year ; he then went to St. Louis and 
commenced studying for the ministry ; 
he attended Concordia College at that 
place (St. Louis) four years, at the end 
of which time he graduated ; was or- 
dained minister in 1866 ; since which 



536 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY ; 



time he has had pastoral charge of the 
Lutheran Church at this place (Lu- 
zerne). He married Miss Sophia E. M. 
Tatge, in Iowa City, this State, on the 
10th of Nov., 1869; she was born in 
Kendall Co., 111., on the 13th of March, 
1852; they have had four children — 
Julius C. P., born in Luzerne on the 
11th of Sept., 1871 ; Henry F., born in 
Luzerne on the 30th of March, 1873, 
died in infancy ; August J., born in Lu- 
zerne on the i4th of Oct., 1874 ; Mar- 
tin G. W., born in Luzerne on the 5th 
of Nov., 1877. 

Tadae, Conrad, former ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

T AEGE & ILTEX, dealers in hard- 
ware, stoves, tinware, cutlery, etc., Lu- 
zerne ; Wm. Taege was born in Cook Co., 
111., in 1866 ; came to this county in 1875, 
and engaged in the hardware business 
in this place. Henry Ilten was born in 
Cook Co., 111., in 1851 ; came to this 
county in 1874 ; engaged in the hard- 
ware business in 1875. He married 
Miss Katie Buch, in this town (Luzerne), 
on Oct. 1, 1876 ; she was born in Kane 
Co., this State, in 1 859. Mr. Ilten is also 
engaged in the grain trade with Mr. Buch. 

TAX GEM AX, A. J., farmer, 
Blairstown ; was born in Mercer Co., 
Ohio, Jan. 21, 1833 ; came to this 
State in 1846, and settled in Clayton 
Co., in which county he remained until 
1864; he then came to this town and 
engaged in the mercantile business with 
John Book, in which business he re- 
mained until the Fall of 1874; since 
that time he has principally followed 
farming. He has been a member of 
the School Board two years ; he has 
also been a member of the Town 
Council three years. He married Eliz- 
abeth Buch in Clayton Co., this State, 
in 1857; she was born in Germany; 
they have seven children — Anna M. K., 
born in Clayton Co., Sept. 21, 1858; 
George F., born in Clayton Co., Oct. 
7, 18"60 ; Mary E., born in Clayton Co., 
Dee. 21, 1862; John R., born in this 
town April 27, 1865 ; Martha L., born 
in this town Sept. 2, 1867 ; Elizabeth 
W., born in this town Nov. 23, 1869 ; 
Fannie Amelia, born in this town Oct. 
3, 1876. Mr. Tangeman owns 443 
acres of land, and a residence and sev- 
eral lots in town. 



Tangeman, William, far.. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. 

Luzerne. 
Tege, Wm., farmer; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Thiele, Henry, harness maker, Luzerne. 
Thomson, M. J., merchant, Luzerne. 
Timm, John, saloon, Luzerne. 
Tipton, T., banker, Blairstown. 
\ F AIL, C, attorney, Blairstown. 

Vanscoyee, Aaron K., farmer. Sec. 32 ; P. 

0. Luzerne. 
Voss, H., restaurant, Blairstown. 
Vottler, John, shoemaker, Blairstown. 
Vottler, M., shoemaker, Blairstown. 
TTTAGNER, Frank, P. 0. Blairstown. 

Wagner, J. K., M. D., Blairstown. 

WAGXER, W. B., M. D., Blairs- 
town ; was born in Dauphin* Co., Penn., 
Feb. 5, 1818; he worked on a farm 
near Harrisburg, Penn., until his 19th 
year ; during this time, he attended 
school in the Winter, but the grade of 
school being low, he derived but little 
benefit ; at the age of 21, he began 
preparing for the ministry, and in the 
year 1841. he entered the Conference of 
the United Brethren Church as traveling 
minister, and in that capacity, labored for 
seventeen years, preaching principally in 
Pennsylvania; in 1856, he moved to this 
State, and successfully labored in Musca- 
tine County ; during his ministry, he 
devoted much of his time to the study of 
medicine and preparing himself for prac- 
tice ; in 1857, ho removed to Linn Co., 
Iowa, where he engaged in his new pro- 
fession, which profession he has since con- 
tinued in ; he has a fine library of over 
600 volumes, from which he has gathered 
a store of knowledge ; he still retains an 
abiding interest in his religious denom- 
ination, and has always been an ardent 
supporter of Western College, their 
denominational school, and served as 
one of the Board of Directors, Exec- 
utive Committee and as President of 
the Board a number of years ; he re- 
moved to this place in April, 1876. 
He married Barbary Bank in 1842, 
and has the following family — J. K. 
Wagner, born Oct. 23, 1843 ; is now a 
practicing physician at this place ; was in 
the 2d Iowa Cav., during the war of 
the rebellion ; he married Miss Jenny 
Swiuey in 1871 ; Anna M., born April 



LE ROY TOWNSHIP. 



537 



29, 1845, died Aug. 5, 1845 ; Emma 
C, born Sept. 6, 1846 ; she married 
Wm. P. Henderson ; Greorge M., born 
born Nov. 4, 1848; William A., born 
Nov. 6, 1850; John W., born Feb. 24, 
1852; Benjamin F., born April 28, 
1854; Edward C, born Aug. 1, 1856 ; 
James H. S., born April 21, 1858. 
Mr. Wagner is to be truly termed a 
self made man ; beginning without edu- 
cation, he has, by his own unaided indus- 
try and perseverance, fitted himself for 
a life that has been useful to others as 
well as himself. 

WAL.IiACE, J. P., editor and pro- 
prietor of the Blairstown Independent ; 
was born in Caldwell Co., Mo., May 20, 
1843 ; come to Madison Co., this State, 
in 1855, and to this county in 1868. 
Married Miss M. A. Guthrie, in Dallas 
Co., this State, in 1866 ; she was born 
in Richland Co., Ohio. 

Weeler, P., far., Sec. 18; P. 0. Luzerne 

Wehr, S., retired far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Weil, Frederick, far., S. 2 ; P. O. Blairs- 
town. 

Wernnay, J. F., grain dealer, Blairstown. 

Will, Henry, tar., S. 10 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Wilcox, D. L. W., lab., Blairstown. 

Wilson, W. J., teamster, Blairstown. 

Wing, John, teamster, Blairstown. 

W I S E, J. K., lumber merchant, 
Blairstown ; was born in Union Co., 
Penn., April 30, 1829 ; he came to this 
State in 1839, with his parents ; they 
settled in Cedar County, in which 
county he remained until 1850 ; he 
then went to Muscatine, and remained 
there three years ; returned to Cedar 
County, and after remaining some time, 
he again went to Muscatine, and re- 
mained three years ; he came to this 
town in the Fall of 1865, and engaged 
in his present business (plumber mer- 
chant) ; he is the only lumber dealer in 
the town. He has held the office of 



Mayor one term. Married Miss Emma 
Hanslip in Muscatine, this State, in 
Sept., 1858 ; she was born in Leeds, 
England, in 1834 ; they have three 
children living — Charley H., born June 
17, 1859; Emma J., born Oct. 3, 
1870; Jennie May, born in 1873. 

Wittrock, Henry, retired farmer, Luzerne. 

Wood, Henry, carpenter, Blairstown. 

Wood, P. J., carpenter, Blairstown. 

YERGER, J. F., Evangelist minister, 
Blairstown. 

YOCOII, D. S., of the firm_ of Yo- 
com Bros. & Millhouse, dealers in lum- 
ber, doors, sash, blinds, grain, standard 
farm machinery, etc., etc., Luzerne. Mr. 
D. S, Yocom was born in Belmont Co., 
Ohio, Jan. 10, 1834; when he was 10 
years of age, he moved to Morgan Co., 
Ohio, with his parents ; he remained in 
Morgan Co. until 1869, when he came 
to Mahaska Co., this State ; came from 
there to this county in 1871, and en- 
gaged in his present business. During 
the war of the rebellion he enlisted in 
Company D, 97th Ohio V. I. ; was in 
several skirmishes and in the battle of 
Perry ville ; he was honorably discharged 
in February, 1863. His wife was 
Miss Emily A. Hamilton ; they were 
married in Bad Axe, Wis., in 1856 ; 
she was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, in 
1835 ; she died in this town June 29, 
1876 ; they had two children — N. H. 
Yocom, born June 15, 1859, and 
Mary Lincoln Yocom, born April 14, 
1865. 

YOCOM, W. W., of the firm of 
Yocom Bros. & Millhouse, dealers in 
lumber, doors, sash, blinds, grain, stand- 
ard farm machinery, etc., Luzerne. W. 
W. Yocom was born in Morgan Co., 
Ohio, in 1848 ; came this town (^Lu- 
zerne) in 1869, and engaged in business 
with present firm in 1874. 



)38 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



HARRISON TOWNSHIP. 



ALBERT, HENRY, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. 
Brandon. 
Albert, H. D., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Burk. 
iRUCE, GEORGE, Vinton. 



B' 



Bryson, L. W., Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Burk. 

Bunten, J. B. F., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Bunten, J. W. 

Bunten, S. H.,fer.; P. 0. Vinton. 

BUXTEX, S. G., Sec. 11 ; P. 0. 
Burk ; owns 515 acres of land, valued at 
$25 per acre; born in Montgomery Co., 
Ky., in 1817; came to Iowa in 1865, 
and settled on his present farm. Mar- 
ried Penelope Burk in 1841 ; she was 
born in Kentucky in 1820 ; have eight 
children — Elizabeth C, Mary J., Am- 
mazette, Sarah, Rachel A., James W., 
John B., Oliver P. M. Mr. B. had 
one son who enlisted in Co. K, 22d Ind. 
V. I., in 1861, and died in New Albany 
in 1865. Are members of the Chris- 
tian Church ; Republican. 

Burk, A. T.; P. 0. Burk. 

Burnett, G. W.; P. 0. Vinton. 

Butrick, A. H.; P. 0. Vinton. 

Butrick, W. H.: P. 0. Vinton. 

CALLICOTT, JESSEE ; P. 0. Vin- 
ton. 

COLIilCOTT, JESSE, farmer, 
Sec. 31 ; P. O. Vinton ; born in Indi- 
ana in 1835 ; came to Benton Co., in 
in 1852 ; has 100 acres of land, valued 
at $30 per acre. Married Miss Sarah 
Collicott in 1860 ; she was born in Indi- 
ana in 1836 ; they have four children — 
Ruth A., Sarah M., Francis M. and 
Delila M. Republican in politics. 

Covington, Isaac, far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Cook, Stephen ; P. 0. Vinton. 

-p\EMPSEY, JOHN ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Donley, T.; P. 0. Vinton. 
nrpPPERSON, P. W.; P. 0. Vinton. 

TPASHOLD, HENRY ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Floid, D. C; P. 0. Vinton. 
Forbes, James; P. 0. Vinton. 
Foresyth, M. W. ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Fonts, I. M. ; P. 0. Brandon. 
TTARPER, A. ; P. 0. Vinton. 



Harper, J. W., Jr., Vinton. 
Hart, P. C. ; P. 0. Burk. 
Hart, W. L. ; P. 0. Burk. 
Hunt, N. G. ; P. 0. Burk. 

JOHNSON, ALBERT, farmer. Sec. 36 ; 
P. 0. Vinton. 
Johnson, M., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Johnson, S. L., far. S. 26 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Jones, S. B., far., S.' 23 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Jones, T. D., farmer; P. O. Burk. 
TZ'ING, JOHN, Sec. 23 ; Vinton. 

Kizer, W. M., Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Knapp, W. H., Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Kownse, H. T.; P. 0. Vinton. 
y ONG, E. B., firmer ; P. 0. Vinton. 

liOXCJ, J. J., Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Vinton ; 
owns 400 acres of land, valued at $20 
per acre ; born in Decatur Co., Ind., in 
1828 ; came to Iowa in 1856 and settled 
in Harrison Tp. Married Susan Snell 
in 1854; she was born in Indiana in 
1831 ; have ten children — John M., 
Wm. H., Joel J., Anna D., Marion W., 
Jas. A., Addie, Ida, Mary E. and El- 
mer F. Are members of the Church of 
God ; Greenback. 

McELHANEY, S. A., farmer. Sec. 
26 ; P. O. Vinton. 

McMIL-IiAX, JOHX F., Sec. 26 ; 
P. 0. Vinton; owns 199 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre ; born in New 
Castle Co., Delaware, in 1822 ; came to 
Iowa in 1857, and located in Harrison 
Tp. Married Nancy Miller in 1846; 
she was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 
1823; have five children — Agnes C, 
Robert, Charles W., Edward and Miller 
A. Are members of the Christian 
Church ; Republican. 

McNie, M. F., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

McQuire, E., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Marsh, J. C, far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

May, James, far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Mead, D. W., far. ; P. 0. Burk. 

Mills, J. A., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

"PAWLEY, B. W., far.; P. 0. Vinton. 

Pawley, J. C, fir. ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Pawley, J. L., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Pitts, C. J., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Primmer, W. C, fir., S. 1 ; P. 0. Burk. 



HAKRISON TOWNSHIP. 



539 



RANDALL, JOHN, far. ; P. 0. Bran- 
don. 

Redington, d. W., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Redino-ton, J., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Redinii;ton, John, Sr., far. ; P. 0. Burk. 

Revel," J. I., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

REVEL, WM., farmer, Sec. 22; 
P. O. A'^inton ; owns 440 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre ; born in South- 
ampton Co., Va., in 1819 ; came to 
Iowa in 1849, and settled on his present 
farm. Married Amy A. Davis in 1843 ; 
she was born in Decatur Co., Ind., in 
1826 ; have eleven children — Joseph I., 
John F., Harriette H., Sarah Jane, 
Philander, William C., Cynthia, David, 
Ann, Lottie and Elizabeth. Mrs. R. is a 
member of the Christian Church. Mr. 
R. is a Republican. 

Rice, Freeman, far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Rorster, John, P. 0. Burk. 

Roszell, Hiram, far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

OIMMONS, A., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Singleton, Stephen, far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Starff, Joe, far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

^HARP, Mi v., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 



T' 



Thatcher, F. W., far. ; P. 0. Burk. 

Thompson, R. H., far. , P. O. Burk. 

Thompson, W. B., far.. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Burk. 

Town, WellinL!;ton, far. ; P. 0. Brandon. 

TTAX l^klKE, X., far.. Sec. 1 ; 
V p. 0. Burk; owns 400 acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre ; born in Warren 
Co., Ohio, in 1825 ; came to Iowa in 
1851, and settled on his present farm in 
1859. Married Sarah E. Thompson in 
1864 ; she was born in Lidiana in 1847 ; 
they have two children — Akbar and 
Wm. Republican. 

WALLACE, M. M., hr., Sec. 34; 
P. 0. Vinton. 

WAIiLACE, D. M., Sec. 34; P. 
0. Vinton ; owns 300 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre ; born in Mor- 
row Co., in Ohio, 1832 ; came to Iowa 
in 1851, and located in Harrison Tp. 
Married Martha J. Berry in 1860 ; she 
was born in Boone Co., Ind., in 1839; 
they have five children — Marion, Frank, 
Sherman, Willis, Anna. Are members 
of the M. E. Church. Republican. 

WALLACE, W. A., Sec. 35 ; P. 
0. Vinton; owns 180 acres of land, val- 
ued at $30 per acre ; born in Richland 



Co., Ohio, in 1840; came to Iowa in 
1851, and settled in Harrison Tp. Mar- 
ried Juanna Williams in 1863 ; she 
was born in Randolph Co., Ind., in 
1840 ; they have six children — Edgar 
F., Stephen W., George, Effie M., Min- 
nie and Nina (twins). Are members of 
M. E. Church. Republican. 

WALLACE, WILLIAM, retired 
farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Vinton ; was 
born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 18, 
1805; when 13 years of age, moved to 
Richland Co., Ohio, in March, 1818, 
they being among the earliest settlers 
there ; he learned the blacksmith trade. 
He held the oflBce of Postmaster of Bar- 
celoni ; appointed under Jackson's Ad- 
ministration ; he held it under Van Bu- 
ren and Harrison's Administrations ; also 
held the office of Town Treasurer. He 
married Elizabeth Pitt, from Westmore- 
land Co., Penn., Oct. 21, 1830; they 
came with their own conveyance to Ben- 
ton Co., and were six weeks on the way ; 
arrived in July, 1851, and located near 
where he now lives, and entered 600 
acres of land ; they were among the early 
settlers, only a very few being here then ; 
used to go to Dubuque for groceries. In 
1864, he was commissioned by Gov. 
Stone to go South and take the vote of 
the 27th Iowa V. I., and of all soldiers 
in the hospitals in Memphis; he has 
held office of County Supervisor for four 
years, and Justice of the Peace four 
years ; also town and school offices ; he 
has disposed of most of uis land, and 
only owns about seventy acres. They 
have five children — David M.. Wm. A., 
Electa A., 3Iarinda J. and Elizabeth ; 
lost four children. 

WILLET, WM. C., farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton ; 
born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, in 1824; 
removed to Fairfield Co., Ohio, in 1827; 
thence to Delaware Co., Ohio, in 1833 ; 
thence to Benton Co. in 1854; has 270 
acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Sherman , a descendant 
from Gen. Stark, of the American Revo- 
lution, in 1849 ; she was born in Salina, 
N. Y., in 1828, and died in 1852, leaving 
two children — Mary Helen and Francis 
M. Then he married Miss Margaret 
Blackledge in 1854; she was born in 
Carroll Co., Ohio, in 1825; they have 



540 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



three children — Corydon E., Sherman 
and Missoura I. Republican in politics. 
Mr. and Mrs. Willey and their children 
are members of the M. E. Church, and 
Mr. W. has held all the school offices 
except Treasurer ; Township Assessor 



five years, Trustee, President of the Ag- 
ricultural Society, and member of the 
I. 0. 0. F. at MarysviUe. 

Whipple, L. B., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Whitson, Harry, far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Wood, Nicholas, far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 




JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 



541 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 



ALCORN, JERRY, far., S. 36; P.O. 
Vinton. 

ALCORN, nAVII>, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. 
Vinton ; owns eighty acres of land, val- 
ued at $50 per acre ; bora in Indiana 
Co., Penn., in 1847 ; came to Iowa in 
1865, and settled on present farm. Mar- 
ried Hannah Brewer in 1869 ; she was 
born in Kentucky in 1847 ; have one 
child — Lola, born in 1872. 

Alcorn, Wm. A., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Allen. R., far., S. 14 ; P. O. Vinton. 

Allen, S., far., S. 32; P. 0. Garrison. 

Austin, Jas., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Austin, R., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Austin, S., for., S. 10; P. 0. Vinton. 

BALDRIDGE, W. M., Sec. 3 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

B ARKDOL.L, PETER, dealer in 
lumber. Garrison ; owns 120 acres land, 
valued at $35 per acre ; born in Alle- 
ghany Co., Md., in 1832 ; came to Iowa 
in 1 854, and settled in Benton Co. ; re- 
moved to his present farm in 1 855. Mar- 
ried Rebecca Baker in 1855 ; she was born 
in Hampshire Co., Va., in 1838 ; have 
eight children — George A., Sarah C., 
John, Charles G., Barbara, Elizabeth, 
Edward, Franklin ; lost one — Ann. Re- 
publican. 

Baresford, B. L., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Barkhurst, R., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Baum, G., Sr., for., S. 16; P. O. Garrison. 

Baum, Geo., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

BAITM, JOHN, dealer in general 
merchandise; born in Richland Co., 
Ohio, in 1854 ; came to Iowa in 1856, 
and located with his parents in Benton 
Co. ; he removed to Garrison in 1874. 

BERGEN, J. C, dealer in hardware 
and groceries. Garrison ; born in John- 
son Co., Ind., in 1854 ; came to Iowa in 
1858, and settled in Big Grove Tp., 
with his parents. Married Mary Burris, 
in 1877; she was born in Bureau Co., 
111., in 1860. Members of the Presby- 
terian Church ; Republican. 

Blanbaugh, L. F., far.. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. 
Garrison. 

BROI.L.IAR, SAMUEL & 
SON, Sec. 16; P. 0. Garrison; own 
200 acres of land, valued at $30 per 
acre. Samuel Brolliar was born in Bed- 



ford Co., Penn., in 1802 ; came to Iowa 
in 1856, and settled on his present farm. 
Married Sophia Spitle in 1858 ; she 
was born in Bedford Co., Penn., in 
1812; have two children — Barbara A. 
and Christian. Christian was born in 
Ashland Co., Ohio, in 1854; came to 
Iowa with his parents. Mr. Brolliar, Sr., 
is a member of the German Baptist 
Church. 
Brown, Martin, far., Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
BROWNLEE, A. L., Sec. 5 ; P. 
0. Vinton; owns 160 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre ; born in Wash- 
ington Co.. Penn., in 1834; came to 
Illinois in 1852, and settled in Mercer 
Co.; removed to Iowa in 1865, and set- 
tled on present farm. Married Lenora 
J. Graham in 1864:; she was born in 
Washington Co., Penn., in 1838; have 
five children — Lena A., Ella M., Edith 
Cassie, James William, Adah Grace ; 
have lost four — Alexis G., Ulysses R., 
Dora E., and one in infancy. Mr. B. is 
Town Clerk, and has held other town 
offices. Are members of the U. P. 
Church ; is a Republican. 
BURRIS, WILLIAM, dealer in 
clothing, boots and shoes. Garrison ; 
born in Alleghany Co., Md., in 182-1 ; 
came to Iowa in 1870, and located in 
Homer Tp.; removed to Garrisoft in 1873. 
Married Anna Brisaland in 1846 ; she 
was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1822 ; 
have eight children — William E., Sarah 
R., Christena, H. C, Ida, James E., 
Charles, Jennie. 
Busier, Wm., far.; S. 17 ; P. O. Garrison. 
Butterfield, E. G., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Gar- 
rison. 
CLARK, E., far., Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Vin- 
ton. 
CATLIN, L. L., Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Vin- 
ton ; owns eighty acres of land, valued 
at $35 per acre ; born in Otsego Co., 
N. Y., in 1831 ; came to Iowa in 1856, 
and located in Big Grove Tp. Married 
Salome Stern in 1869 ; she was born in 
Page Co., Va., in 1844 ; have three 
children — Carrie, Mary and Ruby. Mr. 
C. has one child by a former wife — Ar- 
thur L. Was Deputy County Treas- 
urer nine years. Enlisted in Co. G, 

5 



542 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY : 



13th Iowa V. I. in 1861 ; discharged 
in 1865. 

CH APMAX, RICHARD, farmer, 
Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Vinton ; owns 211 acres 
of land, valued at $30 per acre ; born 
in Cornwall Co., England, in 1822 ; 
came to America in 1844, and lo- 
cated in JeflFerson Co., Wis.; removed 
to Iowa, in 1862, and settled on his 
present farm. Married Mary Cannon 
in 1 854 ; she was born in England, in 
1828 ; have three children — Arthur E., 
Charles W., J. George. Are members 
of the United Brethren Church. Mr. 
C. has held the office of Supervisor, 
and Town Trustee in Sumner, JeflFerson 
Co. Wis. 

Campbell, G. W.,far.,S. 26; P.O.Vinton. 

Cokely, E., far., Sec. 23; P. 0. Vinton. 

Cortright, C. L., far.. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Gar- 
rison. 

Covert, George K., merchant, Garrison. 

Cown, M., far.. Sec. 6; P. 0. Vinton. 

Crnoks, F., far., Sec. 35; P. 0. Vinton. 

Culp, A., far., Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Daeget, J. F., Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

DAVIS, H., far.. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Gar- 
rison. 

Delhorbe, P., far.. Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Delhorbe, E. A., far.. Sec. 11; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

Donald, Jackson, far.. Sec. 9; P. 0. Gar- 
rison. 

Dresser, F. G., flir.. Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Gar- 
rison. - 

EATON, Josiah, far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

Edmond, S. M., far., Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

ElililOTT, WARREX, farmer, 
Sec. 11; P. 0. Vinton; owns 140 
acres of land, valued at $40 per acre ; 
born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1813 ; he 
came to Iowa in 1860, and settled on 
his present farm. Married Catharine 
Smith in 1837 ; she was born in Colum- 
bia Co., N. Y., in 1812; have one child — 
Mary (now Mrs. Hampton); lost one — 
Hannah, born in 1838, and died in 
1861. Are members of M. E. Church; 
Republican. 

ELLSWORTH, P. C, attorney at 
law, Garrison ; born in Cayuga Co., N. 
Y., in 1845; came to Iowa in 1874, 
and located in Garrison. Married Alice 
Gregory in 1868 ; she was born in 
Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1846 ; have two 



children — Arthur E., and Gregory. 
Rep. 

TT^LICKINGER, J. G., far.. Sec. 29 ; 

X' P. 0. Garrison. 

f^ ARRISON, NELSON, far.. Sec. 29; 

yjT p. 0. Garrison. 

GILCHRIST, J. A., Sec. 24; 
P. 0. Vinton ; owns 160 acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre ; born 
in Washington Co., Ind., in 1835; 
came to Iowa in 1864, and settled on 
his present farm in 1868. Married 
Marinda Houts in 1869; she was born 
in Ohio in 1835 ; have one child — 
William. Mr. G. has one child by a 
foriuer wife — Allie. Democrat. 

Graham, W., far.. Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

GuUck, A. J., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

HAMILTON, WM., far., S. 9; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

HAKXA, W. S., Sec. 17 ; P. 0. 
Vinton ; owns 160 acres of land, valued 
at $30 per acre; born in Holmes Co., 
Ohio, in 1841 ; came to Iowa in 1856. 
Married Hettie Harris in 1864; she 
was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 
1845 ; have five children — Eva Maud,. 
Bessie J., Sarah E., Brick P., Wilson S. ; 
lost one — John G. Mr. H. enlisted in. 
1861 in Co. G, 13th Iowa V. I., and was 
discharged in 1865; was in all the bat- 
tles that the regiment participated in. 
Democrat. 

Heil, James J., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Heller, Joel, far.. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Henkle, A. S., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Gamson. 

Henkle, H. C, far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Henkle. J. T., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Hevener, A., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Holaway, J., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

HuUhan, R., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Hull, B. F., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Hull, H. P., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Hunt, C. J., far., S. 16; P. 0. Garrison. 

JOHNSON, STEPHEN, far., Sec. 8; 
P. 0. Garrison. 
JOHXSOX, GEORGE, far.. Sec. 
8; P. 0. Garrison; owns 160 acres of 
land, valued at $30 per acre; born in 
Greene Co., Penn., in 1842 ; came to 
Iowa in 1867, and settled in Jackson 
Tp. Married Ellen Robertson in 1869 ; 
she was born in Illinois in 1851 ; have 
two children — Silas and Zephaniah W. 
Mr. J. enlisted in 1862 in the First 
Ringgold Battalion, and served two years^ 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 



543 



and the regiment was recruited and 
went in as the 22d Penn. Cav., and was 
discharged in 1865 ; was in all the bat- 
tles that the regiment participated in. - 

Joyce, Jacob, far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

T7"ABRICK, JOHN. 

Kearnes, Arch. 
Kearns, Hiram. 
Kline, Benjamin F. 
Knipple, J. H. 

LEWIS, S. K, flu-.,S. 21 ; P. O. Gar- 
rison. 

L,A GRAXGE, ROBEKT, phy- 
sician and surgeon, Garrison ; born in 
Johnson Co., Ind., 1846 ; came to Iowa 
in 1866, and located in Taylor Tp. 
Benton Co. ; removed to Garrison in 
1874. Married Hattie Laughlin in 
1875 ; she was born in New York in 
1853; have one child — John Wesley 
Allen, born Feb. 2, 1876. Are members 
of Presbyterian Church. Republican. 

LEWIS, E. M., Postmaster and dealer 
in stock, Garrison ; born in Kssex Co., 
N. Y., in 1847 ; came to Iowa in 1866, 
and located in Jackson Township. 
Married "Mattie Carrie Carrick in 1871 ; 
she was born in Logan Co., Ohio, in 
1850 ; have one child — Edwin C, born 
in 1872. AremembersofM. E. Church. 
Enlisted in Co. E, 1 5th N. Y. Engineer 
corps in 1863, and discharged in 1865. 
Republican. 

Libby, J., for., S. 4 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Liller, J. A., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Lonan, W., far.; Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Loizeaux, C. J., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Loizeaux, J. J., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

MAR, C. W., far.. Sec. 31; P. 0. 
Garrison. 

Marietta, D., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

MARTIX, A. W., far.. Sec. 12; P. 0. 
Vinton; owns 100 acres of land, valued 
at S35 per acre ; born in Hancock Co., 
Ohio, in 1840 ; came to Iowa in 1854, 
and settled with his parents in Eden 
Township. Married Martha Kirk- 
patrick, in 1867; she was born in 
Adams Co., Ohio, in 1846 ; have six 
children — Charles C, Cora, W. F., 
Lydia, David and Mary. Mr. M. en- 
listed in Co. D, 28th 1. V. I. in 1862, 
and discharged in 1865 ; was held a 
prisoner in Camp Ford, Texas, about a 
year. Are members of U. P. Church. 



MARTIN, D. E., far.. Sec. 13 ; P. 0. 
Vinton ; owns 420 acres of land, valued 
at $30 per acre; born in Fail field Co., 
Ohio, in 1829 ; came to Iowa in 1854, 
settled with his parents in Eden Town- 
ship ; located on his present farm in 
1875. Married Rebecca H. Wallace, 
in 1861 ; she was born in Virginia in 
1836 ; have six children — Morrow R., 
Alice, Robert, Martha, John, Anna ; 
lost two — Wallace and Charles. 

Mease, J. P., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

MERCHANT, A, blacksmith, Garri- 
son ; born in Fayette Co., Ohio, in 1836 ; 
came to Iowa in 1859, and settled in 
Big Grove Tp. Married Su.san A. 
Baker in 1861 ; she was born in Virginia 
in 1844 ; have five children — George W., 
Mary Rosa, Louie L., James and Nettie. 
Enlisted in Co. H, 6th I. V. C, in 
1862 ; discharged in 1865. Democrat. 

Mentzer, D. W., merchant, Garrison. 

Montcreiff, D., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Montcreiff, J. D., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

i^PPELT, ALVIN. 

P 

Percell, L., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Percell, L. C, far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Pogue, J. G., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Pollock, S., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Pollock, G., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Potter, C. H.,far., S. 12; P. 0. Vinton. 

REECE W. N., far., S. 22; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

REEVE, J. B., miller. Garrison; 
born in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1834 ; came 
to Iowa in 1861, and located in Jackson 
Tp.; engaged in his present business in 
1875. Married Sarah Allen in 1861 ; 
she was born in Ohio in 1841 ; have one 
child — Mary Ella, born in 1857. Are 
members of the M. E. Church ; Repub- 
lican. 

Reeve, M., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Rice, Patrick, far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Ridenour, J., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Robertson, A., far.,S. 19 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Robertson, J., Sr., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Gar- 



ATTON, THOMAS ; P. 0. Garrison. 



rison. 



Roman, J., far., S. 16 ; P. O. Garrison. 
Russel, N. E., for., S. 21 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
QCOTT, A., far., S. 4; P. 0. Vinton. 

Scott, A., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Vinton. 



544 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Scribner, C. S., far., S. 13; P. 0. Vinton. 

Sharp, Alex., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Shaw. J. C, far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

SHIELDS, J. H., proprietor bilUard 
rooms, Garrison ; born in Westmoreland 
Co.,Penn.,inl818; cametolowain 1850, 
and located in Tipton ; removed to Vin- 
ton in 1854. Married Margaret Spear 
in 1842 ; she was born in Indiana Co., 
Penn., in 1820, and died in 1866 ; have 
two children living — John C. and Eliza 
J. Enlisted in the 47th I. V. I., in 
1864, and discharged in same year. 

Stanley, J. S., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

St. Clair, H., S. 10 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

ST. CL. AIR, W. A., Sec. 4 ; P. 0. 
Vinton ; owns 117 acres of land, valued 
at $30 per acre ; born in Indiana Co., 
Penn., in 1831 ; came to Iowa in 1875, 
and settled on his present farm. Mar- 
ried Sarah A. Kerr, in 1854 ; she was 
born in Crawford Co., Penn, in 1836 ; 



have two children — George A. and 
Catherine E. Are members of the U. 
P. Church ; Republican. 

TILSON, DAVID, far., S. 13 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 
UNDERWOOD, E., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 
Urice, George, merchant, Garrison. 
Urice, W. J., livery, Garrison. 
Utley, J. E., hotel, Garrison. 

WALLACE, R., far., S. 11; P. 0. 
Vinton. 
Wenner, C, Sr., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Wheeler, W. H.,far.,S. 13; P.O.Vinton. 
White, J., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Willet, D., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Willford, J., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Williams, B. F., far.,S. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Willson, John. 

Wolf, J. H., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
"XrOUNG, B. D. 




CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 



545 



CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 



ABBOTT, L. C, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 
O. Mount Aulmrn. 

ALBEE, G. W., farmer. Sec. 11; 
P. O. La Porte City; born in the State 
of New York in 1 84t) ; came to Benton 
Co. in 1869; has lUO acres of hind, 
valued at $25 per acre. Married Mary 
A. Ketring, in 1863 ; she was born in 
Bedford Co., Penn., in 1847 ; they have 
three chikhen — Aaron E., Drane J. 
and Madison E. Republican in politics. 
Enlisted in the 2d Wis. Cav. in 1863, 
skirmishing and raiding until mustered 
out in December, 1865 ; has taught 
school in Cedar Valley, Black Hawk 
and Benton Counties ten terms or more. 

Amburn, H., S. 11 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Amburn, Lewis, S. 12 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Amburn, O., Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Amburn, W., S. 12; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Austin, J., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Avery, W., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

BAGLEY, A., farmer, S. 8 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 
Betsinger, A., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Mt. 

Auburn. 
Bixby, C.,far., S. 19; P. 0. La Porte 

City. 
Brody, Stephen, far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Brown, F., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Brown, Robert, far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Bryant, G. C, far.. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. La 

Porte City. 
Buck, W. W., far., S. 5; P. 0. La Porte 

City. 

CALL, George, far., Sec. 15 ; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn. 

CaughHn, W., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

Capes, George, far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Chapel, R. H., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auborn. 

Conn, H.. far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

COTTOX, JOHN, Sec. 8 ; p. 0. 
La Porte City ; owns 310 acres of land, 
valued at S30 per acre ; born in Marion 
Co., Ind., in 1828 ; came to Iowa in 
1853, and located on his present farm. 
Married Margaret Smelser in 1866; 
she was born in Ohio in 1837 ; have 
one child — Gertrude E. ; Mr. Cotton 
has three children by a former marriage 
— Mary E., Eber and Ettie F. ; lost one 



son — Francis, who enlisted in the 31st 
Iowa Infantry and died in Vicksburg. 

DAVIS, WILLIAxM H., farmer. Sec. 
24 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Dearth, J., far., Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

Delfs, Claus, ftir., Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Delfs, John, far., Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Dempster, J., far., Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Dillon, J. P., far., S. 4 ; P. La Porte 
City. 

Dillon, 0., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Dimmick, D. M., far., Sec. 9 ; P. 0. La 
Porte City. 

ELLSWORTH, J. E., far.. Sec. 20 ; 
P. O. Mt. A.uburn. 

Engledow, E., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Engledow, W., far., S. 15; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 
FRANCIS, I. R., cheese maker; Sec. 
18; P.O. Mt. Vernon. 

FARRIS, J. W., Sec. 17; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn ; owns 240 acres of land, 
valued at $25 per acre ; born in Boone 
Co., Ind., in 1829 ; came to Iowa in 
1855, and located on his present farm. 
Married Rhoda C. Potts in 1861 : she 
was born in Will Co., 111., in 1837 ; 
have four children — James M.. Cornelia, 
William and Bertha ; lost two — Arthur 
and Leonard. Democrat. 

Frank, J., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Frank, John, far., Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

Frank, P., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

FUI.TOX, S. J. A., Sec. 17 ; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn ; owns 140 acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre ; born in Craw- 
ford Co., Penn., in 1832 ; came to Iowa 
in 1866, and settled on his present farm. 
Married E. H. Beatty, in 1867 ; she 
was born in Mercer Co., Penn., in 1836 ; 
have five children — John, Francis, 
Edith, Marv and Sarah. Are members 
of the U. P. Church. 

Furry, M., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

GARRISON, H. M. 

Garrison, R. V. 

Gillett, J. L., far., Sec. 30; P. 0. Vinton. 
Gillott. T., far.. Sec. 25 ; P. 0. A'inton. 
G1X<;KICH, E. H., Sec. 16 ; P. 0. 

Mt. Auburn ; owns eighty acres of land, 



646 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



valued at §40 per acre ; born in Lan- 
caster Co., Penn., in 1819 ; came to 
Iowa in 1866, and settled on his present 
farm in 1867. Married Harriet Fox in 
1859 ; she was born in Lancaster Co., 
Penn., in 1834 ; have three children — 
Leander J., Ira M. and Jason L. Are 
members of Reformed Church ; Repub- 
lican. 

Gingrich, G., far., Sec. 4; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

Good, John, far., S. 6 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Gottsche, Paul, far., Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

Greenewalt, W., far., Sec. 27; P. O. Mt. 
Auburn. 

Grettenberg, G., far.. Sec. 6; P. 0. La 
Porte City. 

Gum, A., far., Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

HARBERT, J. D., far., Sec. 13 ; P. 
0. Mt. Auburn. 
Hart, J. E., far., Sec. 9 ; P. 0. La Porte. 
Hoick, C, far.; P. 0. La Porte City. 
Hoick, H. T., far.; P. 0. La Porte City. 

JAMESON, JAMES, farmer, Sec. 33 ; 
P. 0. Vinton. 

JACK, S., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton ; 
proprietor of Cedar Mills, and 25 acres 
of land, valued at $12,000 ; born in 
Butler Co., Penn., in 1832 ; came to 
Iowa in 1852, and located in Cedar 
Rapids, and in 1854, came to Vinton 
and engaged in manufacturing business, 
and in 1867 engaged in his present bus- 
iness. Married Caroline F. Webb in 
1857; she was born in Johnson Co., 
Ind., in 1839 ; have five children — 
Adeline F., Ruth E., Arthur W., Anna 
M. and Minnie M. 

Jones, C. G., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Jones, D. A., far., S. 7 ; P.O. Mt. Auburn. 

TT^AHLER, JAMES. 

Kahler, John. 

KENXAX, JOHN C, Sec. 35 ; P. 
0. Vinton ; owns 200 acres land, val- 
ued at $30 per acre ; born in New Ha- 
ven, Conn.; came to Iowa, in 1855, and 
settled in Benton Co. Married Ursula 
Van Horn, in 1862 ; she was born in 
Virginia, in '1838; have three chil- 
dren — Sidney, J. A. and Namiie. Mr. 
R. enlisted in Co. D, 8th I. V. I., in 
1861, and was discharged in 1864; held 
a. commission as First Lieutenant and 



was afterward promoted to Captain of 
Co. F ; was in all the battles that the 
regiment participated in. 

KESTER, I.OREXZO, Sec. 26 ; 
P. 0. Mt. Auburn ; owns ninety acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre ; born in 
Erie Co., N. Y., in 1844 ; came to Iowa 
in 1861, and located in Cedar Tp.; set- 
tled on his present farm in 1876. 

KILE, A., Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn; 
owns 500 acres of land, valued at $25 
per acre ; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
in 1826; came to Iowa in 1856, and 
settled on his present farm. Married 
Susan Gingrich in 1852; she was born 
in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1827 ; have 
six children — Penena, Henry W., Kate 
C, Lizzie R., Abraham L., and Anna 
M. Mrs. K. is a member of the Re- 
formed Church ; Mr. Kile has been Town 
Trustee five years. 

King, Stephen, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn. 

Kline, Joseph, farmer. Sec. 31 ; P. O. 
Vinton. 

KNAPP, JOHX, abstract of title, 
Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Vinton ; ofiice in 
Court House, Vinton ; born in Phila- 
delphia, Penn., Sept. 9, 1829 ; he was 
born on the 9th day of the 9th month of 
of the 29th year of the 19th century ; 
lived in Philadelphia until 14 years of 
age, then went South ; lived in Tennes- 
see and Mississippi ; from there went 
into the Mexican War ; enlisted in the 
1st Mississippi Rifles, when 17 years 
old ; served one year, then volunteered 
in the 2d jMississippi Rifles, and served 
during the war ; was in the battles of 
Monterey and Buena Vista ; was slightly 
wounded in the leg at the battle of Bu- 
ena Vista ; was discharged at Vicksburg 
July 29, 1849 ; came to Iowa in 1850, 
and to St. Paul, Minn., and volunteered 
in the Indian war. Returned to Phil- 
adelphia and married Miss Hannah 
Kimley, from Berks Co., Penn., Dec. 
12, 1850; lived there until 1856, and 
came to Iowa; came to A^inton in the 
Spring of 1857, and engaged in farming ; 
has been engaged in making abstracts 
of title, and owns a complete .-et of 
books ; he did not have a dollar when 
he came, and now, besides his business 
here, he owns farm and property of 345 
acres in Cedar Tp. , where he lives. Has 



CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 



547 



held office of Supervisor from 1865 
until 1869; also, from 1871 to 1875, 
when he resigned ; has held other town 
and school offices. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp 
are both members of the M. E. Church 
at Mt. Auburn ; they have seven chil- 
dren — George K,., Francis F., Howard 
M., Everett W., Sherman E., Clarence 
I. and Gertrude ; lost two daughters. 

Kock, Peter A. 

Koons, F. L. 

Krai, John, saloon. 

Kramhoft, C. 

LANE, JAMES, former. Sec. 10 ; P. 
0. Mt. Auburn. 

liAMB, H. J., Sec. U; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn ; owns 600 acres of land, val- 
ued at S25 per acre ; born in Clark Co., 
Ind., in 185U. Married Delia Newell, 
in 1877 ; she was born in Iowa. Mrs 
Lamb is a member of the M. E. Church. 

La Rue, J. L., physician and surgeon, Mt. 
Auburn. 

L.*:WIS, THOMAS I>., Post- 
master and dealer in dry goods, boots, 
shoes, etc., etc., Mt. Auburn ; born in 
Wayne Co., Ind., in 1829 ; came to 
Iowa in 1862, and located in Cedar Tp., 
Benton Co., and engaged in farming, 
and then engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness, and, in 1871, his present business ; 
was appointed Postmaster in 1865. Mar- 
ried 5lary Ann Hall in 1859; she was 
born in Henry Co., Ind., in 1840 ; they 
have six children — Charles R., Julia F., 
Anna, M. Pearl, Emory A. and Eliza- 
beth B. ; Frederick, died at the age of 
8 years. Mrs. Lewis is a member of 
the Christian Church. 

lilXDSLEY, FRANK D., m. 
Auburn ; born in Knox Co., Ohio, 
in 1845; came to Iowa in 1871; 
engaged with railroad company as 
agent in 1882. Married Penena Kile, 
in June, 1873; have two children — 
Henry A. and John C. ; are members 
of the M. E. Chureh. Mr. L. enlisted 
in Company A, 140th 111. V. I., in 
1864, aTul was discharged in 1864. 

L.OKMOK, JOHN W., Sec 22; 
P. 0. Mt. Auburn ; owns 280 acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre ; born in 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1827 ; came to 
Iowa in 1860, and located in Cedar Tp. 
Married Sarah Boyer in 1856 ; she 
was born in Center Co., Penn., inl834; 



have five children — Frank, Lizzie, Nora, 
Mary and George ; wife is a member of 
the M. E. Church. Republican. 

Lupton, G. F., farmer. Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

Lupton, W. C, farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn. 

McCOY, WILLIAM W., far.. Sec. 
13 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Mclntire, A. P., far.. Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

Mclntire, S.. far., S. 16 ; P. O. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

McLaughlin, Thomas, far., S. 36 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

McLaughlin, Thos. J., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

McReynolds, P., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Vin- 
ton. 

MACKIE, ROBERT, Sec 28; 
P. 0. Vinton; owns 160 acres of land, 
valued at S35 per acre. Born in Scot- 
land in 1830 ; came to America in 
1851, and settled on his present farm 
in 1857. Married Mary Mackie in 
1854; she was born in Scotland, ; have 
five children — Isabel, Helen, Emma, 
Willie and David ; lost two — Mary and 
Robert. Are members of the U. P. 
Church. 

Marquis, John, for., S. 9 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

Maxfield, J. E., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Meyers, H., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Minard, J., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

IVTEWELL, CHAUNCEY, far.; P. 

IN 0. La Porte City. 

Newell, L., farmer. Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 
PETERS, GEORGE, far.; S. 27 ; P. 
0. Vinton. 

PACKARD, OEORGE A., 

Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn ; owns 200 
acres of land, valued at $35 per acre ; 
was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 
1828; came to Iowa in 1865, and set- 
tled on his present form. Married Mar- 
garet Sheip in 1872 ; she was born in 
Germany in 1845 ; Mrs. P. is a member 
of the Lutheran Church. 

Peters, S. H.,far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Peterson, P., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Pierce, M. S., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 



548 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



T3EDINGT0N, H. M. 

Redington, J. P., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Redington, J. T., far., S. 36 ; P. O. Vinton. 
Reighart, J. W., far. ; P. O. Mt. Auburn. 
Reiss, Jacob, farmer and blacksmith ; P. 

0. Mt. Auburn. 
Reiss, J. G., far , S. 3 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 
Robinson, E. D., for., 27 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
SCHI.OTFELT, CHRII^- 

TIAX, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn ; 
owns 12U acres of land, valued at $35 per 
acre; born in Germany in 1833; came 
to America in 1856, and located in 
Rock Island Co., III. ; removed to his 
present farm in 1867. Married Marga- 
ret Freese in 1856; she was born in 
Germany ; have eight children — Maria, 
William, Sophia, George, Emma, Louie. 
Charlie and Anna ; lost two — Johnny, 
and one in infancy. Republican. 

SCHLUTER, C, far.; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

Schnoor, N.,far., S, 28; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

SEFTOl^, F. J., Sec. 10 ; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn ; owns 200 acres of land, 
valued at $40 per acre ; born in Hamil- 
ton Co., Ohio, in 1828 ; came to lowa 
in 1855, and located on his present 
, farm in 1856. Married Charity Ham- 
ilton in 1852 ; she was born in Decatur 
Co., Ind. ; have two children — Harrison 
and Henry. Are members of the Chris- 
tian Church. 

Shields, D., farmer and mer., Mt. Auburn. 

ISHIELD!^, CJRAXVIL.I.E H., 
Sec. 11; P. 0. Mt. Auburn ; owns 
eighty acres, valued at $32 per acre ; i 
born in Allen Co., Ohio, in 1852 ; came 
to Iowa in 1854 with his parents. (His 
father, David Shields, was born in Cyn- 
thiana Co., Ky., in 1812, and was mar- 
ried in 1838 to Jane Hai-bert ; she was 
born in Virginia in 1822.) Married i 
Martha Goodell in 1872 ; she was born I 
in McHenry Co., 111., in 1855 ; have 
three children — Mary J., Delbert and 
Charles M. Republican. 

^HIEIiD^, JOHX H., Sec 11; 
p. 0. Mt. Aubui'n ; owns eighty acres 
of land, valued at $30 per acre ; born in 
Allen Co., Ohio, in 1845 ; came to 
Iowa in 1854, and settled in Cedar Tp. 
with his parents. Married Araminta 
York in 1864 ; she was born in Indiana 
in 1848 ; have four children — Jessie, 



Elmer, Frank and Rertha M ; lost one 
— Helen, at the age of 11 years. Re- 
publican. 

Shurts, P., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

^MEL^ER, JOHX, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. 
La Porte City ; owns 120 acres, valued at 
$35 per acre ; born in Greene Co., Tenn., 
in 1826 ; came to Iowa in 1852, and 
located on his present farm in 1853. 
Married Mary A. Hogshire in 1846 ; 
she was born in Ohio in 1830 ; have 
three children — John F., Earnest and 
Henry. Are members of the M. E. 
Church. 

Smith, A., farm and elevator, Mt. Auburn. 

SMITH, J. S., far., S. 16; P.O. Mr. Au- 
burn ; owns eighty acres of land, valued at 
$30 per acre ; bornin Wayne Co., Ohio, 
in 1816; came to Iowa in 1863, and 
settled in Cedar Tp. Married Lucinda 
Anderson in 1837 ; she was born in 
Reaver Co., Penn., in 1815 ; have six 
children — Rebecca J., Oliver, Annas, 
Juliette, Alford and Samuel ; lost three 
— David, Matilda and Eliza. Mr. S. is 
a member of the M. E. Church, and his 
wife is a member of the United Presby- 
terian Church. 

St. Clair, A., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

St. Clair, H., Jr., far., S.35 ; P.O. Vinton. 

St. Clair, J. M., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

St. Clair, S., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

St. CliAIR, WM. M., Sec. 27 ; P. 

0. Vinton ; owns 100 acres of land, 
valued at $40 per acre ; born in Indiana 
Co.. Penn., in 1835 ; came to Iowa 
in 1857, and located in Cedar Tp. 
Married Mary K. Kirkpatrick in 1865 ; 
she was born in Adams Co., Ohio, in 
1837. Mr. S. enlisted in Co. D, 28th 

1. V. I., in 1862, and was discharged in 
1863; was wounded in the battle of 
Champion Hills. Mr. and Mrs. S. are 
members of the United Presbyterian 
Church ; Republican. 

Stevenson, D. M., far.; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

STRUVE, HEXRY, Sec. 21 ; P. 
0. Mt. Auburn ; owns 200 acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre ; born in 
Germany in 1819 ; came to America in 
1852, and settled in Rock Island Co., 
111., and in 1867, removed to his present 
farm. Married Maria Schroeder in 
1851 ; she was born in Germany ; have 
seven children — Charley, Emma, Ma- 
tilda, Anna, Caroline, John and Theo- 



CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 



54^ 



dore ; lost five — Lena, James, Margaret, 
William and George. Republican. 
Sutherland, W. H., far. S. 19 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

THOMAS, C. v., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn. 

Thomas, D. H., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

Thomas, J. S., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

Tibbals, E., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

Tripp, J. M., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

VAN BROCKL.IN, W. R., 
Sec. 17 ; P.O. La Porte City ; owns 
190 acres of land, valued at $35 per 
acre ; born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 
1833 ; came to Iowa in 1875, and set- 
tled on his present farm ; was a resident 
of Stephenson Co., 111., twenty-three 
years. Married Loretta Bolton in 1861 ; 
she was born in Greene Co., N. Y., in 
1840 ; have three children — Orton, Em- 
ma and Ora. Mrs. V, is a member of 
the M. E. Church. 

WALKER, GEORGE H., far., Sec. 
13 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

WAIiKER, C. T., dealer in drugs, 
boots and shoes, groceries, etc., Mt. 
Auburn ; born in England in 1832 ; 
came to America in 1842, and located 
in Lenawee Co., Mich. ; removed to 
Iowa in 1855, and settled in Muscatine 
Co., and in 1861, came to Benton Co. 
engaged in his present business in 1874 
Married Eliza A. Westgate in 1854 
she was born in Michigan in 1834 
have two children — Eugene and George 
Are members of the M. E. Church 
Republican. 

WAL.L.ACE, JA^IES R., Sec. 
35; P. 0. Vinton; owns 160 acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre ; born in 
Brooke Co., W. Va., in 1837 ; came to 
Iowa in 1859, and located in Vinton ; 
removed to his present farm in 1868. 
Married Alice Bickettin 1877 ; she was 
born in Greene Co., Ohio ; Mr. W. has 
two children by a former marriage — 
Ella M. and John W. Are members of 
the U. P. Church ; Republican. Mr. 
W. enlisted in Co. G, 13th I. V. I, in 
1861, and was discharged in 1864 ; was 
in all the battles that regiment partici- 
pated in ; the most prominent battles 



were Shiloh, Corinth, siege of Vicks- 
burg and Atlanta. 

Wallace, J., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Wallace, L. M., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

Wallace, M. E., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

Wandschneider, F., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

WEBSTER, H. B., Sec. 4; P. 0. La 
Porte City ; owns 487 acres of land,valued 
at $10,000 ; born in Monroe Co., N. Y.; 
came to Iowa in 1854, and settled on his 
present farm. Married Mary Dillon in 
1846 ; she was born in Ontario Co., N. 
Y., in 1826 ; have eight children — 
Charles H., Helen J., Alzina J., Willis 
W., Frank E., Addie F., Belle I. and 
Carrie. Mr. W. has held the office of 
Justice, and other town offices. Enlisted 
in Co. D, 31st I. V. I., in 1863, and 
held a commission as Second Lieutenant ; 
discharged in 1864. 

WIESE, HEI^RY, Sec. 19; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn ; owns 260 acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre ; born in Ger- 
many in 1838 ; came to America in 
1852, and settled in Moline, 111. ; re- 
moved to his present farm in 1874. 
Married Catherine Kahlar, in 1865 ; she 
was born in Germany in 1844 ; have one 
child — Johnny, born July 7, 1876 ; lost 
three — Anna, Charles and Lena ; died 
within six days, with diphtheria. 

Wescoatt, 0. P., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 

WHITCOMB, O. B., Sec 23, P. 
0. Mt. Auburn ; owns 250 acres of 
land, valued at $30 per acre ; born in 
Merrimack Co., N. H., in 1820 ; came to 
Iowa in 1856, and located on his present 
farm. Married L. H. Boyd in 1850 ; 
she was born in Hillsborough Co., N. H., 
in 1826 ; have two children — Maria F. 
and Emma L.; lost one — George H., 
died at the age of 14 months. Are 
members of the M. E. Church ; Repub- 
lican. 

Wilson, Andrew. 

Wilson, Hu-h, far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

WOLEE, JAMES, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn ; owns ninety-five acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre; born in 
Bradford Co., Penn., in 1830 ; came to 
Iowa in 1852, and settled in Cedar Tp. 
Married Diantha Livermore in 1852 ; 



550 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



she was born in Knox Co., 111., in 1836 ; 
have one child — Edith H., born in 
1867. Are members of the M. E. 
Church. Mr. W. enlisted in Co. D, 
28th Iowa V. I., in 1863, and was dis- 
charged in 1865 ; was in all the battles 
that regiment participated in. Republican 

WILSON, inTCHEL.I.,Sec.34; 
p. 0. Vinton ; owns 160 acres of land, 
valued at $5,000 ; born in Allegheny 
Co., Penn., in 1822 ; came to Iowa in 
1854, and settled on his present farm in 
1860. Married Elizabeth Moore in 
1858 ; she was born in Coshocton Co., 
Ohio, in 1830 ; have four children — 
John H., Rebecca A., Martha E. and 
Maggie A. Are members of the U. 
P. Church ; Republican. 

WILSON, TRUMAN, Sec. 5 ; p. 
0. La Porte City; owns 160 acres of 



land, valued at $35 per acre ; born in 
Canada West ; came to Iowa in 1855. 
Married Anna Atwood in 1854 ; she 
was born in Canada ; have seven chil- 
dren — Andrew, Mary E., William A., 
John, Charlie, Ella M. and Patton Al- 
bert. Republican. 

Wilson, Wm., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Wolf, James, far.; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

Wolf, Wm., Sr., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Wolf, Wm., Jr., far., Sec. 19; P. 0. Mt. 
Auburn. 

Woodley, J., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 

YORK, E. R., farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. 
Mt. Auburn. 
York, L. T., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 
York, P., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Mt. Auburn. 
York, S. I., farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Mt. Au- 
burn. 




KANE TOWNSHIP. 



551 



KANE TOWNSHIP. 



A 



DAMS, C, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. 



Irviug. 



ADAMS, GEORGE, former and 
stock raiser, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Irving ; 
born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Jan. 12, 
1816. Married May Hill, in Illinois, in 
1849 ; she was born in Ohio, in 1826 ; 
they have two children — Charles and 
Viola ; they were born in Illinois. Has 
228 acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre. Mr. Adams moved to Illinois, re- 
mained five years, and moved to Iowa 
in 1854 ; was an early pioneer in Ben- 
ton Co.; helped to organize the town- 
ship of Kane ; there were no roads ; it 
was in its natural state. 

Albers, J., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Albers, J., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Albuthnot, D., far., See. 31 ; P. 0. Irving. 

Albustis, H. T., far., S. 26; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Allers,C.,far.,S. 4; P.O. Belle Plaine. 

AUers, F., far., Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Atenhan, C.,far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

B ACRES, P., far., Sec. 10 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 
BARROX, JOHX, farmer and 
stock raiser ; Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; 
born in Meath Co., Ireland, Nov. 4, 
1823. Married Mary Murry, in Illi- 
nois, 1852 ; she was born in Ireland in 
1827 ; they have ten children — Mary, 
AVilliam, John, Ann, Judith, Jane, 
Christopher, Joseph, Thomas and Kate. 
Has 400 acres of good farming land, 
with a good creek of water running 
through the farm that never runs dry ; 
farm valued at $35 per acre. His 
brother James enlisted in an Iowa 
regiment in the late war ; he died by 
over-exertion returning to camp after a 
severe raid on the Indians, in 1863. 
Mr. B. came to New York May 1, 1848, 
went to Boston, Mass., and then to Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, and drove through with 
teams from Miami Co., Ohio, to Ste- 
phenson Co., 111.; settled on Government 
land, and farmed nineteen years, and 
then moved to Benton Co., Iowa, in 
1868. He has held the oflfice of School 
Director and Road Supervisor. He fol- 
lowed dealing in live stock and butcher- 
ing in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Barron 
are members of the Catholic Church. 



Bender, D., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine- 
Bender, David, far., Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Belle 

Bender, W., far., S. 16 ; P. O. Belle Plaine. 
Bennett, t). D., far.. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Drvden. 
Berger, Ed., far.. Sec. 32; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Berger, Fred, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Bokholt, Karson, far., Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Bokholt, Nicholas, far., Sec. 21 ; P. 0. 

Luzerne. 
Bokholt, William, far., Sec. 22; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Bolhorn, , far.. Sec. 14; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Brinkley, James, far., Sec. 6; P. 0. Dry- 
den. 
BRINKI^EY, LEROY, farmer. 
Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; born in 
Illinois in 1851. Married Caroline 
Sherley, in Iowa, in 1875 ; she was born 
in Pennsylvania, in 1855 ; they have 
one child — Edward Cornelius, who was 
born in Kane Tp., in 1876. Is in part- 
nership in farming with his two brothers 
(Lerenzo, born in Illinois in 1848, and 
Alonzo, born in Illinois in 1857) ; they 
have 160 acres of land, valued at 840 
per acre ; they moved to Iowa in 1855, 
in the town of Le Roy, and located in 
Kane in 1875; they are the sons of 
James Brinkley, born in Maryland in 
1817, who married Jane Ranstead in 
Illinois ; she was born in New York in 
1828 ; they all occupy the same farm. 
They are members of the M. E. Church. 
BrCH, JOHN, farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. 
0. Luzerne; born in Germany Dec. 10. 
1835. Married Catherine Will in Iowa, 
in 1857 ; she was born in Germany in 
1840 ; they have six children — Henry, 
Kate and Annie, born in Clayton Co., 
Iowa ; Mary, George and Johnnie were 
born in Benton Co., Iowa. Has 260 
acres of land, valued at §35 per acre. 
Mr. B. came to America with his father, 
John ; he followed shoemaking while in 
Germany ; he came to Clayton Co., 
Iowa, in 1847, and moved into Benton 
Co., Iowa, in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. B. 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 



552 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Buck, Samuel, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

BrRTOX, GEO. H., farmer. Sec. 
7 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; born in Syra- 
cuse, N. Y., in 1842. Married Mary C. 
Goodell in Illinois, in 1865 ; she was 
born in Vermont ; they have four chil- 
dren — Harriet, Laura C, Geo. Frank 
and Wm. Albert. Has 160 acres of 
land, valued at $30 per acre. Has held 
the oflfices of Township Supervisor and 
Road Commissioner in Illinois ; moved 
to Illinois in 1855, where he was engaged 
in farming, and moved into Benton Co., 
Iowa, in 1875, where he now continues 
farming. Is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. 
Lodge at West Irving. 

i^^LAUSSIN, JACOB, former, Sec. 29 ; 

\J P. 0. Irving. 

Coats, Geo., farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Irving. 

Coats, John, far.. Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Irving. 

COBB, J. L., farmer and stock raiser. 
Sec. 31; P. 0. Irving; born in New 
Jersey June 2, 1832. Married Augusta 
Potter in Jones Co., Iowa, in the Fall of 
1855 ; she was born in New Jersey in 
August, 1834; they have eight children 
— George William, Mary E., S. E., 
John P., Charles W., Bennett L., Anna 
A. and Burton M. Has 150 acres of 
land, valued at $50 per acre. Came to 
Jones Co., Iowa, in 1854, moved into 
Missouri, and to Kansas, and returned 
and settled in Benton Co., Iowa, in 
1859. Mr. Cobb followed blacksmith- 
ing and farming in New Jersey, in his 
early life ; has held the oflBces of Justice 
of the Peace and Road Supervisor, and 
other township ofiices several years. Mr. 
Cobb follows feeding cattle for the East- 
ern market ; has a large herd now feed- 
ing. 

COBlIRX,_ CHARL.es, farmer 
and stock raiser. Sec. 8 ; P. O. Belle 
Plaine ; born in Maine Sept. 18, 1847. 
Married Miss Nettie Spurr in Benton 
Co., Iowa, in 1876 ; she was born in 
New York in April, 1857. Has 320 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre ; is 
a member of the A. 0. U. W. Loda;e, at 
Vinton, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. C. are 
members of the M. E. Church. John 
Coburn was born in Maine, in 1849 ; 
has 320 acres of land, valued at $30 
per acre ; the two brothers moved to 
New York State in 1856, and continued 



west the same year, to Illinois ; there 
they followed farming until 1867 ; they 
then moved to Benton Co., Iowa, where 
they have since carried on farming ex- 
tensivelv. Charles has held the office 
of Treasurer and Township Trustee 
four years. 

Cobern, F., farmer. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

Cobern, John, far., Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

DRAKE, JAMES, farmer. Sec. 17 ; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
EGGERS, ROLF, farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 
0. Belle Plaine. 
"TpAENA, CHOIS, farmer. Sec. 33; P. 
JO 0. Belle Plaine. 
Foot, M. v., far.. Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Francenburg, Claus, far.. Sec. 15; P. 0. 

Belle Plaine. 
Friesman, H., far.. Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Belle 

Plaine. 
Fuller, C. H., far.. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Irving. 
Fuller, C. S., far., Sec. 31 ; P. O. Irving. 
Fuller, G., far., Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Irving. 
Fuller, Wm., far., Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Irving. 
Funk, Phillip, far., Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Irving. 

GILMORE, HENRY, farmer. Sec. 
33 ; P. 0. Irving. 
GETTY, DAVID T., firmer, 
auctioneer, school teacher, Sec. 32 ; P. 
0. Irving ; born in Montgomery Co.^ 
Penn., Nuv. 28, 1834. Married Miss 
Mary Bruner in Pennsylvania., in 1860 ; 
she was born^in Pennsylvania in 1838 ; 
they have nine children : eight are liv- 
ing — Linda, Ruth, Barbara, Mary, 
Daniel, Byron, Harvey and Samuel ; 
Worthington died in infancy. Has 
sixty acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre, and 10 acres of timber, valued at 
$300 ; Mr. G. furnished a substitute 
for three years, in the late rebellion, at 
a cost of $300 ; Mr. G. followed school 
teaching several years in Pennsylvania 
and Iowa ; kept general store two and a 
half years in Norristown and Eagleville, 
Penn.; moved into Benton Co., Iowa, 
in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. G. are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
G. is a son of Col. Getty, of Penn- 
sylvania, who was Colonel in the Penn- 
sylvania militia ; Mr. G. is an expe- 
rienced auctioneer of all kinds of stock 
or goods. 

HADENFELDT, H. C, far., Sec. 29 ; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine. 



KANE TOWNSHIP. 



553 



Hageman, Peter, far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Irving. 
Hannmann, W., far., S. 13; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Hansen, P. N., far., S. 1 ; P. O. Luzerne. 
Hansen, Thos., sal., S. 25 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Harder, H., far., S. 17; P. 0. Irvin- 
Harder, J., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Hazen, George, far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Irving. 
Hoitnion, J., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

HK1^I>K\ BUAIVD, ADAM, 

farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Belle Plaine; 
born in Berks Co., Penn., June 22, 
1798. Married Anna King in Colum- 
bia Co., Penn., in 1818; she was born in 
Berks Co., Penn., in 1800; they had 
twelve children ; six are living — John, 
William, Henry, Harrison, George W., 
and Mary Ann (now Mrs. Conrad Ben- 
jamin, of Canton, Ohio) ; Elizabeth 
died in Iowa in March, 1864. Mr. H. 
has 160 acres of land with good im- 
provements ; he gave each of his children 
a farm ; he gave $500 toward enlist- 
ment in the late war ; he moved into 
Ohio in 1820 ; he was the son of 
Michael Heldenbrand, who was a dyer, 
and followed stamping calico and manu- 
facturing. Mr. H. was engaged with 
his father several years running a loom, 
etc., and then followed teaming, hauling 
goods before the railroads were in opera- 
tion, five years ; he then took up wool- 
growing, which he carried on extensively, 
owning 1,200 acres of land, and keeping 
from 1,000 to 1,500 sheep ; he made it 
a success for several years ; he then 
moved to Benton Co., Iowa, in 1864 ; 
brought with him into Iowa 1,000 fine 
sheep. Mr. and Mrs. H. have been 
members of the Lutheran Church sixty- 
five years. Mr. H. was considered the 
most extensive and successful sheep 
man in Ohio. He is a Republican in 
politics. 

HE1.1>ENBRAN1>, GEO. W., 
farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. 
Dryden; born in Ohio Feb. 22, 1843. 
Married Sarah Adams in Ohio in 1866; 
she was born in Ohio July 22, 1847 ; 
they have three children — Ida, Edith 
and Albin ; has 148 acres of land, val- 
ued at $30 per acre. Mr. H. moved 
into Benton Co., Iowa, in 1864. Mr. 
and Mrs. H. are members of the M. E. 
Church ; Mr. H. is a Republican. 

Heldenbrand, W., far., S. 28; P. 0. Irving. 

Heyer, L., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 



Hoist, A., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Hoist, J., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Hoist, Julius, far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

TXIIAN, WILLIAM, farmer; 

_L Sec. 7 ; P. O. Irviiii; ; born in Ohio 
Dec. 30, 1843. Married Mi.ss R. J. 
Leavell in Benton Co., Iowa, in 1864; 
she was born in Miami Co., Ohio, in 
1847 ; they have five children — Martha 
E., William Walter, Barren Perrie, 
Laura and Benjamin Franklin. Has 
ninety-three acres of land, valued at 84(» 
per acre ; moved to Marshall Co. , Ohio, 
remaining twenty years, at the end of 
which time he moved to Benton Co., 
Iowa, and thence to Madison Co., and 
then returned to Benton Co. in Feb- 
ruary, 1877. Mr. Inman had four 
brothers in the Union army of the late 
war. 

JACOBS, A., far.. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Lu- 
zerne. 
Jacobs, H., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Dryden. 
Jacobs, Jacob, far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Jacobsen, J., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Jameson, P. F., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Johnson, M. D., far., S. 20; P. 0. Irving. 
Jorden, H., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Jorgeman, E., far., S. 15; P. 0. Luzerne. 

KEBACH, FRED., farmer, Sec. 9 ; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Kelley, Frank, far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

KEYSER, ABRAHAM K., 

farmer and blacksmith, Sec. 32 ; P. 
0. Irving ; born in Montgomery Co., 
Penn., Feb. 24, 1825. Married Leah 
Zimmerman in Pennsylvania in 1850 ; 
she was born in Pennsylvania Jan. 
2, 1830 ; they had ten children, nine 
are living — Caroline (Franklin died 
at the age of 3 years and 2 months), 
Mary, Aaron, Amanda, Henry, David, 
Andrew, Daniel and Sarah Jane. Has 
sixty acres of farm land and fifteen acres 
of timber land, valued at §4,000. Mr. 
K. enlisted April 12, 1865 ; served until 
the close of the war ; was mustered out 
at Fort Delaware July 31, 1865. Mr. 
K. has held the office of School Direct- 
or five years. Mr. K. followed black- 
smithing twenty-five years in Pennsyl- 
vania ; he moved to Iowa in 1869. Mr. 
K. has good improvements ; has a grove 
and 543 grape vines, sixty apple trees 
and cherries, crabs, etc. Mr. and Mi-s. 
K. are members of the Lutheran Church. 



554 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Kysel, Wm., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Irving. 
Kirchmer, M., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Kloppenburg, Gr., S. 16; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Koch, Adolphus, S. 22 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Kreimeyer, H., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
KneflP, Glaus, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Irving. 

LAWRENCE, JOHN H., Sec. 34; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Lonoside, A., S. 21 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

M"^ cGRAW, DANIEL, far.. Sec. 2; 
P. 0. Luzerne. 
Miller, A., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Meyer, J., laborer, S. 17 ; P. 0. Irving. 
Miller, H., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Miller, W., far., Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Mulvarney J., far., Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
xMundt, W., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
^TIBENDAHL, W., farmer, Sec. 32 ; 
.1> P. 0. Irving. 
Neisch, J., far., Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Dryden. 
Nissen, A., far.. Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

OFFT, EGGERT, far., Sec. 12; P. 
0. Luzerne. 
Ohde, H., far.. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

PETERS, F., farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

PARSONS, RICHARD, farmer 
and carpenter, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Irving ; 
born in Delaware Feb. 6, 1824. Mar- 
ried Sarah Midleton, in New Jersey, in 
1848; she was born in New Jersey, in 
1823; they have five children, four are 
living — Thomas, Mary Ann, Emma 
Jane and Richard ; Elizabeth died in 
Michigan, at 8 years of age. Mrs. Par- 
sons died March 4, 1860. Mr. Parsons 
married for his second wife, Mrs. Co- 
burn, in Benton Co., Iowa, 1867 ; she 
was born in Lori'aine Co., Ohio, June, 
1826. Has seventy acres of land, val- 
ued at $40 per acre. Mr. Parsons fol- 
lowed carpentering and building the 
principal part of his life ; went to Penn- 
sylvania a child, with his parents, moved 
to New Jersey, thence to Michigan, and 
then to Iowa in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. 
Parsons are members of the M. E. 
Church. Mr. P. has held the ofiices of 
Supervisor and Road Commissioner. 

Peters, J., far.. Sec. 11 ; P. O. Luzerne. 

Pingle, C, far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Pingle, H., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Potter, J. L., far., Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Irving. 

Pryne, A., far.. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Irving. 

Pryne, H., far.. Sec. 7 ; P. O. Irving. 

Pryne, J., far., Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Irving. 



Pruser, J., far.. S. 15 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine, 
Puhlman, J., far.. Sec. 14; P. 0. Luzerne. 

ROBERTS, C. A., far., S. 29 ; P. O, 
Irving. 

RIDGWAY, EDWARD, farmer 
and agent for steam engines for thresh- 
ing, shelling corn, etc., manufactured at 
Fishkill Landing, N. Y.,Sec. 17; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine ; he was born in Ohio in 
Sept. 18, 1837. Married Hannah Van 
Dike in Ohio ; she was born in Ohio in 
1835 ; they have two children — Will- 
iam H. and Austa J. Has 320 acres of 
land, valued at $30 per acre ; he came 
to Iowa in 1870; took up the land he 
now owns, and returned to Ohio in 1875 ; 
was engaged in dealing in agricultural 
implements two years, and returned to 
Benton Co., Iowa, in April, 1878. Mr. 
Ridgway has followed running a thresh- 
ing machine twenty-two years, and the 
last three years run a steam thresher ; 
they proved so successful, he took the 
agency to furnish them through the 
county. 

Roberts, R. L,, far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Rogers, H., far., S. 14 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

SCHIERHOLZ, HENRY, farmer, Sec. 
12; P. 0. Luzerne. 

SAIIER, MAGJfUS, farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; 
born in Baden, Germany, in July, 1838. 
Married Mena Schrader in Illinois in 
1862 ; she was born in Germany in 
1845 ; they have seven children — 
Henry, Jonnie, Ambrose, Ellen, Caro- 
line, Albert and Charley. Has 320 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. 
Mr. S. came to Illinois in 1857 ; re- 
mained ten vears, and moved to and set- 
tied upon his farm in Benton Co., Iowa, 
in 1867. Has held the office of Road 
Supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. S. are mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church. Mr. S. 
had two brothers in the late war ; Charles 
enlisted in the 83d 111. V. I., as black- 
smith ; was taken prisoner at Gettys- 
burg, Penn., and taken to Anderson- 
ville prison ; after staying there a year. 
died in prison ; Julius enlisted in the 
46th 111. V. I., and was mustered 
out with his regiment at the close of the 
war. 

Schildt, S., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Schluntz, Chas., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Irving. 



KANE TOWNSHIP. 



555 



SchneiF, J., far., S. 25; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Schoel, Fred., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Schutt, John, far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Seltien, W., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Simmons, R. C, far., S. 20; P. 0. Irving. 

Skibbe, Henry, far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Smith, M., far., S. 24; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Snow, C. E.., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Spencer, F., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Spencer, G., far., S. 3; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Stein, C, far.. Sec. 3 ; P. O. Luzerne. 

Stein, H.. far., Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

STOCKER, E. W., former and stock 
raiser. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; born in 
New Hampshire, Feb. 29, 1824. Mar- 
ried Elizabeth M. Van Metre in Iowa 
in 1858 ; she was born in Ohio in 1 841 ; 
she was the granddaughter of Judge 
Van 3Ietre of Ohio ; they have four 
children — Mary L., born in Benton Co., 
Iowa, in 1861 ; Joe W., born in 
1864, in Benton Co. ; Anne S., born in 
Benton Co., Iowa, in 1872; Jake P., 
born in Benton Co., Iowa, in 1875. Mr. 
Stocker was about the first settler in 
this part of Benton Co. ; located 480 acres 
of land in 1854 ; this was before the town- 
ship of Kane was organized ; moved on 
the land in May, 1855. He was ap- 
pointed by Judge Douglass to organize 
the township of Kane ; at the organiz- 
ing of the township, they had but 10 
voters. In the early part of the town- 
ship history, Mr. Stocker identified him- 
self with the educational interests, and 
took an active part in the organization of 
schools. In 1849, Mr. Stocker crossed 
the plains to California with a party 
with ox teams in search of gold ; fol- 
lowed mining five years, and recrossed 
the plains in the Summer of 1854 to 
Iowa ; remained upon his farm until 
1864 ; he then took another search for 
gold to Montana ; remained one season, 
and returned to his family ; he shared 
all the trials of the tuirly settlers ; the 
nearest neighbor was five miles away ; 
hauled lumber from Davenport to build 
his house ; he improved his farm, set out 
orchards, twelve acres of groves, built a 
large house and barns ; has all the com- 
forts of life around him ; has been a 
very successful man in life ; has acquired 
a good property by his own exertion, 
commencing at the age of 27 without a 
dollar. Mr. Stocker has the reputation 



of a man of unbounded generosity ; his 
latch string always hanging out to the 
poor ; he is a member of the A., F. & 
A. M. Order at Belle Plaine, and Chap- 
ter and Commandery, No. 14 ; he helped 
to organize the Lodges at Belle Plaine, 
and the St. Clair Lodge. Has trees on 
his farm that he set out, that measure 
6 feet in circumference. Mr. Stocker 
has been a member of the Board of 
Supervisors seven years ; held all the 
principal school offices and township 
offices. Mr. Stocker has 480 acres of 
land, valued at S35 per acre. 

Stoner, H., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Irving. 

Stiedt, J., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Stoltenburg, S., far., S. 10; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Switz, J., fir., S. 26 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

THESSEN, CLAUS, farmer. Sec. 16 ; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Thede, F., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Tischer, J. A., far., S. 11 ; P. O.Luzerne. 
Timm, J., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

YAN DIKE, J. P., farmej. Sec 19 ; 
P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

VAN DIKE, H. W., farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 19; P. 0. Irving; 
owns the farm known as the " Lone Tree 
Farm ;" it derives its name from the 
tree that now stands near Mr. Van Dike's 
house ; that was the only tree or shrub 
in the town.ship of Kane at the time 
Mr. Van Dike settled on the land. He 
was born in Ohio April 24, 1829, and 
married Sarah Ashby in Benton Co., 
Iowa, in 1868 ; she was born in Ohio in 
1824 ; they have four children — Ophelia, 
Amelia, Lawrence and Elba ; Seymore 
died in infancy ; Ida May died at the age 
of 6 years. Has 345 acres of land, valued 
at $40 per acre. He came to Iowa in 1855; 
he has a good farm, and one of the grandest 
houses in the county, well furnished 
with all the comforts of life. Is a mem- 
ber of ihe A., F. & A. M. Lodge at 
Belle Plaine, and Hope Lodge, No. 175. 
Has held the offices of Justice of the 
Peace and Township Clerk four years, 
and several other township offices ; was 
an early pioneer, and one of the first to 
help to organize the townsfhip, schools, 
etc.; has held several school offices, and 
given much aid to the schools. 

VAN DIKE, S. p., farmer and stock 

raiser. Sec. 18; P. O. Irving; born in 

'Delaware Co., Ohio, June 21, 1843. 



556 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Married Mary E. Rusk in Tama Co., 
Iowa, May 6, 1875 ; she was born in 
Warren Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1852 ; they 
have two children — Flora Elizabeth and 
Gilbert Rusk. Has 320 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre. Mr. Van Dike 
enlisted in Co. D, 28th I. V. I., in Au- 
gust, 1862; was disabled while in the 
service. Is a member of the A., F. & 
AM., Hope Lodge at Belle Plaine, and 
a member of the I. 0. 0. F., West 
Lodge, No. 283. Holds the office of 
Township Assessor; has held the same 
five years. Came to Iowa in October, 
1861. Mr. Van Dike followed school 
teaching several years in Ohio ; dealt in 
agricultural implements two years in 
Ohio, and returned to Iowa in 1870. 

WAGNER, FRED., farmer. Sec. 24 ; 
P. 0. Luzerne. 
Weise, Claus, far, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Dryden. 
Weise, Peter, far., Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 



Wengert, Jacob, far., Sec. 34; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

WILDER, HENRY, farmer and 
stock raiser. Sec. 18; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; 
born in New York Jan. 18, 1833! 
Married Mary E. Zimmer in Illinois, in 
1862 ; she was born in Oswego Co., N. 
Y., in 1840 ; they have two children — 
Charles B., born in Illinois Dec. 12, 
1862 ; William R., born in IlHnois Feb. 
3, 1864. They have 160 acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre. Mr. W. moved 
into Illinois in 1855, and followed car- 
pentering and farming until 1866 ; he 
then moved to Benton Co., Iowa, where 
he now carries on farming. Mr. and 
Mrs. W. are members of the M. E. 
Church. 

Wilson, Henry, far.. Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Irving. 

Witt, Karson, far., Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Irving. 

Wortzel, N., far.. Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

ZORING, FRED., farmer. Sec. 26 ; P. 
0. Luzerne. 




CANTON TOWNSHir. 



557 



CANTON TOWNSHIP. 



ADAIR, JOHN, laborer; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
Alden, J., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Alden, W., fur., S. 29; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

BALDWIN, CHANCEY, farmer ; P. 
0. Shellsburg. 

Ballard, Wayland, merchant, Shellsburg. 

Barkley, E., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Barton, E. H., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

BARTON, O. B., farmer. Sec. 21 ; 
P. O. Shellsburg ; born in Knox Co., 
111., May 25, 1845 ; came to this county 
in 1854; has ninety-two acres of land, 
valued at $2,500. Married Mary Ad- 
damson ; she was born in Ohio June 18, 
1 847 ; mother of five children — Martha 
P.. born Au2-. 24, 1868 ; Lydia A., 
March 16, 1870 ; Nancy C, March 30, 
1872 ; Enos B., May 27, 1874; Mary 
E., Aug. 26, 1877. Enlisted in the 
28th Iowa V. I., in 1862 ; went to Iowa 
City ; stayed there three months ; from 
there to Davenport ; was there six 
months; from there to Helena, Ark., 
and went into Winter (juarters ; was on 
the expedition up White River ; then 
went to Milliken's Bend ; stopped there 
a short time ; was taken sick ; got a 
furlough and came home ; returned to 
Davenport ; was detached as second 
cook ; soon after was promoted to first 
cook ; from there went to Washington 
City ; was transferred to the 20th V. R. 
C; from there went to Point Lookout ; 
then took 2,000 rebel prisoners to El- ; 
mira, N. Y.; after his return was de- 
tailed as Hospital Steward at Point Look- ' 
out, and remained until the close of the 
war. 

Benfer, John, far.; P. 0. Shellsburg. I 

BENSON, J. S., farmer. Sec. 33 ; 
P. 0. Shellsburg; born in Fayette \ 
Co., Ohio, April 19, 1824; came to this 
county in 1852 ; has 120 acres of land, 
valued at $3,600. Married jMartha 
Spurgeon ; she was born in Clinton Co., 
Ohio, Jan. 21, 1826 ; mother of seven ' 
children — Louisa, born April 10, 1852 ; 
Arrilda, Feb. 22, 1854 ; John, May 13, 
1858; Viola, April 11, 1860; Louis, 
Dec. 5, 1862 ; Caroline, Nov. 13, 1864 ; 
Annie, Oct. 4, 1867 ; lost two children 
— George, born July 29, 1850, died 



April 23, 1858 ; David, born Jan. 16, 
1856,' died Feb. 6, 1860. Came through 
with teams ; camped out ; all the money 
he had when he arrived was seventy-five 
conts 

BERGEN, P. G., farmer and stock 
raiser, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born 
in Henry Co., Ky., Aug. 4, 1826 ; 
came to this county in Aug., 1852 ; has 
740 acres of land, valued at $37,000. 
Has been married twice ; by his first 
wife has one son living — Dr. A. C. Ber- 
gen, in the U. S. army, stationed at Ft. 
Buford, D. T., born Feb. 3, 1849. For 
his second wife, married Mattie Flem- 
ming; she was born in Scott Co., Ind., 
Aus. 29, 1832 ; mother of three living 
children— Oscar C.,born Aug. 20, 1862 ; 
Willie S., March 29, 1866 ; Alice, Sept. 
22, 1868. Emigrated to Johnson Co., 
Ind., when he was 5 years old ; lived 
there twenty-one years ; thence to Ben- 
ton Co. Raises from 8,000 to 10,000 
bushels of corn, about 500 bushels of 
wheat and about 1,500 bushels of oats 
yearly ; has on hand 140 steers from 3 
to 4 years old, and has turned ofi" as 
high as $7,000 worth of cattle in one 
lot ; the same year turned ofi" two lots, 
one of which was 100 head. Mr. B. 
has the premium farm of the county, 
taking everything into consideration, 
timber, water and location ; has a good 
home, and is among the wealthiest of 
the county. 

Bidey, Jesse L., laborer; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

BIXBY, AliBERT, farmer ; Sec. 
9 ; P. 0. Shellsburii ; born in Dodge 
Co., Wis., March 2, 1849 ; came to this 
county in 1869 ; has eighty acres of 
land,valued at $3,000. Married Sarah A. 
Miskemins in 1870 ; born Sept. 5, 1839, 
in Coshocton Co., who is the mother of 
two children — Blanche Isby, born Aug. 
25, 1871 ; Anson P., born Jan. 20, 
1873 ; lived in Dodge Co. until he was 
20 years old, then came to this county 
where he has resided since. Mrs. B. 
emigrated to Texas with her parents in 
1852 ; lived there a short time ; from 
there came to this county ; came by 
boat down to Red River to the Missis- 
sippi, from there by boat up the Missis- 

G 



558 



DIRECTOR! OF BENTON COUNTY 



sippi up to Muscatine, Iowa ; from there 
came through with train to Benton Tp. 
in this county. 

Bisby, Anson P., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

Bisby, Wallace, far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

BLACK, THOS. €., farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; 
was born in La Porte Co., Ind., Nov. 8, 
1837 ; has 280 acres of land, valued at 
$8,400 ; came to this county in 1811. 
Married, for his first wife, Ellen Pratt; 
she was born in Illinois Dec. 4, 1845; 
she is the mother of two children — 
Alice, born Nov. 20, 1867 ; Calista, 
born Aug. 2, 1869. For his second 
wife he married Ella Thomas ; she was 
born in Indiana Dec. 5, 1848; she is 
the mother of one child — Annie, born 
Nov. 29, 1876 ; he left Indiana in 1861 
and came direct to this county where he 
has resided since ; came when the 
county was new, and from the wild 
prairie has made a good and comfortable 
home, and knows something about a 
pioneer's life; raises on an average yearly 
ninety acres corn, or about 4,000 bushels; 
feeds and turns off from one to two car 
loads of cattle yearly ; turns off about 
100 head of hogs. 

Blackburn, Zack, butcher, Shellsburg. 

BLACKWELI., JOHN T., 
farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 24 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg; born in Silver Co., Ky., 
Aug. 22, 1827 ; came to this county in 
1869. Politics, Republican. Married 
Verlenda B. Benefee ; she was born in 
Kentucky April 28, 1827; has an 
adopted daughter — Mary Blackwell, 
born May 17, 1870. Emigrated from 
Kentucky when he was 6 years old 
(1833), then to Indiana; lived there 
thirty-six years, then came to this place, 
where he has resided since ; has been 
in the stock business since, principally 
hogs ; turns off from sixty to sixty-five 
hogs every year ; one year he turned off 
thirty-eight head, averaging 314 pounds 
not quite nine months old. Mr. B. 
challenges any of his neighbors to do as 
well ; probably they were the best lot of 
bogs of the age, that were ever marketed 
in the county ; they were of the Poland- 
China blood ; has turned off one hog 
that weighed 720 pounds. Mr. Black- 



well has 172 acres of land, valued at 
$7,740._ 

Bales, Irvin S., physician, Shellsburg. 

Boose, Nicholas J., carpenter, Shellsbui'g. 

Bone, Emry 0., Shellsburg. 

Bone, Russell, hardware, Shellsburg. 

Bosworth, I. G., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Bowe, Romanzo E., renter ; P. 0. Shells- 
bury. 

BOWE, R. L., farmer, S. 25 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg; born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, 
May 24, 1840 ; came to this county in 
1854 ; has 200 acres of land, valued at 
$7,000 ; also has three sections in Texas. 
Belongs to the M. E. Church. Married 
Alice Stoddard — born in Fredonia, N.Y., 
April 14, 1841 ; was mother of three 
children — Eva F., born July 1, 1861; 
Sarah Adel, April 12,1863 ; Frank, June 
24, 1867. For his second wife, married 
Meander McElroy in 1871 — born in 
Ohio April 9, 1840 ; have four children 
—Alice, born Nov. 20, 1871 ; Henry 
L., May 31, 1874; Arthur, Feb. 18, 
1876; Nina, March 21, 1878. Mr. 
Bowe is among the earliest settlers of 
the town. 

BOWE, RUSSEIi, hardware 
merchant, Shellsburg ; born in Otsego 
Co., N. Y., April 12, 1814 ; came to this 
county in 1854; does a business of 
$10,000 a year. Politics, Republican ; 
belongs to the M. E. Church ; been a 
member about fifty years ; is an ordained 
minister. Married Rachel Hollister 
Oct. 13, 1836 ; born in Otsego Co., N. 
Y., Feb. 6, 1809 ; mother of six living 
children— Silas H., born Dec. 10, 1838; 
Russell L., born, May 24, 1840; Daniel 
F., born Dec. 28, 1841 ; Romanzo E., 
born July 2, 1846 ; Cordelia H. R., 
born Jan. 28, 1849 ; Emory 0., born 
Aug. 3, 1851; Sarah C, born May 
26, 1854; Daniel F., died Aug. 10, 
1865. He emigrated from Genesee 
(^0. when he was 8 years old ; lived 
there sixteen years ; from thence to 
Trumbull Co.; eighteen years there, 
to this county ; settled at 
Grove farm ; then came to 
where he engaged in the 
hardware business. When Mr. B. came 
to this town there was but one small 
store, kept by a man of the name of 
John Sells. David F. enlisted in the 



then came 
Wild Cat 
this town, 



CANTON TOWNSHIP. 



559 



28th I V. I., Company D; was 
wounded in the neck; ball passed into 
his mouth, and came out at his coat 
collar ; was at the battles of Port Gib- 
son, Edward Station, Champion Hills, 
siea;e of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., etc. 

Brinkerhoff. Wm. H., teacher, Shellsburg. 

Budd, Jos. L., Prof. Agricultural College, 
S. 28 ; P. 0. Ames. 

Bullimore, James, ret. far., Shellsburg. 

BrKI>I€K, I.YMAX, ret. farmer, 
Sees. 9 and lU ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in 
Berkshire Co., Mass., June 30, 1819 ; 
came to this county in 1858; has 160 
acres of land, valued at S5,000. Held 
the (jffice of Justice of the Peace. Mar- 
ried Elizabeth Hickox in 1845 ; born in 
Berkshire Co., Mass., June 25, 1830 ; 
mother of six children — Elizabeth C, 
born July 29, 1846, died Nov. 9, 1863 ; 
George L., born Feb. 27, 1850 : Eva 
A., born Nov. 29, 1854; Flora I., born 
Jan. 9, 1863; Lulu C, born Feb. 7, 
1867 ; Edward A., born April 29, 1868. 
Emigrated to Lee Co., 111.; lived there 
nearly three years ; thence to this 
county ; came through with teams ; 
camped out at night ; had his team 
stolen ; tracked them in the morning by 
their trail, and succeeded in finding them 
about 11 o'clock, in the middle of a 
large prairie, in an old hovel, where there 
were several horses ; Mr. B. thought it was 
the head({uarters of a regular gang of 
horse thieves. The first store they put 
up had not enough pipe to go through 
the roof, and had to run the pipe out of 
the window. One time Mr. B. was 
away, and the prairie caught fire and 
burnt over, and when he returned did 
not know his own home. 

CAMERON, JOHN, farmer, Sec. 16; 
P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Carney, Wm., saloon, Shellsburg. 

CASE, I.EAXDER (deceased); 
born in Washington Co., Penn., Sept. 
2, 1861, died Jan. 24, 1875 ; had an 
estate of 120 acres of land, valued at 
$3,200. Married Zefina Johnson in 
1843 ; born in Vermont Dec. 11, 1820; 
mother of four children — Amanda, born 
April 10, 1844; Nelson H., May 8, 
1847; William A., Feb. 20, 1855; 
Emma N., July 24, 1862. Mr. Case 
was 10 years old when he went to Ohio ; 
lived there about twenty-two years, then 



came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in 1848, 
and next year came to this county ; 
when they first came to Vinton, there 
was one building and one frame that 
was not finished, where they attended 
church ; had planks laid down across the 
sleepers for seats ; when they came here 
had but S4 in cash and one team and 
two cows. 

CASE, NELSON B., farmer and 
stock raiser ; Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; 
born in Washington Co., Penn., April 
24, 1825 ; came to this county in 1850 ; 
stayed a short time, and in 1854, came 
and stayed ; has 120 acres of land, val- 
ued at $3,500. Held the oflBce of Con- 
stable and Township Trustee. Married 
Melinda Miller ; she was born in New 
York in 1829 ; mother of three children 
— Medwin, x\rabella May, Ernest D. 
emigrated with his parents to Medina 
Co., Ohio; lived there twenty-nine years. 
Was married, and came to this county, 
where he has resided since. When he 
first came here, there were only two shan- 
ties in sight, and only one shanty in 
Shellsburg ; and within four years from 
the time he came here, nearly all the 
Government land was taken up. Mr. C. 
was amongst the earliest settlers, and 
has seen the prairies from their wilds, 
developed into one of the finest prairie 
counties in the State 

Case, W. H. far., S. 30; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Case, Zenobia, far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Cassell, Thomas K. 

CHURCH, SAMUEL,, butcher, 
Shellsburg; was born in Hampden Co., 
Mass., Jan. 17, 1827 ; came to this 
county in 1865 ; has a farm of forty 
acres of land, valued at ^1,200, in Sec. 
27. Married Mary E. Hanover; she 
was born in Connecticut Aug. 7, 1831 ; 
mother of three children — Mary, Min- 
nie and Frank. Emigrated to the VVest 
about twenty-four years ago, where he 
has resided since. Mr. C. had a brother 
in the 7th 111. V. C. 

Clemmons, F. D., far., S. 20; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Clemmons, Zack L.. butcher, Shellsburg. 

COWELL, E. H., lumber dealer; 
Shellsburg ; born in Crawford Co., Penn., 
Feb. 20, 1833 ; came to this county in 
1855 ; has property of about $3,000. 
Married Eliza J. Maxson in 1856 • 



560 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



born in Allen Co., Nov. 3, 1837 ; mother 
of three children — David M., born May 
25, 1860 ; Mary B., born Oct. 10, 1861 ; 
George E., born Dec. 13, 1864. Emi- 
grated to Ohio in 1836, where he was 
about three years ; lived there until the 
Spring of 1855, then came to Benton 
Co., where he has remained since. When 
he came here there were not more than 
six shanties ; came through with Thomas 
Ford with teams ; camped out most of 
the time ; was on the road three weeks. 

Cowell, James L., furniture, Shellsburg. 

CRAXSTOX, J. B., farmer, Sec. 
31; P. 0. Shellsburg; was born in 
Guernsey Co., Ohio., Nov. 20, 1816; 
came to this county in 1868 ; has 231 
acres of land, valued at $6,930. Mem- 
ber of the United Presbyterian Church. 
For his first wife, married Elizabeth 
Johnson; born in Ohio June 29, 1823, 
died Sept. 12, 1844; mother of two 
children — David J., born June 10, 1843; 
Eliza J., born May 29, 1844. For his 
second wife, married Margaret Campbell 
in 1848 ; born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, 
July 28, 1824 ; mother of six children 
— Wm. C, born April 19, 1849 ; James 
H., born Sept. 27, 1850 ; Celissa A., 
born July 17, 1852; John C, born 
April 13, 1854; Robert H., born April 
25, 1859 ; Foster A., born June 13, 
1862. Emigrated from Ohio to Scott 
Co., Iowa, in 1853 ; from there went to 
Clinton Co.; lived there fifteen years ; from 
there came to this county, where they 
have resided since. Mr. C. has a fine 
farm, and a good and comfortable home. 
Had one son who enlisted in the 26th 
I. V. I., Co. H ; was in the battles of 
Arkansas Post and Lookout Mountain, 
above the clouds ; was wounded in the 
leg, and had it amputated. 

Cranston, Jas. A., Jr., far.. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

Crawford, Wm. A., far.. Sec. 34; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

Cue, Eli, far.. Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Palo. 

Cue, Nelson, for.. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
r\ AVIS, JOHN C, painter, Shellsburg, 

DECKRAW, F. W., blacksmith, 
P. O. Shellsburg ; born in Prussia Dec. 
24, 18)6 ; came to this county in 1861. 
Politics, Democrat. Married Mary 
Strawhacker ; she was born in Pennsyl- 



' vania in 1843 ; mother of six living 
children — Wm., born Sept. 5, 1864; 
Emma, born Feb. 20, 1865 ; Carrie, 
born Feb. 13, 1867 ; Margaret, born 
Dec. 1, 1869 ; Josephine, born Nov. 8, 
1873 ; Mary, born Nov. 13, 1876. Em- 
igrated from Prussia when he was a boy, 
to Ohio ; lived there ten years ; from 
there went to Cayuga Co., N. Y.; stopped 
there four years ; then went back into 
Lucas Co., Ohio ; lived there two years ; 
from there to Pike's Peak ; stopped 
there a short time ; from there to Camp 
Floyd, Utah ; thence, in the Spring, to 
New Mexico ; on the 4th of July, 1861, 
came to Vinton, and came to this town 
in September of the same year. He 
carried the dispatch from Fort Garland 
to Santa Fe, of the fall of Fort Sumter. 

Derillbiss, Casper, general man'fr, Shells- 
burg. 

DEMUTH, JOSHUA, retired 
farmer. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born 
in Frederick Co., Md., Feb. 28, 1821 ; 
came to this county in 1858; has 430 
acres of land, valued at $12,900. Pol- 
itics, Democrat. Held the offices of 
Township Trustee and School Director. 
Married Louisa Wigle in 1843 ; she was 
born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1827 ; 
mother of four children — Alice (now 
Mrs. Tarlton Corbett), born Aug. 27, 
1850; Mary (now Mrs. J. T. Inman), 
born May 1, 1856 ; Wm. H., born May 
27, 1861 ; Francis 0., born July 14, 
1869. Emigrated from Maryland to 
Wayne Co., Ohio, when he was 23 years 
old ; lived there fourteen years, then 
came to Linn Co. in 1855 ; stayed there 
three years, then came to this county ; 
when he first got here, he had $11.50 
in his pocket, with his wife and one 
child in Pennsylvania. Worked in a 
livery stable for a man of the name of 
T. K. Burgess, for $20 per month, in 
Cedar Rapids ; afterward drove team 
for a man of the name of Rock, for 
$30 per month ; then bought a team 
and went to hauling goods from Musca- 
tine and Rock Island ; followed that 
about a year, then came to this place, 
where he bought and has resided since. 
Came here poor, but is in good circum- 
stances at present. 

Devine, J. H., lab., P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Dice, N., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 



CANTON TOWNSHIP. 



561 



DICKINSON, A. J., physician and 
surgeon, Shellsburg ; born in Seholiarie 
Co., N. Y., April 11, 1840 ; came to 
this county in October, 1856. Married 
Mary T. Brooks in 1867 ; she was born 
in Broome Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 18-13; 
mother of four children — Eulalie G., 
born Jan. 18, 1868; Mary E., born 
Aug. 14, 1871 ; Le Roy, born Juno 
21, 1875, and Claude B., Feb. 10,1878. 
Emigrated to this county in 1856 ; spent 
most of his time going to school in Iowa 
University and Western College, until 
the Spring of 1861 ; returned to New 
York and taught school until Aug., 
1862 ; then enlisted in the 134th New 
York V. I., and served two years ; was 
discharged for disability ; afterward, 
went into Quartermaster's department ; 
was in the battles of Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain and 
Rock Face Mountain; afterward, re- 
turned to Vinton, Benton Co., and 
studied medicine ; graduated at the 
University of Michigan, and has prac- 
ticed for ten years, and is the leading 
physician of the town. 

Douglas, D., carpenter, Shellsburg. 

Douglas, E., carpenter, Shellsburg. 

Dwigans, B. R., Justice of the Peace and 
farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

ELSON, J. M., insurance agt., Shells- 
burg. 
ELS AX, J. E., attorney at law, 
Shellsburg ; born in Coshocton Co., 
Ohio, July 30, 1836; came to this 
county in Oct., 1852. Held the office 
of Justice of the Peace and Mayor of 
Shellsburg. MaiTied Mary E. Rath- 
burn March 8, 1863 ; she was born in 
Champaign Co., Ohio ; mother of two 
children— Elbert, born Dec. 23, 1869, 
and Madge E., born Dec. 11, 1873. 
Emigrated to Linn Co. in 1852, and 
lived there until 1861. Then enlisted in 
the 9th A^ol. Inf , Company C, as pri- 
vate, and served eighteen months ; then 
was promoted to Sergeant, and after- 
ward to Captain of the company. Was 
at the battle of Pea Ridge, and was 
wounded severely in the shoulder ; also, 
the surrender of Yicksburg, Lookout 
Mountain, Resaca and Atlanta ; was 
with Sherman on his march to the sea ; 
was at the surrender of Johnston, and 
the grand review at Washington. Aft- 



' er the war, engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness five years ; since that, has prac- 
ticed law. 

' Esget, D. W., far.,S. 14 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Evans, J., attorney at law, Shellsburg. 

Ir'AUCETT, ALYIN, mason, Shells- 
' burg. 
Feller, D., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Files, Gr. A., hotel, Shellsburg. 
Ford, Augustus, lab. ; P. 0. Shellsburi;. 
Ford, C. M., lab.; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Ford, E. H., Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Shellsburu-. 
Ford. J. F., Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Ford, J. H., Sec. 16; P. O. Shellsburg. 
Ford, J. A., Sec. 16 : P. 0. Shellsburs. 
, FORI>, THOS. K., nurseryman 
[ and farmer. Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; 
born in Baltimore Co., Md., July 21, 
1819 ; came to this county in 1855 ; 
has 270 acres of land, valued at SI 0,000. 
' Member of the M. E. Church. 3Iar- 
ried Elizabeth Stephenson ; born in 
i Champaign Co. Oct. 3, in 1829 ; mother 
' of nine children — John H., born Aug. 
15, 1849 ; James F., born Nov. 5, 
1851 ; Enos H., born Oct. 20, 1852 ; 
Joseph, born March 4, 1856 ; Sarah A., 
born Nov. 22, 1859; Mary F., born 
June 18, 1861 ; Lettitia, born Deo. Zl, 
1864; Charles W., born June 21, 
1867 ; Lillie May, born Nov. 5, 1870. 
Emigrated from Maryland in 1827, to 
Harrison Co., Ohio ; lived there ten 
[ years, then went 1o Hardin Co.; lived 
there fifteen years, then came to this 
county. 
Ford, W., lab., Shellsburg. 
Fowlie, J. W., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
Fowlie, W., far.,S. 32; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Fry, J. H., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
i Fry, W., for.. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
rS ILBERT, J., laborer, Shellsburg. 

Gingery, D., farmer ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

GIX<iJRY% DAVID, farmer ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg; born in Bradford Co., Penn., 
Feb., 1830 ; came to this State in 1856. 
Politics, Democrat. Married Mary Bot- 
ton ; she was born in Canada Sept. 25, 
1838 ; mother of six children — Fred., 
born Dec. 9, 1863; Augustus, born 
Nov. 9, 1865 ; William, born Oct. 17, 
1867 ; D. Lilla, born Dec. 31, 1869 ; 
Charlie, born Oct. 25, 1871 ; Jessie, 



born June 18, 1877. 



Emisrrated from 



562 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY : 



Pennsylvania to Fulton Co., 111.; lived 
there twelve years ; from there went to 
Benton Co., thence back to Illinois, and 
remained until 1867 ; then went to Cali- 
fornia and Oregon ; lived there about 
four years ; thence back to this county 
and located on Sec. 13, in Eden Tp.; 
was at the first election in the township. 

Gingry, G., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Grant, H., section hand, Shellsburg. 

Grant, M., section hand, Shellsburg. 

Grant, 0., section boss, Shellsburg. 

Grass, Isaac, Constable, Shellsburg. 

Gray, Thomas, hardware, Shellsburg. 

Greaser, George, blacksmith, Shellsburg. 

GREASER, PHIIiLIP, farmer 
and stuck raiser, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg ; born in Germany Nov. 29, 1822 ; 
came to this county in 1851 ; has 400 
acres land, valued at $12,000. Repub- 
lican ; belongs to the United Brethren 
Church. For his first wife married 
Elizabeth Dilling ; she was born in 
Pennsylvania April 20, 1822 ; mother 
of eight children ; six living — Catharine, 
born Jan. 23, 1849 ; Manah, born Oct. 
14, 1851 ; Agnes, born Dec. 1, 1854; 
' George, born Sept. 25, 1856 ; Emma 
J., born May 10, 1859 ; Levi H., born 
March 26, 1861. For his second wife, 
married Susan Chambers ; born in Mary- 
land July 4, 1827. Emigrated from 
Germany when he was 8 years old 
to Maryland ; lived there sis months, 
thence to Pennsylvania ; lived there 
twenty-one years, then came to this 
county, where he has resided since ; 
came with limited means and by indus- 
try and economy has accumulated a fine 
property. 

Green, S. R., far.; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Greenwood, A., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Greenwood, T., far.; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

HALFIELD, JACOB C, carpenter, 
Shellsburg. 

Hamman, J. C., far.. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Hancock, J. J., far., Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Hanover, Henry, butcher, Shellsburg. 

HARBERT, P. M., former, Sec. 
22 ; P. O. Shellsburg ; born in Ohio 
March 22, 1829; lias 495 acres of 
land, valued at $20,000. Married Han- 
nah E. Kirkpatrick ; she was born in 



Hardin Co., Ohio, May 29, 1835; 
mother of three children — Nancy R., 
born April 11, 1853 ; David K., born 
April 23, 1853; Albert N., born Dec. 
6, 1868. Emigrated direct from Ohio 
to this county ; came through with 
teams ; came upon this prairie when 
there were no marks of civilization ; 
took up 400 acres of land and brought it 
under the very best cultivation, and has 
made as fine a farm as there is in the 
county; when he came here he moved 
into a shanty 16x18, where he lived for 
several years ; but now he has as fine a 
residence as a man need look at. Mr. 
H. is a stockholder in the Farmers' Ex- 
change Bank and is one of the solid 
men of the county. 
HARRISOIT, JO^ATHAX, 

farmer ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in 
Polk Co., Iowa, April 27,^1850. Mar- 
ried Sarah Allen ; she was born in 
Pennsylvania June 10, 1853; mother 
of two children — Athol E., born Jan. 
8, 1866 ; Effie B., born March 8, 1878. 
Born in this State and has made it his 
home ; has traveled through Missouri, 
Texas, Arkansas and Colorado ; his fa- 
ther and mother are living ia Adair Co., 
Iowa ; were born in NorthC arolina ; 
came from there to Ohio, thence to In- 
diana, and then to this State, where he 
has resided since ; his grandfather is 
still living at the age of 108 years ; his 
father was in the 39th I. V. I., Co. B ; 
also had one brother in the same regi- 
ment ; he was taken sick and died at 
Corinth. 

Hatfield, G. B., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Hatfield, W. W., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

HEATH, HENRY, farmer and 
hedge-grower ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; was 
born in Quebec, Can., Oct. 10, 1845 ; 
came to this county in the Fall of 1866. 
Politics, Republican. Commenced in 
the hedge business seven years ago ; 
raises on an average 100,000 plants 
yearly ; raises on an average seventy-five 
acres : Corn, 3,000 bushels ; wheat, 300 
bushels ; oats, 500 bushels ; turns off' 
fifty-six liead of hogs yearly. 

Heath, J. M., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

HEATH, JOHN E., farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Shellsburg : 
born in Decatur Co., Ind., Sept. 25, 



CANTON TOWNSHIP. 



563 



1849; came to this county in 1854; 
has -00 acres of land, valued at S6,000. 
Politics, Greenbacker ; belongs to the 
Parker Grove Baptist Cliurch. Married 
Sarah Latourette in 1870 ; she was born 
in Indiana Jan. 8, 1852 ; is the mother 
of three children — Annie, born June 6, 
1872; Adell, born Nov. 16, 1874; 
Nora, born Dec. 22, 1876 ; emigrated 
from Indiana when he was 5 years old 
to this county, where he has resided 
since ; has a fine fiirm and a good home; 
is a young man, and has a fine prospect 
to be one of the solid farmers of the 
county. Mrs. H. came to this county 
when she was 3 years old ; her mother 
is living in this township ; raises about 
2,500 bushels of corn, 400 bushels of 
wheat, 300 bushels of oats yearly ; turns 
off about S500 worth of hogs per year. 
HEATH, M. S., firmer, Sec. 20 ; 
P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Decatur Co., 
Ind., May 17, 1841 ; came to this 
county in the Fall of 1854; has eighty 
acres of land, valued at $2,400. Mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. Married 
ried Sarah J. Crawford in 1867 ; she 
was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, Dec. 
31, 1844 ; is the mother of three living- 
children — Henry W., born Oct. 27, 
1872 ; Annie F., born Nov. 5, 1874 ; 
John E.. born Aug. 9, 1877. Enlisted 
in the 28th Regt. Iowa V. I., Co. A ; was 
in the battles of Sabine Cross Roads, 
siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, 
Cedar Creek, Winchester and Magnolia 
Hill ; was wounded in the shoulder at 
Cedar Creek, and disabled for about six 
months ; was sent to Mansfield Hospital, 
Philadelphia, from there to Davenport, 
Iowa ; returned afterward to his regi- 
ment at Newbern, N. C. ; stayed there a 
short time, and then went to Savannah, 
Ga. ; was on the Red River expedition ; 
marched nearly 300 miles ; was also 
in the White River expedition. 
Heath, R., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Henderson, J. H., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
Hemenway, V. C, station a^t., ShelLsburg. 
Hill James, far., S. 27 ; P.^0. Shellsburg. 
HITE, FRED, farmer and shipper. 
Sec. 18; P. 0. Shellsburg; was born in 
Lycoming Co., Penn., Jan. 12, 1840; 
has 400 acres of land, valued at $12,- 
000; came to this county May 10, 



1866. Belongs to the M. E. Church. 
Married Louisa Sweely ; she was born in 
Lycoming Co., Penn., March 20, 1840; 
is the mother of three living children — 
Flora, John, Demster. Emigrated from 
Pennsylvania direct to Benton Co., 
Iowa ; he follows the business of ship- 
ping stock; has shipped §100,000 
worth in a single year ; raises on an 
average sixty acres : Corn, about 3,000 
bushels ; wheat, 600 bushels ; oats, 500 
bushels; barley, 450 bushels ; when he 
came here he was a poor man, and had 
but $260 in his pockets, and by industry 
and economy has made a good home. 

Hollenback, D. H., clersyman, Shellsburg. 

Howell, D. M.,far., S. if ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Hoyt, D.,fir., S. 16; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Hughs, Frank F., grain and stock dealer, 
Shellsburg. 

IEHL, GODFRED, wagon maker, 
Shellsburo'. 
JENKINS, 'ENOCK E., blacksmith, 
Shellsburg. 

Jenkins, Press A., auctioneer, Shellsburg. 

Johnson, A., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Jones, Frank, clerk, Shellsburg. 

Jones, G. F., for.. S. 1 ; P. 0. Shellsburg 

JO^ES, CiEORt^E J., groceries, 
provisions and notions, Shellsburg ; born 
in Coshocton Co., Ohio, Aug. 26, 1824; 
came to this county in 1855 ; has a 
property valued at $4,000. Married 
Julia Ward in 1850; she was born in 
Perry Co., Ohio, in 1833; mother of 
twelve children, six living — Frank, 
Sarah C, Emma B., Joseph, George H. 
and Charlie. Emigrated to Benton Co. 
in 1855, where he has resided since; is 
one of the oldest business men in the 
town; in 1873, was burnt out, and lost 
about $1,500 above his insurance; in 
the 3'ear 1860, worked for B. J. Kenyon 
107 days for 50 cents per day ; on the 
107th day got his foot under the trav- 
eler of a threshing machine, which crip- 
pled him for life ; was left destitute and 
supported by the Good Templars' Lodge 
for about three weeks. To-day ^Ir. J. 
is doing a good business, and has a good 
home, and is in comfortable circum- 

Jones, W. E., far.,S. 1 ; P. O. Shellsburo. 

KELLOGG, ALONZO S., farmer, 
Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Kellogg, 0., mason, Shellsburg. 



564 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



KEXY OX, MARY, MRS., Sec. 
13 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Bucks 
Co., Penn., May 3, 1808 ; came to this 
county in 1840 ; has seventy-five acres 
of land, valued at $2,250 ; when she 
came here she went into a little shanty 
where Joseph Strawn resided, and kept 
. house for him ; has been for months 
without seeing the face of a white wom- 
an ; has often had Indians come into 
her shanty and sit down at the table with 
them ; her husband went to California 
in 1848, and died in 1850 ; when they 
first came here she was Mrs. Penrose 
(she is now living with her second hus- 
bandj ; they were very poor ; had but 
one cow ; the first Winter had to grind 
buckwheat in a coifee mill to live on ; 
was so hard up had to pawn his clothes 
to get provisions ; had then to go to the 
Mississippi River for all his provisions ; 
one night had eisrht Indians in the 
shanty ; slept on the floor ; through the 
night kept going out ; thought there 
was some mischief up ; but found the 
cause to be a jug of whisky, which they 
were attending to. William Penrose, 
son of Mrs. Kenyon, was the first male 
child born this side of Cedar Rapids ; he 
enlisted in the 8th Iowa, and was killed 
at Shiloh. 

King, G., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Kirkpatrick, S., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Kite, Henry, carpenter, Shellsburg. 

Kuanbuehl, J. T., carpenter, Shellsburg. 

Knee, David, cabinet maker, Shellsburg. 

KREADER, WILI.IAM, mer- 
chant, Shellsburg ; born in Northampton 
Co., Penn, Dec. 1, 1834 ; came to this 
county in March, 1861 ; does a business 
of $30,000 per year. Held the oflices of 
Justice of the Peace and Mayor of 
Shellsburg. Belongs to the Baptist 
Church. Married Rachel F. Hilton in 
1856 ; born in the State of Delaware ; 
born in 1834, and mother of two living 
children — Laura, born May 17, 1859, and 
Thomas, born March 13, 1862. (His 
father, Samuel Kreader, was born in 
Bucks Co., Penn., in 1799 ; had a fam- 
ily of twelve children, of whom ten are 
now living.) Clerked for James 0. 
Shum & Co. about three years in Ohio ; 
fi'om there he went to New Jersey ; 
clerked for T. & H. Gardner three 



years ; from there he went to Phillips- 
burg ; clerked three years, and then 
went to Easton, Penn., where he clerked 
two years ; from there he went to Shells- 
burg, where he has resided since. Mr. 
K. has always taken the lead in business 
in the town. 

LATAURRETT, H., grain dealer, 
Shellsburg. 
La Taurrett, M., grain dealer, Shellsburg. 
Leebody, A., far., S.33; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Lewis, Andrew, liveryman, Shellsburg. 
Lewis, W., agricultural dealer, Shellsburg. 
Lewis, W. A., clerk, Shellsburg. 
Long, H. B., far., S. 13; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
Long, S., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Losey, C. P., wagon maker, Shellsburg. 
Losey, W. P., wagon maker, Shellsburg. 
nV /TcFARLAND, S., gardener, Shells- 

McCORMICK, JOHX, farmer, S. 
18 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Lyco- 
ming Co., Penn., July 12, 1839 ; came to 
this county in 1868; has 160 acres of 
land, valued at $5,000. Politics, Re- 
publican. Married Angellette Smith in 
in 1864 ; born in Bradford Co., Penn.^ 
June 28, 1843 ; mother of five children 
— Oliver, born Dec. 16, 1864; Lizzie, 
born Aug. 24, 1 866 ; Hattie, born Jan. 
1, 1868; Bertie and Bertha (twins), 
born May 19, 1877. Emigrated from 
Pennsylvania when he was 17 years old ; 
came to Stephenson Co., Ill ; lived there 
three years, thence to Livingston Co.; 
lived there eight years ; came to this 
county where he has resided since ; 
keeps on an average fifty head of hogs, 
sixteen head of cattle and six head of 
horses. 

McKeen, J. M., stock dealer, Shellsburg. 

Maning, A., school teacher, Shellsburg. 

MARSHALL, D. P., shoemaker, 
Shellsburg ; was born in Washington 
Co. Vt., Feb. 15, 1834; came to this 
county in 1860. Politics, Greenbacker. 
Held the ofiices of Assessor, Township 
Trustee, Town Clerk and Councilman of 
Shellsburg. Married Abbie Rathburn ; 
she was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, 
Nov. 23, 1844 ; mother of three child- 
ren — Harry L., born Oct. 23, 1863; 
Mary E., born Sept. 16, 1865 ; Emma 
E., born Dec. 18, 1867. Enlisted in 
the 8th I. V. I., Co. D ; was in the 



I 



CANTON TOWNSHIP. 



565 



army of Missouri under Gen. Fremont ; 
was on the big march to Springfield, 
Mo.; was discharged March, 1863, on 
account of sickness. He came here 
when Shellsburg was not known. 

Mather, H., barber, Shellsburg. 

Maxson, J. H., patent right, Shellsburg. 

31 AXSOX, SmEOBf , farmer, Sec. 
21 ; P. 0. Shellsburg; born in Harri- 
son, Va., Dec, 10, 1806 ; came to this 
county in 185-4; has seventy-five acres 
of land, valued at $3,000. Is a member 
of the Baptist Church ; is one of those 
who paid ofi" an indebtedness on the 
church of $2,700. Married Sarah 
Myers ; born in Virginia Jan. 14, 1813 ; 
mother of four children — Greor2;e W., 
born April 16, 1835; Eliza J., born 
Nov. 3, 1837 ; Rebecca, born Dec. 10, 
1841 ; John H., born Oct. 17, 1852. 
Had two sons in the Union army, James 
and George W.; James was wounded in 
the battle of Champion Hills; he be- 
longed to the 28th I. V. I.; George W., 
enlisted in the 77th 111. V. I.; was in 
the battle of Chickamauga, was taken 
prisoner, and was at Andersonville thir- 
teen months ; also six months at Libby. 
Mr. M. emigrated to Ohio, and lived 
there twenty-two years, then came to 
this place, where he has gained the 
friendship of all. 

Maxson, W., farmer; P. 0. Shellsburs;. 

Maks, J. A., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Merchant, W., far., S. 29; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Miller, J. D., blacksmith, Shellsburg. 

MILLER, JOHlf H., Cashier of 
Farmers Exchange Bank, Shellsburg ; 
was born in Schenectady Co., N. Y., 
March 4, 1831 ; came to this county in 
1865. Married Harriet Pratt ; she was 
born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 24, 
1 839 ; mother of three children — Edgar 
J., born Jan. 19, 1864 ; Amy K., July 
23, 1866 and, Carrie B., Nov. 17, 1868. 
Emigrated from New York in 1858 to 
Walworth Co., Wis. ; lived there about 
six years, then came to Benton Co., 
where he engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness until three years ago ; since that 
time, has been in the banking business, 
and held the ofiice of Cashier. The 
stockholders are John Parker (Pres.), 
John H. Miller (Cashier), J. L. Budd, 
P. M. Harbut, Wm. Krader, B. B. 
Dwiggins and Thomas C. Armstrong. 



MIIiI.ER, PAUL, flu-., S. 2 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg ; born Washington Co., Penn., 
Sept. 15, 1815; came to this county in 
1855 ; has 210 acres of land, valued at 
$5,250. Belongs to the Presbyterian 
Church. Married Catherine Jones July 
26, 1838 ; she was born in Coshocton 
Co., Ohio, May 26, 1817 ; mother of 
nine living children — James J., born 
May 21, 1839; Martha J., March 6, 
1842; Barbara A., Jan. 28, 1844; Lu- 
cinda M., Oct. 10, 1845 ; Anna M., 
May 7, 1847 ; John W., May 29, 
1850; Paul M., June 4, 1854; Emma 
M., July 24, 1857, and Alice E., May 
29,1860. Emigrated from Pennsylva- 
nia to Ohio, and lived there eighteen 
years ; thence to this county in company 
with thirty persons ; came through with 
teams, camped out and did their owa 
cooking ; he has resided here ever since. 
When he first came here, he moved into 
a shanty on Cedar River, about sixteen 
feet square; could look through the 
roof and count the stars ; has a very 
fine orchard of 400 trees of the choicest 
fruit ; for his bedstead used poles cut 
from the grove ; used clapboards for 

Miller P. M., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

MINKIMEN, GEO. WM., far., 
Sec. 14 ; P. O. Shellsburg ; born in Co- 
shocton Co., Ohio, Dec. 26, 1826 ; came 
to this county in the Spring of 1850; 
has 110 acres of land, valued at $3,300. 
Married Sarah J. Moody in 1856 ; she 
was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, Feb. 24, 
1863 ; has two children — Amanda, 
born Dec. 19, 1857, and Mahala J., 
April 3, 1861 ; lost two children — Ed- 
ward, born Jan. 1, 1860, died Jan. 26, 
1860 ; Lizzie, born March 26, 1863, 
died Oct. 20, 1864. Emigrated to this 
Tp. in 1850 ; came via Zanesville, Ohio, 
and took boat down the Ohio river to 
Cairo ; thence up the Mississippi to 
Keokuk ; from there footed it to this 
county. The first three years worked 
out by the month for $10 per month, 
and eight months for $12; then went 
to improving his land. Shellsburg was 
not thoutrht of at that time. 

MISKIMEN, HARRY H., far ; 

P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Guernsey Co., 
Ohio, May 17, 1835; came to this 
county in Fall of 1852. Married Har- 



566 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



riet D. White ; she was born in Carroll 
Co., Ohio, Jan. 10, 1844; has seven 
children— Wm. C, Orlando H., Thos. 
L., Carrie, Sarah, Albert and Harry. 
Enlisted in 8(h Iowa V. I., Company 
D, and served three years ; was in sev- 
eral engagements ; was at Pittsburg 
Landing, and was wounded, taken pris- 
oner and taken to Tuscaloosa ; was in 
prison fifty-five days ; was paroled and 
went back from there to St. Louis ; 
held there until he was exchanged ; was 
at Jackson, Miss., rear of Vicksburg at 
the siege of Vicksburg ; was with Banks 
on his Red River Expedition ; from 
there went to Memphis ; also, was at the 
battle of Tupelo against Forrest ; 
was one of the sixteen pioneer corps 
under A. J. Smith ; discharged and 
mustered out at Davenport. 

Miskimen, John, laborer, Shellsburg. 

Moody, William, laborer, Shellsburg. 

Moore, J., far., S. 21 ; P. O. Shellsburg. 

Moulds, Samuel, far.; P. O. Shellsburg. 

NEAL, SIMEON W., farmer, Sec. 
28 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

XARBER, EliliAS, far. and stock 
raiser, Sec. 18; P. 0. Shellsburg; born 
in Pennsylvania Sept. 8, 1844; came 
to thi-^ county in 1857; has 319 acres 
of land, valued at $10,000. Married 
Esther Phillips in 1868 ; she was born 
in Indiana, Nov. 2G, 1850 ; mother of 
three children — Clara, born Feb. 6, 

1870; Laura, July 27, 1872, and 

Jan. 20, 1878. Emigrated from Penn- 
sylvania to Indiana ; stayed there a 
short time, and then came to Stephenson 
Co., 111., and from there came to this 
county. Mr. Narber's principal busi- 
ness is stock ; has a fine farm and good 
home. 

XARBER, GEORGE, farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; 
born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Oct. 23, 
1820 ; came to this county in 1857 ; 
has 1,630 acres of land, valued at $46,- 
000. Married Nancy Gordner ; she 
was born in Lycoming Co., Penn.; mother 
of six children — Ellis, born Aug. 8, 
1844 ; Bartley, Nov. 16, 1846 ; Luther, 
April 11, 1852; Emanuel, March 24, 
1855; Irvine, Dec. 31, 1857 ; Homer, 
Au2. 20, 1860. Emigrated to Stephen- 
son Co., 111., in 1851 ; lived there six 
years, and then came to this county, 



where he has been engaged in farmina; 
and stock raising; raises on an average 
9,000 bushels of corn yearly ; turns oft' 
from forty to eighty head of cattle and 
from fifty to eighty head of hogs ; raised 
one year 3,000 bushels of wheat, and 
sold it at $1.60, making $4,800 ; he is 
one of the largest landowners, probably, 
in the county, and amongst the wealth- 
iest men. When he came here there 
were but few settlers between him and 
"Blairstown. 

NEAIi, JOHN, farmer and stock 
raiser ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Har- 
rison Co., Va., Sept. 3, 1826; came to 
this county in June, 1856 ; has 174 
acres of laud, valued at $8,000. Is a 
member of the Baptist Church. For 
his first wife married Mary A. Maxson ; 
she died in Oct., 1863; by her he 
had one son — Simeon W., born Feb. 4, 
1854. For his second wife, married 
Eliza Maxson ; she was born in Allen 
Co., Ohio ; mother of one child— Chal- 
mer, born Sept. 13, 1873. Emigrated 
from Virginia when he was but a- child 
not 2 years old ; came to Champaign, 
Ohio ; lived there six years ; from there 
to Allen Co., Ohio ; lived there twenty- 
one years ; thence to this county ; when 
he came here there was no house south 
of him in this township. Mr. Neal 
came herewith a team and $113, and 
by hard work and economy has made a 
good home. 

Nevin, Wm., laborer; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Newton, Isaac, laborer; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Nihart, E., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Nihart, N., far., S. 12 ; P. O. Shellsburg. 

Noe, Isaac P., carpenter, Shellsburg. 

NORTH, li. F., retired farmer. Sec. 
4 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Geauga 
Co., Ohio, May 17, 1815; came to this 
county in 1841 ; has 200 acres of 
land, valued at $6,000. Belongs to 
the United Brethren Church. Held 
the office of County Commissioner five 
years; also was the first Postmaster in 
the township. Married Ruth Ann Bar- 
tholomew ; born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, 
Oct. 17,1819 ; mother of six children, 
living — Mary L., born in this county 
January 8, 1843 ; Sylvia A., May 15, 
1845; Luman B., Feb. 26, 1847; 
Banj. F., Oct. 8, 1849 ; Jason N., May 
31, 1851; Columbus, Oct. 24, 1856. 



CANTON TOWNSHIP. 



567 



Emifjrated to Hancock Co.. 111., in 
1838, in the Spring ; lived there one 
year, then came to Linn Co., Iowa, 
the year that the county was located ; 
lived there about two years, and then 
came to this county, and located on the 
place now owned by Andrew Luther. 
When Mr. North came to Linn Co., he 
made a claim on the east part of what Is 
now Cedar Rapids, when there was but one 
building there, in which a man of the 
name of Osgood Shepherd lived, and 
only one log cabin in Marion, the 
present county seat ; when he came to 
Linn Co., he was a poor man ; came 
with a man of the name of James Wi- 
ley ; borrowed §15 to get through ; 
used what were called Jackson bedsteads 
— bored two holes in the wall and used 
one leg ; made a cupboard out of a store 
box ; split puncheons for floor ; Mr. and 
Mrs. North ground seven bushels of 
buckwheat in a coffee-mill ; used to 
grate corn on an old tin pan punched 
full of holes ; they came in an early day, 
when they had to endure all the priva- 
tions of a frontier life. 
OLSSON, NELSON, physician, Shells- 
burg. 
PANGBUKN, LEVI W., far., S. 28 ; 
P. 0. Shellsburg. 

PACKARD, F. A., physician and 
surgeon, Shellsburg ; born in St. Law- 
rence Co., N. Y., July 9, 1851 ; came 
to this county Nov. 17, 1875 ; does a 
business in drugs of about six thousand 
dollars a year. Married Dyanthia Lake 
in 1876 ; she was born in Jackson Co., 
Iowa, in Nov., 1856; mother of one 
child — Lawrence, born March 8, 1877. 
Studied medicine at Milton Falls, Vt., 
and graduated at Burlington University 
and State Agricultural Society, Vt., in 
1872, and has a good office practice. 

Parker, D. K., merchant, Shellsburg. 

Parker, H. E., carp., S. U; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Parker, J. E., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Shellsburg, 

Parker, L. K., far., S. 16 ; P.O. Shellsburg. 

Parker, S. M.,far., S. 16 ; P. O. Shellsburg. 

Parker, W. H.. far., S. 16; P. 0. Shells- 
burtr. 

PESKOSE, JOSEPH, farmer 
and stock raiser, Sec. 12; P. O. Shells- 
burg; burn in Bucks Co., Penn., April 
2, 1838 ; came to this county in 1839. 



Has ninety acres of land, valued at 
S3, 000. Politics, Greenbacker. Held 
the office of Trustee, etc. Married 
Phoebe R. Jones ; she was born in Co- 
shocton Co., Ohio, Oct. 31, 1840; 
mother of six living children — William, 
Deliah, Adella, Laura, Mary, Edwin, 
John. Emigrated to this county when 
he was 2 years old, and has lived here 
nearly forty years ; when he was a boy, 
remembers that there were plenty of 
Indians ; has been in Cedar Rapids 
when there were only two or three 
houses. Turns off about forty hogs, on an 
average, yearly ; few cattle ; raises, on an 
average, from 1,200 to 1,500 bushels of 
corn; 300 bushels wheat; -400 bushels 
of oats. Is one of the men that came 
in amongst the earliest settlers and has 
grown up with the country and seen all 
developments and knows what a pioneer 
life is. 

Perry, D., far., Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Perry, J. M., lab., Shellsburg. 

Phillips, B., retired far.; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Pliilli]is, G. W., carpenter. Shellsburg. 

PORTEK, J. A., farmer and stock 
raiser. Sec. 27 ; P. O. Shellsburg ; born 
in Virginia April 17, 1817; came to 
this county in 1863 ; has 147 acres of 
land, valued at $5,000. Been a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church forty- 
five years. Married first wife, Eliza N. 
Youel, born Oct. 19, 1818 ; mother of 
six living children — William Y., born 
Sept. 15, 1839; Charlotte A., born Oct. 
21, 1847 ; R. Margaret, born March 29, 
1850 ; James R., born June 24, 1845 ; 
Cynthia Ann, born Oct. 24, 1852 ; 
Charles L., born April 30, 1860. For 
his second wife, married Mary Stevens, 
born in Scotland Oct. 15, 1818 ; has an 
adopted daughter — Mary Hailstone, 
born Sept. 18, 1872. Mr. Porter went 
to Montgomery Co., Ind., and lived 
there thirty-three years; from there came 
direct to this county. His son William 
enlisted in the 10th Ind. V. I.; was 
wounded at Mill Spring ; lost thum^) 
and fin<rer ; also John and James were 
in the Union army. Mrs. Porter had 
two sons in the army ; Thomas D. Craw- 
ford, in the 9th Kan. V. C, was killed in 
Missouri by the INLtrmaduke Guerrillas ; 
had eleven balls shut into his body ; 
John A. Crawford enlisted in the 35th 



568 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



I. V. I., and served two years; was 
wounded in the battle of Tupelo ; shot 
through the bowels and died in two 
days. Mr. P. was a hospital nurse nearly 
two years ; went out with the 35th I. 
V.I. 

KAMMELSBEEG, H., retired farmer, 
Shellsburg. 

Rathburn, J., shoemaker, Shellsburg. 

Rathbun, S. H. G., teamster, Shellsburg, 

Reynolds, G. W., druggist, Shellsburg. 

RICHEY, MILTOX, farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 20; P.. 0. Shellsburg ; 
born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., July 5, 
1831; came to this county in 1854; 
has 185 acres of land, valued at $5,500. 
Married Angeline Bell in 1853; born 
in Clinton Co., Ind., Jan. 13, 1833 ; 
mother of four children — William, born 
March 14, 1855 ; Nellie M., born Aug. 

II, 1859 ; Sherman, born in June, 
1865 ; Siegel, born Jan. 1, 1869. Came 
through from Indiana with teams, and 
was eighteen days on the road ; camped 
out and did their own cooking ; had 
but one horse and run in debt for an- 
other ; had but $15 in cash in his pocket ; 
came here a poor man, but by industry 
and economy has made a good home. 

Richey, W. A., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. SheUs- 
burg. 

Ricker, R., M. E. clergyman, Shellsburg. 

Rife, J., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Robbins, J. F., far., S. 3; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Robbins, W. C, far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Rosberg, Fred, carpenter, Shellsburg. 

ROYCE, R., proprietor of the Benton 
Co. Nursery and successor of J. S. 
Budd & Co., Shellsburg ; born in Sulli- 
van Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1845 ; came to 
this county in 1868 ; belongs to the M. 
E. Church. Married Charlotte Devine 
in 1867 ; is the mother of three children, 
of whom one is living — Edith, born 
Feb. 8, 1870 ; Carrie^^ born Jan. 7, 
1872, died Sept. 7, 1872 ; Maud, born 
Dec. 8, 1874, died Aug. 26, 1875. 
Emigrated to Lee Co., 111. ; stopp'^d a 
short time, and then came to this 
county, where he has followed the nurs- 
ery business since ; has done a business 
of about $4,000 a year ; has one of the 
largest nurseries in Benton Co. 

Runyon, A., mer. and far., S. 10 ; P. 0. 
shellsburg. 



Runyon, E., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Rutan, E. R., blacksmith, Shellsburg. 

SHANNON, SAMUEL, tar., S. 15 ; P. 
0. Shellsburg. 

SELIiECK, JAMES _L., farmer. 
Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Cedar Rapids ; born in 
Chenango Co., N. Y., June 30, 1827 ; 
has 276 acres of land, valued at $11,- 
000. Married Rorany Nichols in 1851 ; 
she was born Nov. 23, 1833; he emi- 
grated to Winnebago Co., 111., in 1851 ; 
came to this county in November, 1852, 
where he has resided since. Mr. S. was 
the first settler in the southeast corner of 
Canton Tp. ; when he first came here he 
could ride fifteen miles west and south 
without seeing a shanty ; he was a poor 
man when he came to this county, but by 
industry has accumulated a fine prop- 
erty ; has a property valued at $2(1.000. 

Shaw, Frank Y., restaurant, Shellsburg. 

Sheely, Jos., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Shomber, F., harness maker, Shellsburs. 

SHOMLER, JULIUS M., 

farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; 
born in Saxony, Germany, Oct. 5, 
1839; came to this countrv in 1856: 
came to this county in 1873; has 302 
acres of land, valued at $9,000 ; be- 
longs to the Presbyterian Church. Mar- 
ried Nancy Kirkpatrick ; she was born 
in Ohio Feb. 2, 1852 ; is the mother of 
four children — Fredie, born Sept. 13, 
1866; Charlie, born Dec. 22, 1870; 
Flora, born June 10, 1873; Allie, born 
Aug. 22, 1876. Came to this country 
when he was 17 years old, and landed in 
New York ; from there he went to 
Ozaukee Co., Wis.; lived there five 
years, thence to Chicago, 111. ; lived 
there three years ; from there went to 
Ireland and England; stayed one year, 
then returned to Wisconsin, where his 
parents lived ; from there went to Chi- 
cago ; lived one year, thence to Linn 
Co., Cedar Rapids ; lived there between 
eight and nine years, then came to Ben- 
ton Co., where he has resided since, and 
by industry has made a fine property. 

Shopshire, R. W., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Sloght, M. W., Marshal, Shellsburg. 

SODEN, CHARUES E., farmer, 
Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in 
Ontario Co., N. Y.. Jan. 17, 1841 ; 
came to this county in 1867. Married 



CANTON TOWNSHIP. 



569 



Mary King ; she was born in Michigan 
June 3, 1849 ; mother of three children 
—Ellen N., born Nov. 27, 1870 ; Wells 
E., Aug. 18, 1872; Annie L., Jan. 22, 
1875. Enlisted in the 5th N. Y. Eng. 
Corps ; was in the service three years 
and two months ; his business was build- 
ing pontoon bridges and throwing up 
breastworks ; was in the first battle of 
the Wilderness, also the Seven Days' 
fight and at Antietara ; was at Peters- 
burg ; was one who helped undermine 
the Fort. 
SO DEN, G E O R <t} E, retired 
tarmer ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in 
England April 1. 1822 ; came to this 
county in 185G ; has eighty acres of 
land valued at $2,400. Pohtics, Re- 
publican ; member of the Baptist 
Church. Married Martha Cline ; born 
in Indiana February 29, 1840 ; mother 
of four living children — Ella M., born 
May 8, 1859; Nettie, Aug. 29, 1863; 
Washington, Jan. 25, 1873; Freddie 
H., Sept. 30, 1876. He came from 
England when a child to Seneca Co., 
N. Y., where he was bound out 
until he was 21, and remained there five 
years afterward ; then went to California 
by water ; was two months making the 
trij) ; lived there about five years ; it 



trip ; re- 



cost him $500 to make the 
turned to New York State in 1856 , 
stayed there a short time, and then came 
to this county. When Mrs. Soden 
came to this county, in 1851, she was 
10 years old ; there were then only three 
log houses in Vinton. 
SODEN, HENRY, farmer. Sec. 9 ; 
P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Ontario Co.. 
N. Y. Nov. 14, 1833 ; came to this 
county in 1857 ; has eighty acres of 
land, valued at $4,000. Pohtics, Re- 
publican. Married Mary E. Parker, 
born in Indiana ; mother of four living 
children — Josephine Ella, May, William 
R., jNIinnie. Emigrated from New 
York to Benton Co., where he has re- 
sided since ; when he came to this 
prairie there were but a few shanties in 
sight ; he has seen it develop to one of 
the finest fiirming counties in the State. 
When he came here he was a poor man, 
and worked out for $16 per month, 
saved his money, bought his farm, and 
has made a good home. 



Sontag, Henry J., carp., P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Smith, Charles E., sch. tchr., Shellsburg. 

SMITH, O. J., editor, Shellsburg. '^ 

Spiker, Isaac E., carpenter, Shellsburg. 

Spurgeon, Dan., for., S.23; P.O. Shellsburg. 

Spurgeon, Harvey, far.. Sec. 33 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

Spurgeon, Sam'l A., far., S. 32 ; P.O. Shells- 
burg. 

Stern, D. M., far., S. 15; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Stiver, Balsom, laborer, Shellsburg. 

Stiver, D. W., harness maker, Shellsburg. 

Stores, Royal, laborer, Shellsburs;. 

Strawn, T. G., far., S. 13; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Strawhacker, E., farmer: P. 0. Shellsburg. 

SUMMERS, CHARLES L., 

Postmaster and merchant, Shellsburg ; 
born in Philadelphia, Penn., Sept. 8, 
1829; came to this county in 1859; 
has property valued at $9,000 ; does a 
business of $25,000 a year. Held the 
ofiice of Township Trustee, etc. Mar- 
ried Hannah White in 1863; born in 
Ohio Nov. 25, 1844; mother of three 
children — Frank, born Sept. 17, 1864 ; 
Ella, born April 3, 1866 ; Annie, Sept. 
9, 1871; emigrated from Pennsylvania in 
1841 to Warren Co., 111. ; Uved there 
one year ; from there to Knox Co. ; 
lived there two years, then to Fulton 
Co. ; lived there six years, then to Peoria; 
lived there one year, thence to Knox 
Co. ; lived there seven years, then to 
this county, where he followed farming 
a short time, and then went into the 
mercantile business, which he has fol- 
lowed since. Was in the 5th I. V. I. 
was in the battles of luka and Corinth. 
SUMMERS, J. C, COL.., Shells- 
burg ; was born in New Jersey Dec. 3, 
1832 ; came to this county in 1852. 
Politics, Greenbacker, and Chairman of 
the County Central Committee. First 
Mayor of Shellsburg. Married Mary E. 
Smith ; she was born in McKean Co., 
Penn., Feb. 14, 1831, and emigrated 
from New Jersey to Philadelphia ; re- 
mained there a short time, thence to New 
York ; when he was 10 years old he 
came to Warren Co., 111., thence to Ben- 
ton Co., where he has resided since. 
Enlisted in the 28th Regt. I. V. I. as 
private ; was promoted to Second Ser- 
geant, and in five months was commis- 
sioned Secund Lieut., afterward promo- 
ted to First Lieut. ; was in the battles 



570 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, siege of 
Vicksburg, Jackson, on the Red River 
Expedition under Banks ; the brigade 
he then belonged to was transferred to 
the Shenandoah Valley under Sheridan ; 
was wounded at Winchester by a mus- 
ket ball through his shoulder, breaking 
shoulder blade ; got leave of absence 
for sixty days, then returned to his 
regiment ; transferred from Shenandoah 
Valley to Savannah, Ga., to garrison 
the city ; was mustered out of service at 
Savannah. Has held the office of Capt. 
of Co. G, I. N. G. ; afterward promoted 
to Major, and now is Commanding Col- 
onel of the regiment. 
HOMPSON, ARAD, merchant, 



T 



Shellsburg. 



Thomas, G. C, tar., S. 15 ; P.O. Shellsburg. 

Thompson, J. F., laborer, Shellsburg. 

Thompson, J. Q., clerk, Shellsburg. 

Thompson, J. W., far., S. 11 ; P. 6. Shells- 
burg. 

Thompson, L. D., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

THOMPSON, SAMUEIi, farmer, 
stock raiser. Sec. 5 ; came to this 
county in 1853 on a visit, and came and 
settled in 1855 ; has 297 acres of land, 
valued at $9,000. Belongs to the M. 
E. Church. Married Sarah Lewis ; born 
in Ohio, Oct. 24, 1837 ; Mr. S. was 
born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 17, 1829 ; 
is the father of seven living children — 
James W., born May 6, 1858; John 
L., born March 7, 18()0 ; Oscar H., born 
Feb. 3, 1862 ; Francis, born Dec. 9, 
1866 ; Luella, born Dec. 3, 1869 ; Otto, 
born April 1-4, 1871 ; Nannie M., born 
Jan. 23, 1876. Emigrated direct from 
Pennsylvania to this county ; came 
in here when the country was new and 
thinly settled ; was among the earliest 
settlers ; Mr. Thompson was from the 
oil region ; the old homestead was sold 
when they came West for $2,500 ; after- 
ward, oil was struck on it, and it sold 
for $35,000. 

Tomes, M. M., blacksmith, Shellsburg. 

TRAMBOAVEK, B. F., of the 
firm of Parker & Trambower, dry goods 
and groceries, Shellsburg ; was born in 
Bucks Co., Penn., Feb. 22, 1852 ; came 
to this county in 1868 ; commenced in 
business in 1876, and does a business of 
$20,000 per year, and have succeeded 
above their expectations ; Mr. Parker's 



partner is now traveling in Europe ; was 
a graduate of Keokuk Commercial Busi- 
ness College ; Mr. T. commenced clerk- 
ing when he came to this town a poor 
boy, but by applying himself to busi- 
ness, and by honesty, has made a good 
start in life. 

TROWBRIDCJE, JOHN, paint 
er, Shellsbur<>'. 

Trumbauer, B. F.. merchant, Shellsburg. 

T;^ANH0RN, ben. S., farmer. P. 0. 
V Shellsburg. 

VanKirk, Randal, drayman, Shellsburg. 

Viles, J. G., laborer ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

VIIiES, J. G., farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. 
0. Shellsburg ; born in Decatur Co., 
Ind., Feb. 27, 1827 ; came to this 
county in 1853 ; has 175 acres of land, 
valued at $6,000. Married for his first 
wife Charlotte Taylor ; she was born in 
1828 ; mother of two children — Mal- 
lissa A. and Nancy E., ; for his second 
wife, he married Elizabeth A. Parker ; 
she was born in Kentucky, Aug. 20, 
1826; mother of one child — James A., 
born Oct. 9, 1860 ; emigrated from Indi- 
ana to Benton Co., Iowa, where he has 
resided since ; when he first came to 
this county, he located on 240 acres of 
land, where there was nothing but the 
wild prairie, and has made as tine a farm 
as there is in this township ; came here 
poor and had nothing but his own hands 
to make him a home ; when he first 
came here, he could see but one 
shanty on all the prairie. 

VORIS, SAMIIEE, retired farmer ; 
Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Ma- 
son Co., Ky., March 13, 1805 ; came to 
this county in 1865 ; has eighty acres uf 
land, valued at $2,400. Member of the 
Presbyterian Church. Married Sarah 
A. Pogue in 1832; she was born in 
Mason "Co., Ky., Nov. 15, 1815 ; is the 
mother of seven living children — Mary 
J., born Oct. 7, 1833 ; Elizabeth M., 
Sept. 17, 1838; Harris A., March 29, 
1841; S. Abbie, Feb. 9, 1843; John 
C, Aug. 11, 1849; Bell, Sept. 14, 
1853 ; Samuel H., Feb. 1, 1856. Emi- 
grated from Kentucky to Brown Co., 
0., when he was 4 years old ; lived there 
forty-four years to Mercer, then came 
Co., 111.; lived there twelve years, thence 
to this county. Mrs. Voris died Nov. 
13, 1876 ; bis son, William M., enlisted 



CANTON TOWNSHIP. 



571 



the 17th 111. Vol. Inf., Co. F; 
enlisted as private ; was transferred to a 
colored regiment as Second Lieutenant ; 
was in the battles of Fredericktown 
Siege, Fort Donelson and Shiloh ; 
he died at Melikens Bend July 2, 1863. 

Voris, S. H., lar., S. 32 ; P. U. Shellsburg. 

TTTALDEN, FREEMAN W., former, 
VV Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Ward, William, shoemaker, Shellsburg. 

WHITE, EKOCH, retired farmer, 
Sec. 14; P. U. Shellsburg; born in Car- 
roll Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1821 ; has 120 
acres of land, valued at $4,800 ; came 
to this county in the Fall of 1849 ; 
held the office of Constable ; belongs to 
the M. E. Church. For his fiist wife 
he married Eva Rice, who is the mother 
of two children — John, born Sept. 6, 
1842; Lizzie, born Feb. 12,1847. For 
his second wife, Adeline Shipman, born 
in York State Jan. 9, 1828 ; she has 
had three children — Hattie, born Oct. 
19, 1856 ; Alice, Dec. 22, 1860 ; Lucy, 
March 29, 1863. Mrs. White married 
for her first husband Wm. Waller ; she 
had three children by him — William, 
Ella and Fannie. When Mr. White 
came to this county Cedar Rapids was 
a very small place. He had a son in the 
Union Army. 

White, John A., laborer, Shellsburg. 

WHITE, JOHN J., retired firmer, 
Sec. 11; P. 0. Shellsburg; born in 
West Virginia Aug. 31, 1797 ; came to 
this county in 1849 ; has 270 acres of 
land, valued at $10,000. Married 
Sarah Deitz ; she was born in Erie Co., 
Penn., Aug., 1800; is the mother of 
thirteen children, four deceased — 
Enoch, William, Mary, Rachel, John, 
Isaac, Hannah, Harriet and Debias. 
Emigrated from Virginia when he was a 
boy ; came to Pennsylvania ; lived there 
sixteen years ; from there went to Ohio ; 
lived there thirty-one years, then came 
to this county; when he first came 
here there were only three families in 
Vinton ; there was not a house in Shells- 
burg ; came here before the organization 
of the county. Mr. W. is j)robably 
the oldest settler living in the county ; 
when he came here he was a poor man, 
and by hard work has made a fine home 
and a good property. 

Wliite, Robert, clerk, Shellsburg. 



W^HITE, Wn. J., farmer. Sec. 10 ; 
P. 0. Shell.sburg ; born in Carroll Co., 
Ohio, April 20, 1824 ; came to this 
county in 1849 ; has 232 acres of land, 
valued at .$7,000. Married Elizabeth 
McDole; she was born May 4, 1826 ; 
is the mother of one child — Abraham, 
born Sept. 20, 1848. Mr. W. died 
March 28, 1849. For his second wife 
he married Sarah Ann Elson, born in 
Coshocton Co., Ohio, Dec. 2, 1831 ; is 
the mother of three children — Willis 
B., born Jan. 1, 1855; Archibald,^ 
June 15, 1856; Lucy A., Aug. 16,^ 
1860 ; emigrated from Ohio to Van 
Buren Co., Iowa, in the Spring of 1849 ; 
stayed there until the Fall and then came 
to this county ; entered 200 acres of 
land and has made himself a good farm ; 
was at an election when there were only 
three precincts in the county and only 
polled nine votes. Mr. White was 
amongst the earliest settlers of the 
county. 

Wilcox, Warren M., jeweler, Shellsburg. 

Wilson, J. Q., laborer ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Wilson, W. R., far., S. 34; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

WORRAIili, C. D., farmer. Sec. 
34 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; was born in 
Linn Co., Iowa, June 1, 1848; has 
ninety acres of land, valued at $3,000. 
Republican. Held the office of School 
Director. Married Margaret E. Youel; 
she was born in Montgomery Co., Ind., 
Aug. 29, 1849 ; mother of three chil- 
dren — William Y., born Aug. 9, 1871 ; 
Harry E., born March 30, 1874; 
James W^., born July 21, 1875. His 
father emigrated to Cedar Rapids when 
there was only one store, they being 
among the earliest settlers of Linn Co. 
The subject of this sketch was the first 
white male child who was born in Cedar 
Rapids ; has lived in Linn and Benton 
Counties ever since. 

Wyant, Emory, clerk, Shellsburg. 

YOUNG, JOHN L., far., Sec. 2 ; P. 
0. Shellsburg. 
YOIJXG, JOHX, firmer and stock 
raiser. Sec. 7 ; 1*. O. Shellsburg ; born 
in Cayuga Co., N. Y., June 31, 1838; 
came to this county in 1856 ; has 640 
acres land, valued at $22,400. Married 
Christiana Webb Aug. 9, 1858 ; 
mother of three children living — Mary, 



572 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY ; 



born Dec. 21, 1859; Dempster, born 
Dec. 8, 1868; Minnie, born Nov. 14, 
1870. Emigrated to La Porte Co., Ind., 
when he was 3 years old ; lived 
there eighteen years, thence to this 
county, where he has resided since ; 
Mr. Young's principal business is stock ; 
keeps on hand 115 head of steers and 
turns oiF that number yearly ; in 1877, 
turned off $5,000 worth of cattle ; has 
on hand 200 head of hogs, his average 
number of hogs yearly; sold, in 1877, 
over $1,500 worth; Mr. Young has a 
fine residence and a beautiful farm of 
a section, and is one of the solid farm- 
ers of the county. 

Young, J. G., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

YOIJl^G, THOMAS, farmer, stock- 
raiser and shipper, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg ; born in Montgomery Co., 
N. Y., Sept. 30, 1822; came to this 



county in 1854; has 1,300 acres of 
land, valued at $45,000. Married 
Charlotte Hutchins in 1857; she was 
born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 
3, 1840 ; mother of eight children — 
John, born April 8, 1859 ; Eleanor, born 
Oct. 12, 1860; Charlie, born Sept.2 2, 
1862; Frank, born July 17, 1865; 
Edward, Aug. 22, 1867; Orvil, born 
April 8, 1869 ; Katie, born Aug. 18, 
1871 ; Thomas, Jr., born Feb. 20, 
1874. Emigrated from New York to 
Indiana, and lived there fourteen years ; 
then came to this county ; Mr. Young 
is the king stock man of the county ; 
has on hand 254 head of cattle ; sold in 
1877, 300 head, which brought him the 
snug little sum of $12,000 ; keeps on 
an average twenty-four head of horses ; 
Mr. Young is amongst the wealthiest 
men in the county. 




EDEN TOWNSHIP. 



573 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 



ABRAHAM, A., furmer, Sec. 26; 
P. 0. Vinton. 

Ake, D. C, far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Allhiet, M., for., Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Anderson, H. J., for., S. 24 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

APPLETOX, GEORGE, farmer 
and stock raiser. Sec. 3 ; P. O. Vinton ; 
born in England Dec, 1836 ; came to 
this country in 1853, and came to this 
county in 1874; has 340 acres of land, 
valued at $10,000. Politics, Republican. . 
Married Flora I. Henry ; she was born 
in Ohio March 6, 1839 ; mother of three 
children — Ora M., born Aug. 3, 1863; 
Jennie, born June 9, 1868 ; Frank, born 
April 8, 1875. Emigrated from En- 
gland, 'when he was about 18 years old 
to Canada ; lived there one year ; thence 
came to Clinton Co., Iowa, and lived there 
twenty-two years ; thence to Benton Co., 
where he has resided since ; when he 
came to this country, he had not a dollar, 
but by industry and economy, has made 
himself a comfortable home, and is one 
of the solid farmers of the township. 
Was in the Clinton militia of Iowa. Mr. 
A. handles tine stock ; he paid $150 for 
a yearling, of Prof. Knapp, of Vinton. 

BAIRD, F. M., far.. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

SELLER, DAVID, former. Sec. 
19 ; P. 0. Vinton ; was born in Fay- 
ette Co., Ohio, Jan. 13, 1834; came to this 
county in 1856 ; has 360 acres of land, 
valued at $11,000. Belongs to the M. 
E. Church. Married Rachel C. Bar- 
ton ; she was born in Knox Co., 111., Feb. 
17, 1841 ; mother of four living children 
— Archie M., Egbert A., Ocea B. and 
Marshall. Emigrated from Ohio to 
Peoria Co., 111., in 1850; lived there seven 
years ; then went to Benton Co., where 
he has since resided ; came here among 
the early settlers a poor man, with $90 
in his pocket ; came when the prairies 
were wild, and h;is seen them developed 
into the most beautiful farming counties 
in the State ; he is one of the enterpris- 
ing farmers. 

Beller, Wm., far., S. 19 ; P. O. Vinton. 

BENNETT, S Y L V E S T E R, 
farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Vinton ; came 
in the Spring of 1866 ; has 268 acres of 



land, valued at S8,000 ; born in Rich- 
field, Conn., Feb. 29, 1832. Politics, 
Republican ; belong-s to the M. E. 
Church. Married Hattie A. Wilson ; 
she was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., 
June 2, 1848. Emigrated from Con- 
neticut when he was 5 years old to Mau- 
mee Co., Ohio ; lived there a short time ; 
went to Washtenaw Co., Mich., and re- 
mained a short time ; thence to Wayne 
Co., where he lived twenty-seven years, 
then to Benton Co. Enlisted in the 
21st Mich.V. I., Co. K ; was at the battle 
of Nashville ; was cut off by Hood from 
Sherman's army ; went by way of 
Washington to North Carolina, where 
he joined Sherman ; also at battle of 
Bentonville, at the surrender of John- 
ston ; also at the grand review at Wash- 
ington ; was mustered out at Detroit, 
Mich. Has a good prairie farm and 
comfortable home ; he lives on what is 
called the Mound, the highest point in 
the county ; can see into five different 
counties. 

BLOCKER, H. S., farmer. Sec. 26 ; 
P. 0. Vinton ; was born in Bradford 
Co., Penn., April 5, 1847 ; came to this 
county in the Fall of 1868 ; has 120 
acres of land, valued at $4,000. Poli- 
tics, Republican. Held the offices of 
Town Clerk and Assessor. Member of 
the Presbyterian Church. Married 
Polly Gamble ; she was born in Carroll 
Co., 111., Oct. 20, 1847 ; mother of two 
children— Estella May, born Jan .7,1870; 
Burton H., born July 10, 1876. Left 
Pennsylvania with his parents, when he 
was 2 years old, and came to Lee Co., 
111., where he lived about nineteen years ; 
thence to Benton Co.; came here, and 
made himself and family a good home 
by his own exertions. 

BOOLE, v., former. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. 
Vinton ; was born in Giles Co., Va., 
Oct. 28, 1826 ; came to this county in 
1852, in the Spring; has 220 acres of 
land, valued at $8,800. Politics, Re- 
publican. Held the office of Justice of 
the Peace. Belongs to the U. B. Church. 
Married Malinda Searls ; born in Can- 
ada May 28, 1834 ; mother of one 
child — Orson ; was born July 19, 1860. 

7 



574 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Emigrated from Virginia when he was 
8 years old, to Washington Co., Ind. 
lived there ten years ; thence to Cedar 
Co., Iowa ; lived there eight years, then 
came to Benton Co.; was the first settler 
in Eden Township ; was here about a 
year before any other man ; was on the 
first Board of Election held in this 
township ; there was not, at the time he 
came here, a house between here and 
Blairstown. The first post ofiice was 
held by Mr. L. F. North. Has hauled 
wheat to Iowa City for 30 to 40 
cents per bushel ; hauled one load, could 
not sell it, and left it with a miller to be 
ground ; said when he came again he 
would pay him for it ; the next time he 
went to the city he called for his money, 
but could not find man, money or flour. 
Helped to organize the town ; had the 
choice of the name of the town, as he 
was the oldest settler. Mr. V. is in 
good circumstances, and one of the sound 
men. 

Bonesteel, N. D., farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

Bowers, H. S., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Bowers, J. N., far., S. 21 ; P. O. Vinton. 

Brewer, W. H., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Brown, Samuel, ret. far.; P. 0. Vinton. 

Brundell, John, far., S. 3-4 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Butcher, John, ftir., S. 1 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Butterfield, J., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

CHAFFIN, DAVID, farmer, Sec. 8; 
P. 0. Vinton. 

Call, Jas., far., Sec. 16; P. 0. Vinton. 

CHEWOWETH, I. ]^., farmer and 
stock raiser. Sec. 2; P. 0. Vinton ; born 
in Vermilion Co., Ind., March 15, 1827 ; 
came to this county in the Fall of 1853 ; 
has 160 acres of land, valued at $6,400. 
Held the offices of Supervisor and County 
Treasurer. Married Rebecca A. Hun- 
sicker in 1850 ; born in 1828 ; mother 
of six living children. Mr. C. has a 
beautiful orchard of 2,500 of the choicest 
fruit, with which he spends most of his 
time ; was the second settler who came 
into Eden Township, Mr. V. Bogle be- 
ing first; was at the first election held 
in the town ; held at J. M. Inman's. 
Mr. Bogle and Mr. Chenoweth were the 
first two persons who wintered in the 
township. 

Chenoweth, J. W., far.. Sec. 2; P. 0. 
Vinton. 



CRAXSTON, JAS. A., far.. See. 
36 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Gruern- 
sey Co., Ohio, May 14, 1823 ; has 225 
acres of land, valued at $6,750 ; came 
to this State in 1854. and came to this 
county in 1873; belongs to the United 
Presbyterian Church. Married Caroline 
F. Brown in 1853 ; she was born in 
Vermont Feb. 28, 1828 ; mother of 
four children — Cullen J., born Jan. 17, 
1862 ; James 0., Nov. 29, 1864 ; Mary 
J. E., May 14, 1869, and Caroline E., 
Sept 7, 1863. Emigrated from Ohio 
to Linn Co., Iowa, in 1854; remained 
there over Winter; thence to Clinton 
Co., where he lived about eighteen 
years ; then came to this county. While 
he was in Clinton Co., he was engaged in 
the mercantile business, dry goods and 
groceries; afterward, went into the grain 
and agricultural implements business. 

CRAWFORD, HENRY, farmer. 
Sec. 12; P. 0. Vinton; born in Elk- 
hart Co., Ind., Oct. 25, 1832 ; came to 
this county in the Fall of 1854 ; has 
150 acres land, valued at $4,500. Held 
the offices of Town Clerk and Town 
Trustee. Married Susan Shaffer ; she 
was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., July 

27, 1833 ; mother of three children — 
Arthur, born June 9, 1865i Alice, May 
9, 1867, and Nora, Oct. 7, 1871. Em- 
igrated from Indiana with two yoke of 
cattle ; was twenty days on the road ; 
were abovit fifteen inhabitants in Eden 
Tp. ; when he came to this county there 
were only one blacksmith shop and a few 
small buildings in Vinton. 

CRAWFORD, JAllES F., far 
and stock raiser. Sec. 12 . P. 0. Shells- 
burg; was born in Elkhart, Ind., Oct. 
24, 1834 ; came to this county in March, 
1856; has 220 acres of land, valued at 
$8,800. Held the office of Justice of 
the Peace, etc.; is one of the Directors of 
the Eden Fire Insurance Co. of Benton 
Co. Married Margaret Spurgeon ; she 
was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Feb. 21, 
1838; mother of nine children, eight of 
whom are living — Hannah L., born Oct. 
18, 1859 ; George, Aug. 3, 1861 : Ed- 
win S., June 19," 1865 ; Clara M., Oct. 

28, 1867 ; Charles W.,Sept. 25, 1869; 
Elmer F., Nov. 2, 1872 ; Estella M., 
Nov. 17, 1874, and Mattie, Oct. 16, 
1877 ; Albert, born Sept. 3, 1863, died 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 



575 



Au^r. 21, 1864. Came direct from 
Indiana to this county, where he has re- 
sided since. His father entered the 
land where he and his brother now live, 
in 1851 ; was at the first election in the 
Tp., and voted his first time for John 

C. Fremont; there were fifteen at the 
election. Has held all the oflBces of the 
Tp., and is one of the Directors of the 
Insurance Company of Benton Co. Has 
a fine prairie farm, and is in easy cir- 
cumstances. Has seen the county from 
a wild prairie develop into one of the 
finest forming counties in the West. 

DAKE, BENJAMIN, farmer. Sec. 4 ; 
P. 0. Vinton. 

Davis, D., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Davis, P., far.. Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Dethlep, F., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Dethleifs, J., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Detrich, John, far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Detwiler, Eliiah, far., S. 33; P. 0. Vinton. 

Detwiler. J.'C, far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

DEW ALT, J OX ATH AX, farm- 
er, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in Ly- 
coming Co., Penn., Aug. 4, 1825 ; came 
to this county in 1856 ; has 372 acres 
of land, valued at §11,000. Married 
Magdelena Sweely ; she was born in Ly- 
coming Co., Penn., Dec. 31, 1829 ; 
muther of nine living children — Cathe- 
rine M., born Jan. 23, 1851 ; Emma 
T., Nov. 27, 1852 ; Mary E., Aug. 2, 
1854 ; Aurrilla, Dec. 16, 1857 ; Harvey 
G., June 18, 1860; Ada, Sept. 19, 
1862; John H., Jan. 29, 1867; Jennie 
D., Feb. 17, 1870 ; Charles P., Oct. 26, 
1872. Emigrated from Pennsylvania 
to Stephenson Co. in 1854 ; lived there 
two years ; thence came to Benton Co., 
Iowa, where he has resided since. Mr. 

D. came here when it was new ; has 
made a good home and fine farm ; has 
made it by his own exertion ; is one of 
the solid farmi'rs of the township. 

DILiLIXCir, J. A., farmer and me- 
chanic. Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in 
Blair Co., Penn., Dec. 31, 1833 ; came 
to this county in the Spring of 1851 ; 
has 167 acres of land, valued at $5,000. 
Republican ; belongs to the United 
Brethren Church. Married Elizabeth 
Leamar in 1854 ; she was born in Blair 
Co., Penn., Nov. 16, 1837; mother of 
four children — Henrietta (now Mrs. 
Silas Slaybaugh), born May 24, 1857 ; 



Emma J., born July 8, 1858 ; Mary C, 
May 23, 1861 ; Sarah A., Sept 16, 
1863. Came direct to this county from 
Pennsylvania in 1851 ; came by wafer 
from Pittsburgh, down the Ohio River 
to Cairo, then up the Mississijtpi to 
Muscatine, and by wagons to Benton 
Co.; when he came here had but 50 
cents in his pocket, and what he has 
made has been by his own hard work ; 
has a good farm and is in comfortable 
circumstances. 

Dixson, S. H., for., S. 21 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

DODCi^E, E. S., farmer. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. 
Vinton ; born in Portage Co., Ohio, 
June 28, 18J0 ; came to this county in 
1854; has eighty acres of land, valued 
at $3,000. Politics, Democrat. Mar- 
ried Letta A. Taylor ; she was born in 
North Carolina Aug. 1, 1829; mother 
of three children — Cornelius, Augiistus 
C. and William G. Enlisted in Co. A, 
28th Iowa V. I.; was in the battles of 
Mansfield, Red River Expedition, Knox- 
ville and Old Oaks; was discharged on 
account of poor health ; went to Califor- 
nia in 1852 ; crossed the plains with ox 
teams ; was on the road four months ; 
when he returned from California came 
by water by way of New York. When 
he was 1 6 years old, shipped fronj Buf- 
falo, N. Y., with Capt. Owens ; was on 
the lakes seven years ; when he first 
went to Chicago there were about 3,000 
inhabitants. Augustus C. Dodge mar- 
ried Laura Seeley ; she was born in 
Stephenson Co., 111., May 2, 1854; 
mother of one child — William Le Roy, 
born June 27, 1877. 

Downs, R. W., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

EGLSON, LEVI C, farmer. Sec. 18 ; 
P. 0. Vinton. 

Eglson, W., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Ellison, Geo., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

ELLSWORTH, W. O., farmer 
and stock raise/, Sec, 15 ; P. O. Vinton ; 
born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., April 18, 
1820; came to this county in 1854; 
has 205 acres of land, valued at $8,200. 
Politics, Democratic ; belongs to the M. 
E. Church. Married Adeline Smith in 
1843 ; she was born in Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., April 24, 1818 ; is the mother of 
four living children — Martha A., born 
Jan. 22, 1844; S. G., born Oct. 10, 
184«; Christianna, born Feb. 27, 1852; 



576 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



William A., born Dec. 19, 1862. From 
York State came to Stephenson Co., 
111. ; lived there nine years, then came to 
this place, where he has remained since. 
Mr. E.'s family was the fourth family 
that came into Eden Tp. ; was one of 
the Jvidges of the first election held ; 
built a log shanty the first year ; came 
out and moved into it the same year ; he 
now has a good, comfortable house, and 
is well off; he came in here when he 
had to rough it, and knows what a pio- 
neer life IS. 
FEBLEKORN, CHRISTIAN, far., 
S. 28; P. 0. Vinton. 
GEORGE, ISAAC 0., far., S. 18 ; P. 
0. Vinton. 

Green, C, far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Gubben, 0., far., S. 26; P. 0. Vinton. 

Gregg, G. M., flir.; S. 18 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Grosessenbacher, J., far., S. 21 : P. 0. 
Vinton. 

Grovert, H., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Grovert, J., far., S. 23; P. 0. Vinton. 

HAGERMON, M., far.; S. 28; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

Harris, J. W., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Henry, H., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Herbst, H., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Hill, H. C, far., S. 14 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Hill, J. M., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

HIL.L, S. A., farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. 
Vinton ; came to this county in 1868 ; 
was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., 
Aug. 12, 1832 ; has eighty acres of 
land, valued at $2,400. Married Al- : 
lada Galoway; she was born in Lycom- 
ing Co., Penn., June 22, 1852 ; emi- 
grated from Pennsylvania to Stephenson 
Co., 111. ; lived there fifteen years, then 
came to this county, where he has 
resided since ; raises on an average 
1,500 bushels of corn and 175 bushels 
of wheat. Mr. H. has a fine prairie 
farm, and has a good home. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hill belong to the Presbyterian 
Church at Vinton. 

Hoeck, H., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Hughey, E., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

TNilIAN, ORVHiLE, far.. Sec. 

JL 15 ; p. 0. Vinton ; born in Dela- 
ware Co., N. v., April 24, 1837 ; came 
to this county in 1858. Has 200 acres 
of land, valued at $8,000. Married 
Henrietta McCormick in 1865 ; she 
was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Aug. 



8, 1841 ; mother of three children — 
Martha, Ashley and Charlie. Emigrated 
from New York to Stephenson Co., 111., 
in 1847 ; lived there eleven years, then 
came to this county. Enlisted in the 
28th I. V. I., Co. A, as private, was 
promoted to Sergeant ; was in the bat- 
tles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, 
siege of Vicksburg. Jackson, Miss., on 
the Red River Expedition, at Winches- 
ter at the time Little Phil, took his ride of 
twenty miles, and the last battle the 
regiment was in was at Cedar Creek. Mr. 
Inman has a good farm and buildings 
and a comfortable home. 
IRWIX, JOHN C, far.. Sec. 17 ; 
P. 0. Vinton ; born in Mercer Co., 
Penn., Sept., 23, 1837 ; came to this 
county in 1864. Has 290 acres of land, 
valued at $8,700. Politics, Republican ; 
belongs to the M. E. Church. Married 
Amanda Beller ; she was born in Ohio, 
Oct. 31, 1842; mother of five children 
—Lemuel W., born March 28, 1865; 
Minnie E., May 20, 1869 ; P^rry C, 
March 17, 1872; Susan E., July 17, 
1874; Joho A., Feb., 18, 1872. Emi- 
grated from Pennsylvania to Jackson 
Co., Iowa; lived there fifteen years,thence 
to Benton County, where he has resided 
since. Enlisted in the 9th Iowa Inf., 
Co. D, as private ; was promoted to 
Sergeant ; was in the battles of Pea 
Ridge, Chattanooga, siege of Vicks- 
burg; was at Lookout Mountain, At- 
lanta ; was in the service over three 
years ; discharged just before the march 
to the sea ; mustered out at East Point, 
near Altanta, Ga. 

KNUTH, CHARLES, farmer. Sec. 
21 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Knuth, Wm., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Kretzer, C, far., S. 22 , P. 0. Vinton. 

KUHN, PETER, far.. Sec. 1 ; P. 
0. Vinton ; born in Washington Co., 
Md., June 18, 1818 ; came to this 
county in October, 1853. Has 225 
acres of land, valued at $7,000. Be- 
longs to the United Presbyterian Church. 
Married Elizabeth Sweet ; she was born 
in Highland Co., Ohio, June 21, 1820; 
mother of lour living children — John, 
born May 23, 1850 ; Emeline, May 3, 
1852 ; Henry, Jan. 27, 1854 ; Washing- 
ton , Jan. 1 , 1 857. Emigrated from Mary- 
land to Fairfield Co., Ohio ; stopped a 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 



577 



short time ; thence to Scioto Co., Ohio ; 
lived there eighteen years ; thence to 
Benton Co., where he has resided since. 
Was at the first election and was one of 
the men who helped to organize the 
township. Built the thi d house in the 
township, and was the third settler ; when 
he came to Eden, there was not a house, 
fence or tree in sight ; now a fine farming 
country, under the best of cultivation ; 
came here poor, with the balance of his 
neighbors, and has made a uood home. 

LAMER, DAVID, far., S. 1 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

Leverich, G., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Lowe. F., far.,S. 16; P. 0. Vinton. 

nV /TcGINTY, W., farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. 

i-VL 0. Vinton. 

Markham, A., far., Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Markham, C, far.. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Markham, D., far.. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Markham. W., far.. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Martain, K. L., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Meekins, J., far.. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

\TENABER, HARMON, Sec. 33 ; 

l.^ P. O. Vinton. 

XARBER, LUTHER, farmer and 
stock raiser. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Vinton ; 
born in Stephenson Co., 111., April 11, 
1852 ; came to this county in 1857 ; 
has 160 acres of land, valued at S6,400. 
Mr. N. is a young man starting out ; 
has a fine farm, good stock and stands well 
to be with the solid farmers of the county ; 
has one of the finest groves in the town- 
ship, of three acres ; has a good spring 
in his hog yard, making one of the best 
places for raising pork. 

Nenaber, H., Sr., Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Nenaber, H., Jr., far., S. 33 ; P.O. Vinton. 

Nichols. J., fiir., See. 33 ; P. 0. A^inton. 

POTTKR, SYLVESTER, farm- 
er. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Vinton ; was born in 
Canada Oct. 25, 1828 ; came to this 
county in the Fall of 1864 ; has 360 
acres of land, valued at $12,000. Mar- 
ried for his first wife Mary E. Niles by 
whom he had one child — William N., 
born Jan. 22, 1858 ; for his second wife, 
married Flora Blanchard ; she was born 
in Onondaga Co., N. Y.,Feb. 13, 1848. 
Mr. Potter left Canada in 1854 ; came 
to Ogle Co., 111. ; lived there about ten 
years ; thence to Benton Co. Raises on 
an average, 150 acres ; corn, 6,000 bush- 
els ; wheat, 800 bushels ; oats, 1 ,200 



bushels ; turns off 100 head of hogs 
yearly. Mr. P. is one of the substantial 
farmers of the county ; has a fine resi- 
dence and a beautiful location. 

ROACH, JOHX D., farmer. Sec. 
30; P. 0. Vinton ; was born in Corn-, 
wall, England, July 4, 1832 ; came to 
this county in March, 1870 ; has 120 
acres of land, valued at 83,600. Politics, 
Republican. Married Elizabeth V. Rich ; 
born in England Jan., 1839 ; mother 
of six children — Elizabeth M. C, Blanch 
C, Sarah, John, Hellen S. and Thomas. 
Emigrated from England in 1844 to 
Mineral Point, Wisconsin ; thence to 
Dodgeville ; lived there twenty-three 
years ; thence to Benton Co., where he 
has resided since ; has ninety acres under 
cultivation, and is in good circumstances. 

RAXSDELL, MARGARET L,. 
MRS., Sec. 2; P. 0. Vinton; was 
born in Indiana. She married Thomas C. 
Ransdell from the same State in 1848 ; 
they came to Benton Co. in 1865. He 
was killed by the falling of a tree in 
December, 1865, leaving six children — 
Isaac J., Mary C, David, Anna E., 
Emma J. and Edith A.; lost six children. 

RAXSDELL, ISAAC J., iar., S. 
2 ; was born in Johnson Co., Ind., 
April 21, 1852 ; he lived there thirteen 
years, then came to Benton Co., with his 
parents, in 1 865 ; he lives with his 
mother and sisters, and manages the 
home farm. 

SAXDERS, J. B., farmer and stock 
• raiser. S. 11 ; P. 0. Vinton ; was born in 
Vermilion Co., Ind., July 1, 1833 ; came 
to this county in 1851 ; has 425 acres 
of land, valued at S10,600. Politics, 
Republican. Held the office of Constable 
and Township Trustee. Married Mary 
Rogers ; she was born in Vermilion Co., 
Ind., Dec. 18, 1834; mother of six 
children, four of whom are living — Willie 
F., Frank L., James C, and Kate L. 
Emigrated from Indiana in 1851, to 
Benton Co.; was the first Postmaster in 
Eden Tp.; there were only three houses 
in Mnton at the time he came here, not 
a shanty in Eden ; was at the first elec- 
tion held in this township ; thinks there 
were from fifteen to twenty votes cast ; 
has been in Vinton seven years, to give 
his children a chance at school ; raises 
on an average about 2,000 bushels of 



578 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



corn, 500 bushels of wheat, 500 bushels 
of oats. Mr. S. came here a poor man ; 
knows what it is to lead a pioneer life; 
has accumulated a good property. 

Sanders, W. B.,far., S. 13; P. 0. Vinton. 

Shrader, A., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Seefeld, C, Sr., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

SEELY, STEPHEN, flirmer. Sec. 
11; P. 0. Vinton ; born in Columbia 
Co., Penn., Aug. 28, 1816; came to 
this county in 1875 ; has 227 acres of 
land, valued at $12,000. Politics, Re- 
publican. Married Eliza Ann Hodg- 
son ; she was born in New York Aug. 
14, 1826 ; mother of nine children — 
Angeline, born Jan. 1, 1846 ; Orin, born 
Aug. 5, 1848 ; Charles, born Aug. 7, 
1850; George, born Jan. 28, 1851; Alme- 
da, born April 7, 1853 ; Laura, born May 
2, 1851 ; Granville, born Sept. 7, 1855 ; 
Ashley, born Jan. 10, 1867. Emigrated 
from Pennsylvania to Richland Co.; 
lived there four years, thence to Ogle 
two years ; helped to carry the chain to 
lay out Oregon and Dyersville ; thence to 
Stephenson Co., 111.; lived there thirty- 
five years ; thence to Benton Co., Iowa, 
where he has resided since ; has a fine 
orchard with the choicest fruits ; has a 
beautiful farm, and is one of the sound 
farmers. Had a son in the 46th I. V. I. 

Seeman, J., Sr., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Vinton, 

Seuch, Eustus, far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Shaw, J., far., S. 19 ; P. O. Vinton. 

ISHELDOX, HARVEY retired 
farmer, S. 19; P. 0. Vinton; born in 
Rutland Co., Vt., Jan. 27, 1801 ; came 
to this county in the Summer of 1854 ; 
has 120 acres of land, valued at $5,000. 
Politics, Republican ; held the oifice of 
Justice of the Peace for eight years ; 
belongs to the Presbyterian Church. 
For his first wife, he married Adeline 
Ti'oupe ; born Aug. 13, 1813; mother 
of six children, three living — Harriet, 
born Aug. 3, 1831 ; Electa, born Oct. 
28, 1833; Julia, born March 30, 1844; 
Mrs. Adeline Sheldon died Jan. 11, 
1848; for his second wife, he married 
Mary Boyington ; born in Windsor, Vt., 
and died in march 1849 ; had one son — 
John N., enlisted in the 24th I. V. I., 
Co., E Sept. 18, 1862 ; was in the Red 
/ River Expedition under Banks ; took 

sick, got down to the Mississippi River, 
where he died and was buried on the 



west bank of the river. Emigrated from 
Vermont in 1828 to Western New 
York ; lived there ten years, thence to 
Kane Co., 111.; lived there about sixteen 
years, then came to Benton Co. ; was at 
the first election of the township ; helped 
to organize the town ; was amongst the 
earliest settlers in this township. 

Sitein, F. H., far., S. 22 ; P. O.Vinton. 

Smaltz, Chas., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

SMITH, H. H., farmer. Sec. 4 ; P. 0. 
Vinton ; born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., 
June 16, 1823 ; came to this county in 
1868 ; has forty acres of land valued at 
$1,200. Politics, Democrat; belongs 
to the M. E. Church. Married Ge^i-- 
trude J. Cole ; born in Fulton Co., N.Y. 
May 11, 1820; mother of one living 
child — Eddie C, born May 5, 1858. 
Emigrated from New York State to She- 
boygan Co., Wis., in 1855 ; lived there 
six years; from thence to Kendall Co. ,111.; 
lived there seven years ; thence to this 
county, where he has resided since. 

Smock, Abram B., far.,S. 7 ; P. O.Vinton. 

TAMM, FRED., farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. 
0. Vinton. 
Tashner, Gottleab, far., S. 27 ; P.O. Vinton. 
Thompson, John K., far., S.9 ; P.O.Vinton. 
Tooms, Jessie, far., S. 5 ; P. O.Vinton. 

YILES, J. S., farmer, Sec. 15 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

WILSOX, R. II., farmer, Sec. 
14 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in Fair- 
field Co., Ohio, Nov. 9, 1827 ; came to 
this county Oct. 6, 1856 ; has 485 
acres of land, valued at $14,550. Poli- 
tics, Democrat ; belongs to the Pres- 
byterian Church ; been a member 
twenty-five years. Married Isabelle J. 
Evans ; born in Brown Co., Ohio, Jan. 
27, 1835 ; mother of seven living chil- 
dren — Elmer E., born June 27, 1859 ; 
Jerome E., April 2, 1861 ; James P., 
July 14, 1863 ; Margaret A., Sept. 27, 
1865 ; Archibald F., Auo-. 30, 1868 ; 
Annie R., Dec. 11, 1870 ; Phoebe A., 
Jan. 3, 1872. Emigrated in June, 
1836, to Hancock Co., Ohio; lived 
there twenty years ; then came to 
Benton Co. Raises from 5,000 to 
6,000 bushels of corn, 1,000 bushels of 
oats, and 1,000 bushels of wheat yearly, 
on an average. 

OUx^G, CHRISTIAN, farmer, S. 
12 ; P. 0., Vinton. 



Y 



BIG GROVE TOWNSHIP. 



579 



BIG GROVE TOWNSHIP. 



A DAMSON, J. W., farmer, See. 22 ; 
P. 0. Vinton. 
Auld, G. W., far.. S. 6 ; P. O. Garrison. 

BAKER, SAxMUEL T., for., See. 11 ; 
P. 0. Vinton. 

Baker, S. Thornton, far., Sec. 11; P. O. 
Vinton. 

Bause, J., far., S. 5 ; P. O. Garrison. 
BERCt^EI^, ISAAC, farmer and 
stock raiser. Sec. 10; P. 0. Vinton; 
was born in Shelbyville, Ky., Sept. 3, 
1828 ; came to this county in 1859 ; 
has 575 acres of land, valued at $12,000. 
Belongs to the Presbyterian Church. 
Married Martha H. Voorheis ; she was 
born in Johnson Co., Ind., March 25, 
ISol. Joseph, born Aug. 19,1854; Em- 
eretta, Jan. 1 5, 1857 ; James M., June 2, 
1859; R. Lilla, Jan. 12, 1862; Mattie 
J., March 23, 1864; Everett D., Dec. 
2, 1866; James T., July 6, 1869; 
Guy L., July 31, 1875, are their living 
children ; lost two children — Jane M. 
and James T. Emigrated with his par- 
ents from Kentucky to Johnson Co., 
Ind., when he was 3 years old ; lived 
there until he was 31 years old ; thence 
to Benton Co. and located on eighty acres 
■of land, where he now lives ; when he 
came here he was a poor man ; had 
about $200 in cash in his pocket ; he 
cauie when these prairies were wild, and 
by his own industry has made himself a 
wealthy man ; raises yearly, 150 acres 
of corn or 6,000 bushels ; wheat 500 
bushels ; oats 2,000 bushels ; turns off 1 50 
head of hogs and 50 head of cattle; 
ships most of his own stock ; is one of 
the live farmers of the county. 

Birch, J. G., far., S. 17; P. 0. Garrison. 

Bohmke, E., farmer. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Gar- 
rison. 

Booker, I., far., S. 32; P. 0. Garrison. 

Bowen, C. E., farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

BOWEN, I. W., retired farmer, Sec. 
14 ; P. O. Vinton; born in Winchester, 
Va., Feb. 13, 1804; came to this 
county in the Fall of 1852 ; has 130 
acres of land, valued at $5,200. Belongs 
to M. E. Church. Married Eliza Gard- 
ner; she was born near Winchester, 
Va., Nov. 11, 1808; Mr. and Mrs. 



Bowen have lived together as man and 
wife nearly fifty years ; she is the 
mother of four living children — Russell 
B., Martha, Eliza E. and Chester. Mr. 
B. emigrated with h's parents from Vir- 
ginia to Columbus, Ohio, when he was 
4 years old ; lived there twenty years ; 
thence moved near Indianapolis, Ind.; 
lived therd twenty years ; thence to 
Benton Co., where he has resided since; 
was here at the first election held in the 
township ; also at the organization of 
the township ; at the time he came here 
thei'e were not more than four or five 
buildings in Vinton, while now there is 
a population of about 5,000 ; came here 
when the prairies were wild, and has 
lived to see them developed into one of 
the finest farming counties of the State. 
Mr. B. has an old relic, a newspaper 
called the Uhfer Co. Gazette, published 
at Kingston, by Samuel Freer & Son, 
giving the death of Geo. Washington, 
and the resolutions on the same by Con- 
gress, probably the only one in exist- 
ence. Mr. B. came to this county with 
limited means, and by industry and 
economy has made a good property and 
a comfortable home, and is one of the 
well-to-do farmers of the county. • 

Brant, J., far., S. 18; P. 0. Garrison. 

BRAIVIN, M., farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 
Vinton; was born in New Jersey Aug. 
10, 1820 ; came to this county in 1854 ; 
has 280 acres of land, valued at $9,000. 
Married for his first wife Margery Elly- 
son ; she was born in Stark Co., Ohio, 
in Oct., 1828 ; mother of four children 
— W. I., Chester, Alvertis and E. H. 
For his second wife, married Mary E. 
Tabor ; she was born in Ohio in 1832. 
Emigrated with his parents from New 
Jersey when he was 4 years old, and 
settled in Columbiana Co., Ohio ; lived 
there nine years ; thence to Mahoning 
Co.; lived there about twenty-one years; 
thence to Benton Co., where he has re- 
sided since ; was amongst the earliest 
settlers of the township ; Mr. H. H. 
Ellyson and himself were the first set- 
tlers south of the Grove ; was at the 
first election in the township, and also 
helped to organize it. When he came 



580 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



to this county, he was a poor man ; but 
by industry and economy has made him- 
self and family a 2;ood home. 
CATLIN, JAMES E., farmer. Sec. 
34 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Carter, J. 0., far., S. 23; P. 0. Vinton. 

Chapman, A., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

CHINX, JOHN p., farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Vinton ; 
born in Harrison Co., Ky., June 23, 
1824 ; came to this county June 19, 
1850; has 248 acres of land, valued at 
S12,000. Belongs to the Presbyterian 
Church. Married Joanna Bergon in Ken- 
tucky ; she was born in Kentucky April 
19. 1824; motherof fourchildren — Isaac 
L., Garrett C, John T. and Eddie D. 
Emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana ; 

■ lived there twenty -six years ; thence to 
Benton Co., where he has resided since ; 
helped to organize the township ; also 
was at the first election. Mr. Doan 
and Mr. Chii n are the oldest settlers 
living in the township. 

CIvARK, E. H., farmer and stock 
raiser. Sec. 25 ; P. < >. Vinton ; was born 
in Washington Co., N. Y., April 4, 
1828 ; came to this county in 1863 ; 
has 272 acres of land, valued at $8,000. 
Belongs to the Wesleyan Methodist 
Church. Married Mary A. Paige; she 
was born in New Hampshire June 4, 
1844; mother of one child — Sylvia A., 
born Sept. 6, 1870. Emigrated from New 
York to Benton Co.; worked on farm 
and mill for two yeai-s ; then crossed the 
plains to California ; lived there three 
years ; was three months on the road ; 
was four years and four months on the 
salt water ; shipped on board the bark 
Eugenia in 1851 at New Bedford, Mass.; 
sailed around Cape Horn ; thence to the 
Pacific Ocean. Mr. Clark makes dairy 
business a specialty ; has twenty cows 
(makes butter) ; his cows in 1877 
yielded him 4,868 pounds of butter, for 
which he received $973.60, averaging 
nearly $50 per head. Mr. C. is one of 
the live farmers of the township. 

Clifton, John, far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

elites, Philip, far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Colicott, Wm., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Covert, J. v., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Culp, E., far., S. 3; P. 0. Vinton. 

Culp, Richard, far., Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Vin- 
ton. 



DEAN, AMOS N., farmer. Sec. 4 ; P. 
0. Vinton. 

Dickson, E. S., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Dickson, J., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Dickson, W. D., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Doan, A. H., far.,S. 33; P. 0. Blairstown. 

DO AX, ElilAS, farmer and stock 
raiser, S. 12 ; P. 0, Vinton ; was born 
in Washington Co., Ind., June 5, 1814 
came to this county June 24, 1850 
has 217 acres of land, valued at $8,000 
held the office of School Director, Town- 
ship Trustee, etc. Married Catherine 
Coffman , she was born in Montgomery 
Co., Ohio, March 3, 1827 ; is the 
mother of five living children — Thos. 

C, Florence A., Francis M., Wm. W., 
George H. Emigrated direct to this 
county, where he has resided since ; 
came through with teams, and camped 
out ; was three weeks making the trip ; 
came here when Taj lor Tp. extended to 
the Iowa River ; was here when it was 
divided up and helped to organize the 
town of Big Grove ; was also at the 
first election ; at the time he came to 
the county there were not more than ten 
votes polled in the township, in 1850 ; 
to do his trading he had to go to Cedar 
Rapids ; would make a trip without 
striking a fence ; had one son in the 28th 
Regt. Iowa Inf, Co. A ; was in the 
battles of Vicksburg, Red River Expe- 
dition, Winchester and Cedar Creek ; 
was wounded by a musket ball through 
the thigh ; was struck in five places at 
about the same time. When Mr. D. 

came here he was poor with the rest of 
the emigrants, but by good management 
and economy has made a good home. 
DOAN, THOS. C, farmer. Sec. 24 ; 
P. O. Vinton ; was born in Big Grove 
Tp., Benton Co., Iowa, Dec. 8, 1850 ; 
was the first white male child born in 
the township ; has eighty acres of land, 
valued at $3,000. Politics, Republican ; 
belongs to the M. E. Church. Married 
Sarah H. Campbell ; she was born ia 
Scott Co., Iowa, July 11, 1849. Mrs. 

D. married for her first husband Pat- 
rick Donahue, by whom she had five 
children — Estella, Havilah, Sarah A., 
Mary E. and Lester C. Mr. D. is the 
oldest living resident born in the town- 
ship, having been born in it. 

Donoly, P., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Garrison. 



BIG GKOVE TOWNSHIP. 



581 



EL-IiY'SON, H. H., farmer and 
stoek raiser; Sec. 13; P. 0. Vin- 
ton ; born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
March 8, 1826 ; came to this county in 
July, 1854; has 200 acres of land, 
valued at $6,000. Politics, Republi- 
can. Held the offices of Justice of 
the Peace, Township Assessor and 
Township Trustee. Belongs to the 
Friends' Church. Married Sarah Hut- 
ton ; she was born in Portage Co., Ohio, 
Nov. 30, 1825 ; is the mother of four 
children — Eliza, born Jan. 12, 1846; 
Willis H., May 7, 1850 ; Grace H., 
Feb. 3, 1858 ; Mary A., Sept. 7, 1868. 
Emigrated direct from Ohio to this 
county ; was here at the organization of 
the town ; was also at the first election ; 
came when there were not more than a 
dozen inhabitants in the township, it being 
in its wild state, and he has seen it devel- 
oped into as fine a farming county as can be 
found in any State ; Mr. E. has some full 
blooded Short-Horns ; is one of the lead- 
ing farmers in the township. Had one 
son in the 28th Regt. Iowa Yol Inf. 
Co. A ; enlisted in July, 1862; was in 
the service only about eight months 
when he contracted the disease of ty- 
phoid fever, and died at Helena, Ark., 
Mr. E. is President of the Eden Fire In- 
surance Company. 
EL.L.YSON, WILLIS H., farmer, 
Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in Stark 
Co., Ohio, May 7, 1850; came to this 
county when he was 4 years old, in 1854 ; 
has eighty acres of land, valued at 
$3,000. Politics, Republican. Held 
the offices of President of the School 
Board, and School Director. Married 
Florence Schutts ; she was born in 
Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1854; 
mother of one child — Minnie, born Sept. 
9, 1875. Raises on an average 1,200 
bushels of corn; 150 bushels of wheat ; 
150 bushels oats ; turns off about 25 
head of cattle yearly. Mr. E. came here 
with his parents, and was amongst the 
earliest settlers in the township. 

FLICKINGER, MICHAEL, farmer, 
Sec. 3 ; P. O. Garrison. 
Flickinger, W., far.. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Garri- 
son. 
Forney, P., for., Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Fry, E.,far., Sec. 23 ; P. Vinton. 
Fry, James, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Vinton. 



r^ LEASON, CHARLES, farmer, Sec. 
VX 18; P. 0. Garrison. 
Gordon. W., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Gross, John, far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

HALL, HENRY F., farmer. Sec 9 ; 
P. 0. Garrison. 

Hamilton, R.; far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Hanna, A. H., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Hilke, C, far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Hoke, G.,far., Sec. 29; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hunt, J. S., far., Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Hunt, 0., far., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hussey, B. F., far., S. 29; P.O. Blairstown. 

TLLIAN, CHARLES, farmer.. Sec. 28 ; 

X P. 0. Vinton. 

JACOBS, J. p., O.f J. p. Jacobs & 
Son), farmer and stock raiser, Sec. .9; 
P. 0. Garrison ; was born in Dover, N. 
H., Dec. 25, 1821 ; came to this county 
in March, 1865 ; has 160 acres of land, 
valued at S5,000. Has held the office 
of Town Trustee for seven years. Be- 
longs to the Friends' Church. For the 
first wife, married Mariah W. Clow; 
she was born in Brunswick, Me. ; by 
her he had four children — Mary S., 
I. Orland, Anna M and Abbie S. For 
his second wife, married Naoma A. El- 
liott ; she was born in Brunswick, Me., 
Nov, 5, 1828. Mrs. Jacobs was mar- 
ried to J. Smith, by whom she had three 
children — James W., Nellie M. and 
Katie A. Emigrated fi-om Mew Hamp- 
shire to Maine, where he spent the 
greater part of his life ; thence to Mus- 
catine Co., Iowa, in 1863; lived there 
until he came to Benton Co., where he 
has followed farming and fine stock 
raising. Mr. Jacobs has on hand fifteen 
head "of full-blooded Jerseys ; had an 
offer for the herd of $100 per head ; has 
cows valued at $200; also, has some 
full-blooded Poland-China pigs, which 
he has demand for all over the North- 
west. Any one wanting good stock, 
will do well to call on him. Can give 
pedigree of his whole herd, which 
consists of and can be found on A. 
J. Herd's book: Lady Annie. No. 
1055; Jersey Bell, No. 1021; Lizzie, 
No. 1485; Rose of Sharon, No. 1483; 
Maud, No. 1484; Sylvia, No. 2385; 
Fawn, No. 2746 ; Lady Alice. No. 
1054; Macon, No. 1043. Has some 
of the best Jerseys in the State for size 
and blood. 



\ 



582 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



KIPP, J. M., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Oar- 
rison. 
Kline, J., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Knaack, H., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Knaack, J., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Krohuke, J. M., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Gar- 



rison. 



I.A RUE, AAROlf, farmer. Sec. 
33 ; P. O. Garrison ; born in Virginia 
Nov. 24, 1800 ; came this county Aug. 
3, 1856 ; has 500 acres of land, valued 
at $20,000. Married Acenith Harris ; 
she was born in Knox Co., Ohio; moth- 
er of eleven children — Sarah E., Har- 
riet, Chambers C, Wm. H., Isaac N., 
Thomas P., Mary J., Jesse L., L. N. 
B., John J. and Edgar A. Emigrated 
from Virginia to Morrow Co., Ohio, in 
1829, where he bought a farm, and 
cleared up 160 acres with his own hands ; 
when he commenced there, had $94 
in his pocket. Traded his land in 
Ohio, giving one acre for five of 
prairie, making a good trade ; has 
as fine a farm as there is in this 
county ; came to this county overland 
with teams, and drove stock through ; 
camped out on the roads ; camped in 
their wagons until he built a shanty, 
which he covered with prairie grass, and 
lived there three or four months. Mr. 
La Rue has a fine flock of 325 sheep ; 
also, has some fine stock of Short-Horned 
Durhams. Has a grove of over seven 
acres set out with his own hands, and 
has a greater variety of trees than can 
be found in the county ; is one of the 
solid farmers of the Tp. L. N. B. La 
Rue, his son, has a fine farm of 
160 acres, valued at $5,000 ; also, rents 
his father's farm, and raises, on an av- 
erage, 100 acres of corn, or 5,000 bush- 
els ; turns oS" fifty head of hogs. Is a 
sinde man, and star tin «• out with best 
of prospects. 

LA RUE, C. C, farmer. Sec. 33; P. 
0. Blairstown. 
La Rue, Lewis, far., S. 33; P.O. Blairstown. 

LOr DERBAICJH, HEXRY 

T., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 16 ; 
P. 0. Garrison ; was born in Franklin 
Co., Penn., Nov. 20, 1842 ; came to this 
county in 1863; has 240 acres of land, 
valued at $9,000. Held the offices of 
Town Trustee and Secretary of the 
School Board. Belongs to the M. E, 



Church. Married Mary Parshall ; she 
was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Dec. 
31, 1846; mother of two living chil- 
dren — John and James. Emigrated 
to Benton Co. direct from Pennsylvania, 
where he has resided since; raises on an 
average eighty acres 3,200 bushels of 
corn, 150 bushels of wheat, 600 bushels 
of oats ; turns oif fifty head of hogs and 
a car load of cattle. His property has 
been made by his own exertion and 
industry, and he is one of the enterprising 
farmers of the township. He enlisted 
in the 47th Regt. I. V. I. Co. C, sta- 
tioned at Helena, Ark.; was detailed in 
the U. S. General Hospital. 

Lieb, C.,far., S. 28; P.O. Vinton. 

Lurch, Jacob, blacksmith. Belle Plajne. 

Lynstrum, Chas., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Ga rrison. 

McDANIELS, JAMES, far.. Sec. 
4 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

McDaniels.W. R., Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

McEitt, James, fiir., S. 20 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

McLean, Richard, fiir., S. 26 ; P. O.Vinton. 

McKEAI., J. _S., far.,_Sec 17 ; P. 0. 
Garrison ; born in Ohio in 1842 ; came 
to this county in 1866 ; has 160 acies 
of land, valued at $5,000. Married 
Miss E. F. Bennett; she was born in 
Ohio ; mother of two children. Mr. M. 
enlisted in the 1st Ohio Regt., Co. A, 
in the three months call ; afterward 
enlisted in the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, 
Co. A ; was at the siege of Vicksburg ; 
was discharged, by losing voice from 
exposure, after the capture of Vicks- 
burg ; afterward enlisted in the 136th 
Ohio National Guards, and stationed at 
Washington until the close of the war ; 
was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, 
at Camp Chase. 

Merchant, Jonah, far., S. 4 ; P.O. Garrison. 

"XTOE, ARZA B ., far., Sec. 8 ; P. 0. 
i \l Garrison 

Noe, Ben W., far., S. 8 ; P.O. Garrison. 

ORTEN, FRED, far.. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 
Ottson, Geo., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

PAIGE, SAMUEL, farmer, 
and stock raiser. Sec. 29 ; P. 0. 
Garrison ; born in Merrimack Co., N. 
H., Dec. 14, 1832 ; came to this county 
in the Fall of 1857 ; has 240 acres of 
land, valued at $10,000. Married 
Mary M. Schoonover ; she was born in 
New York April, 1835 ; mother of six 



BIG GROVE TOWNSHIP. 



583 



children — Lucy Ann, Mary Alma, 
Oliver L., David E., Ira W., John. 
Emigrated from New Hampshire to 
Muscatine Co., Iowa, where he lived 
about three years ; thence to Benton 
Co., where he has resided since ; was 
among the earliest settlers in the town- 
ship ; when he came there it was in its 
wild state ; there was only one shanty 
between here and Blairstown, that 
being a sod shanty built by a man of 
the name of Kanars. Has a fine grove 
of seven acres, planted by his own 
hands ; raises on an average about 
sixty-five acres of corn yearly or 2,500 
busbels ; wheat, 200 bushels ; oats, 600 
bushels ; turns oiF seventy head of hogs 
and about a- car load of cattle. Mr. 
Paige has one of the finest Short-Horn 
bulls in the county, by which he is 
improving his stock, and is one of the 
thriving farmers of the county. 

RAMSTEAD, CHARLES, farmer, 
Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Ravenscroft, J. T., far., S. 3; P. 0. Vinton. 
REYNOLDS, WM. T., former and 
stock raiser. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Garrison ; 
born in Louisiana May 24, 1834 ; has 
480 acres of land, valued at SI 6,000. 
Married Martha E. Robinson ; she was 
born in Indiana in March, 1842 ; is the 
mother of three children — Charles F., 
Wm. T., Jr., and Mary E. His father 
was born in Bourbon Co., Ky. ; his 
father went to Louisiana shortly after 
the purchase from France, where the 
subject of this sketch was born ; from 
Louisiana he came to La Porte Co., Ind., 
thence to Michigan, where he lived about 
twenty years ; thence to Benton Co., 
Iowa, where he has resided since ; he 
raises on an average (yearly) 160 acres of 
corn, or 6,000 bushels ; wheat, 800 
bushels ; oats, 600 bushels ; turns 
oS" eighty head of hogs yearly; 
keeps fifty head of cattle. Mr. Rey- 
nolds came here with limited moans, and 
and has risen to be amongst the wealthi- 
est farmers in the township. 
Richards, J. C, far.,S. 17 ; P 0. Garrison- 
Richards, R. R., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Rolfs, J. L., far.,S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairsto ^ n. 
Roszell, J. S., far., S. 36 ; P. O. Blairstown. 
Rupp, Henry, far., S. 25; P. O. Vinton. 

SKMLER, JOHN, farmer; S. 19; P. 
0. Garrison. 



Shrader, F., far., S. 36 ; P. O. Blairstown. 
SHAW, J. C, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 
0. Garrison ; born in Ohio Nov. 11, 
1837 ; came to this county in 1855 ; 
has 120 acres of land, valued at S3, 600. 
Enlisted in the 13th Ohio Regt. Vol. 
Inf., Co. H; was in the service nearly 
five years ; was mustered into the service 
at Camp Denison, Ohio ; was in the 
battles of Carneyfax Ferry, Fayetteville, 
thence to Louisville, Ky., from thence 
to Bowling Green, thence to Nashville, 
Tenn. ; was at the battle of Shiloh, 
Chattanooga, thence back to Louisville, 
Ky ; battle of Perryville, Stone River, 
Mumfordsville, Chickamauga, Mission 
Ridge, Dalton, Cassville, Resaca, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta Ferry, 
Lovcjoy Station ; was with Thomas after 
Hood in several skirmishes, Puhiski. 
Franklin, Spring Hill, Nashville, and at 
Devil's Gap ; was in seventeen regular 
engagements ; was mustered out at San- 
town, Tex. ; was once taken prisoner 
at the battle of Stone River, but suc- 
ceeded in escaping. 

Shultz, H. M.,far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Snyder, A., far., S. 7 , P. 0. Garrison. 

Snyder, M., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Stadle, L., far.. Sec. 18 ; P. O. Garrison. 

Stadle, R., far.. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Stredluer, J., far., Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Sturtz, John, far.. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

THOMPSON, J. M., far.. Sec. 9; P. 
0. Garrison. 
Todd, Thos., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

YAN BUSKIRK, J, far.. Sec. 5 ; P. 
0. Garrison. 
VAXNICE, A. v., farmer and stock 
raiser. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in 
Shelby Co., Ky., Aug. 8, 1821 ; came 
to this county in 1853 ; has 585 acres 
land, valued at $17,550. Married 
Rachel Kerlin ; she was born in Henry 
Co., Ky., Jan. 14, 1827 ; mother of 
eight living children — Mary, Henry C, 
George A., Katie C, Edmund H., Leah 
R., James A., Isaac W. Emigrated 
from Kentucky to Indiana in 1822, 
where he resided until 1853, when he 
came to Benton Co., where he has re- 
sided since ; was here at the organiza- 
tion of the town ; at the first election 
also ; helped to organize the first school 
district ; was Secretary of the Board 
and levied the first tax and collected the 



584 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



same ; the first school house was built 
in District No. 1 ; Mr. V. donated the 
land, and also for the Presbyterian cem- 
etery and Presbyterian Church and 
parsonage ; gave eight acres of land in 
all ; all it cost the township and District 
was the making-out of the deeds. Mr. 
V. was raised an Old School Presbyte- 
rian ; his belief at present is Calvanistic 
Baptist. When he came here there 
were only two houses or shanties between 
him and Vinton, or a house between 
him and Shellsburg ; came here when 
the prairies were wild, and has seen 
them developed to one of the finest 
farming counties in the State ; has a 
fine farm and good home, and is one of 
the enterprising farmers of the county. 
Varney, N. H., fkr., S. 29 ; P.O. Garrison. 

WARD, F. M., far., Sec. 16; P. 0. 
Garrison. 
WARD, SAlirEI., farmer. Sec. 
16 ; P. 0. Garrison ; born in Licking 
Co., Ohio, May 16, 1831 ; came to this 
county in 1866 ; has 320 acres of land, 
valued at $10,000. Married Mary 
Hayes ; she was born in Licking Co., 
Ohio ; she is mother of six children — 
Frances M., Martha R., William E., 
Albert C, Elizabeth and John. Emi- 
grated from Pennsylvania to Ogle Co., 
111.; lived there fifteen years; thence to 
Benton Co., Iowa, where he has resided 
since ; raises on an average, eighty acres 
— corn, 4,000 bushels ; wheat, 300 bush- 
els ; oats, 500 ; turns off 60 head of hogs, 
and two car loads of cattle. Mr. W. has 



a fine farm of one-half of a section, 
situated in a fine county and is one of 
the solid farmers of the county. 

Wean, G. E., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Wean, S., far., Sec. 13; P. 0. Vinton. 

Weba, Geo., far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Wright, G. H., far., S. 24; P. 0. Vinton. 

WRIGHT, HENRY, farmer. Sec. 
24 ; P. 0. Vinton ; was born in En- 
gland June 9, 1821 ; came to this 
country in 1842, and to this county in 
1872; has 364 acres land, valued at 
$10,900. Republican ; held the ofiice 
of Township Trustee two years. Mar- 
ried Elizabeth Thomas ; she was born 
in Wales Sept. 14, 1831 ; mother of 
three living children — George H., born 
July 5, 1851 ; John W., Dec. 22, 
1855; Angeline, Nov. 30, 1857. Emi 
grated from England to Posey Co., Ind.; 
lived there two years ; thence to Iowa 
Co., Wis.; lived there twenty-six years;, 
thence to Benton Co., where he has re- 
sided since; raises on an average, 90 to 
100 acres — corn 4,000 bushels yearly ; 
wheat, 1.500 bushels ; oats, 400 bushels; 
flax, 166 bushels; barley, 400 bushels; 
turns ofi" about 60 head of hogs yearly. 
Mr. W. has a good home, plenty of 
fruit of the choicest varieties, such as 
strawberries, raspberries, grapes, etc.; is 
one of the sound farmers of the town- 
ship. Mr. W. has just returned from 
his native country, perfectly willing to 
make America his home. 

Wright, J. M., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Wyman, T. F., far., S. 14 ; P. 0. Vinton. 




FREMONT TOWNSHIP. 



585 



FREMONT TOWNSHIP. 



ANDERSON, M., farmer, Sec. 19; 
P. 0. Florence. 
ARMSTRONCj}, T. G., farmer, Sec. 
15; P. 0. Shell.sbur^ ; born in Ireland 
in 1828; came to this county in 1857; 
lias 900 acres of land, valued at $27,000. 
Married Sarah Fawcett ; she was born 
in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1842; their 
children are John, Charles, George, 
William J., Hattie, May, Newton Gr., 
Mai'y J., Louis N. and Mina. Emi- 
grated from Ireland in 1850 to Harrison 
Co., Ohio ; thence to Muskingum Co.; 
thence to Coshocton Co., Ohio ; lived 
there one and a half years ; thence to 
Poweshiek Co., Iowa ; entered 160 acres 
of land; thence to Henry Co., 111.; 
lived there four years ; thence to Linn 
Co., Iowa, where he resided two years; 
thence to Benton Co., where he has re- 
sided since ; turns off forty to fifty head 
of cattle and one hundred head of hogs. 
When he came to this county he was 
a poor boy ; had only $25 ; by in- 
dustry and good management he has 
made a good home, and is one of the 
wealthiest farmers in the township. 

BANMGACRTEL, FRANK, farmer, 
Sec. 16; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
B ARX£L<Li, A. <jr., farmer and stock 
raiser, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born 
in Shelby Co., Ind., May 20, 1839; has 
268 acres of land, valued at $8,000. 
Belongs to the Presbyterian Church. 
Married Elizabeth J. Youel ; she was 
born in Montgomery Co., Ind., Jan. 25, 
1839 ; they have five living children — 
Viola, Gorden Y., Eslaline, Asa H. and 
D wight K. Emigrated to Indiana when 
he was a child ; thence to Illinois ; lived 
there six years ; thence to Indiana 
again ; stayed seven years ; thence to 
Stark Co., 111.; lived there seven years; 
from thence to the Rocky Mountains ; 
stayed there about a year ; thence back to 
Illinois, and from there to Benton Co., 
where he has resided since. Enlisted 
Co. I, 20th Iowa V. I.; was in the bat- 
tles of Cane Hill, Ark.; siege of Vicks- 
burg, siege of Ft. Morgan, siege of 
Ft. Blakely ; was mustered out at 
3Iobile, and was discharged at Clinton, 
Iowa. Mr. B. has a fine farm, and is 



one of the sound farmers of the town- 

BEATTY, CHARLES, farmer 
and stock raiser. Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Palo, 
Linn Co.; was born in Ireland in 1833 ; 
came to this country in 1850 ; has 400 
acres of land, valued at $16,000. Has 
held the office of Town Trustee and Town 
Clerk. Married for his first wife, Mary 
McAlestcr ; she was the mother of four 
living children — John M., Charles E., 
Annie and Ella. Mrs. B. died Aug. 2, 
1864. For his second wife, married 
Catherine Wheelen ; she was born in 
Ireland in 1848 ; she is the mother of 
one child — William, boi'n Dee. 1, 1877. 
Emigrated from Ireland in 1850 to Iowa, 
where he has resided since ; raises on an 
average 2.000 bushels of corn yearly, 
and turns off sixty head of hogs ; feeds 
a caj load of steers ; has a fine prairie 
farm in one of the best counties in the 
State of Iowa. Came here when the 
prairies were wild, and has seen them 
developed to one of the finest farming 
counties in the West. Is one of the 
solid farmers in the township. 

Beatly, James, far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Palo. 

Blackwill, G. W., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Cedar 
Rapids. 

Bratton, R., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Bratton, W. L., farmer; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Burdick, G., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

COUCH, A., farmer. Sec. 33 ; P. 0. 
Robin. 
Craig, A. F., far.. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Robin. 

DAEBEL, C, farmer. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 
DAVIS, HEXRY, farmer. Sec. 19 ; 
P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in Baden, Ger- 
many, Dec. 1, 1837 ; came to the county 
in 1863; has 365 acres of land, valued 
at $14,600. Politics, Democrat. Held 
the offices of Township Supervisor, Jus- 
tice of the Peace and Town Clerk. Mar- 
ried Louisa Baker ; she was born in 
Prussia Feb. 17, 1838 ; mother of six 
children — Henry, born May 30, 1862 ; 
Mary, born Oct. 29, 1864 ; Lena, born 
March 30. 1867 ; Bertha, born Dec. 
22, 1869'; Louisa, born Dec. 13, 
1873 ; Elizabeth, born June 13, 
1876. Emigrated from Germany to De 



586 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Kalb Co., 111.; lived there one year, then 
went to Linn Co., Iowa, where he re- 
mained nine years; thence to Benton 
Co., where he has resided since. Mr. D. 
is one of the leading men of the town- 
ship ; when he came here, he was a poor 
man ; had not a dollar in his pocket, but 
by good management has made a good 
property. 

Dixon, D., far., Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Robin. 

DOEBEL, CHRISTIAN, farm 
er and stock raiser, Sec. 8 ; P. O. Shells- 
burg; born in Germany May 5, 1821 ; 
came to the county in 1857 ; has 496 
acres of land, valued at $15,000. Poli- 
tics, Republican. Held the office of 
School Trustee, etc. Married Mary 
Busacker ; she was born in Germany 
Feb. 2, 1838 ; mother of five living 
children — Mary, Annie, Eliza, Charley 
and George. Emigrated in 1852, from 
Germany to New Orleans ; stopped there 
a short time ; thence to Davenport 
Iowa ; then went to Dubuque and 
worked through the Winter chopping 
cord wood and splitting rails ; af erward 
worked on the 111. Cen. R. R., about 
four months ; then went to Louisiana 
and worked in the swamps, floating tim- 
ber, where he made $400 in gold, where 
he got his start ; came to Benton Co., 
entered his land in 1854, and in 1857, 
came to Fremont Township, where he has 
remained since, and has accumulated a 
fine property. 

ELGEN, H., farmer; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Fawcett,W. H.,far.,S. 7; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

FAWCETT, A. H., former, Sec. 
3 ; P.O. Shellsburg ; was born in Belmont 
Co., Ohio, April 30, 1842; came to this 
county in the Spring of 1856 ; has 175 
acres of land, valued at $5,000. Be- 
longs to the Presbyterian Church. Has 
held the office of Tp. Assessor, etc. 
Married Charlotte Porter ; she was born 
in Montgomery Co., Ind., Ocr. 21, 1845; 
mother of three children — William A., 
born Nov. 13, 1867; Albert L., born 
Dec. 21, 1869 ; Myrtia A., born Sept. 
13, 1875. Mr. F. emigrated to this 
county with his parents when he was 
14 years old ; his father, Jonathan Faw- 
cett, Ge^.rge F., John Sharp, Taylor F. 
Farmer, Samuel Piggott and Andrew 
Gibbons were the first settlers in the 



township ; the first election ever held in 
the township, was held at his father's 
house, in 1857 ; the town was organ- 
ized by the above-named men ; the town 
was named by Jonathan Fawcett the 
year that Fremont run for President ; 
had some trouble in getting it through, 
as there was a majority of Democrats in 
the township. Mr. Fawcett came here 
when the country was wild, and has seen 
it developed into one of the finest coun- 
ties in the State ; has a good farm and 
a comfiirtable home. 

FAWCETT, GEORGE, retired 
farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born 
in Belmont Co., Ohio, Jan. 18, 1813; 
came to this county in 1855 ; has forty 
acres of land, valued at $2,000. Has 
held nearly all the town offices. Belongs 
to the Presbyterian Church. Married 
Mary A. Hains ; she was born in Bel- 
mont Co., Ohio ; mother of seven living 
children — Sarah (now Mrs. T. G. Arm- 
strong), Wm. H., Ellen (now Mrs. Cald- 
well), Isoriah (now Mrs. L. P. Weath- 
erwax), Rachel (now Mrs. A. T. Weath- 
erwax), Mary (now Mrs. C. W. Taylor) 
and George H. Emigrated from Ohio 
to Linn Co., Iowa ; lived there one year; 
thence to Benton Co.; when he came to 
the township there were only three fam- 
ilies in the township ; was one of the six 
men who organized the town, and was 
the man who proposed its name ; was at 
the first election, when there were only 
between six and eight votes polled. Had 
two sons in the Union army — John and 
Wm. H.; John was in the 100-day serv- 
ice ; served his time out, but died on 
his way home ; Wm. H. enlisted in the 
13th I. V. I., Co. G ; was in the battles 
of Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, siege of 
Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, luka, 
Jackson, siege of Atlanta ; was under 
fire forty days, when he was taken pris- 
oner July 22, 1864, taken to Anderson- 
ville prison, kept there four months, then 
taken to Florence, S. C, and endured 
all the privations a man could and live. 
Mr. Fawcett located 760 acres of land 
when he came here, and has handled 
more or less ever since he came. 

Fix, Jacob, far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Freeman, A. H., far., S. 3 ; P.O. Shellsburg. 

Fritz, John, far., Sec. 21 ; P. O. Robin. 

Fritz, Peter, far., Sec. — ; P. 0. Robin. 



FREMONT TOWNSHIP. 



587 



QASSER, JACOB, farmer, Sec. 16; 
P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Gonguer, C, far., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Gonguer, J., far., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Gonguer, S., ftir., Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Robin. 

H' AGEN, JAMES, farmer. Sec. 13; 
P. 0. Cedar Rapids. 

HAtJElX, JOSEPH, fiirmer and 
stock raiser, See. 11 ; P. O. Shellsburg; 
was born in Ireland in 1825 ; came to 
this county in 1 857 ; has 320 acres of 
land, valued at $10,200. Politics, Dem- 
ocrat. Married Margaret Dixon ; she 
was born in Ireland in 1828 ; mother of 
five children- — Jennie, born Feb. 7, 1859 ; 
Mamie, born April 16, 1861 ; John D., 
born March 12, 1863 ; Harry, born July 
•4, 1865 ; Josie, born June 12, 1867. 
Emigrated from Ireland to New York ; 
lived there about four years ; thence to 
Benton Co., where he has resided since. 
When he came to this county he was a 
poor man, with nothing but his hands 
a good, rugged constitution, and a good 
will ; he tackled these raw prairies, and 
now he has a farm of 320 acres under 
good cultivation, paid for, and is one of 
the well-to-do farmers in the county ; 
raises, on an average, yearly, about 
4,000 bushels of corn, 700 of oats, and 
turns oif about eighty head of hogs; 
has received as high as $1,600 a year 
fi-r hogs; has a splendid stock farm, 
well watered. 

Hamilton, J., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Hamilton, J. S., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Hanson, H., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Hoeck, Paul, far. ; P. 0. Robin. 

Holend, L., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Hopple, G., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Hopple, H., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Hopple, Peter, far., S. 14; P. 0. Robin. 
RLE, H.,far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 



I 



y ANSON, OLE T., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. 

t) Robin. 

JOHNSOX, DAVID, retired farmer 
and stock raiser. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Cedar 
Rapids; was born in Ireland in 1815; 
came to this county in 1854; has 400 
acres of land, valued at $12,000. Mar- 
ried Eliza Dixon, who was born in Ire- 
land in 1825; is the mother of eight 
living children — Mary, Annie, John, 
Jane, Sadie, David, William, Charles 
Orr. Emigrated from Ireland in 1844 



to Coshocton Co., Ohio ; lived there ten 
years ; thence to Benton Co., where he 
has resided since ; there were only seven 
families in the township when he came ; 
was in the township at the time of it& 
organization ; he came here in an early 
day and located 400 acres of land, and 
has brought it from the wild prairie to 
one of the best cultivated farms in 
the township ; has one of the finest 
spring branches running through his 
farm ; would make a fine place for a 
trout pond in this part of the State. 
Came here a poor man, and by his own 
exertions has made a fine property. 

Johnson, Jacob, far., S. 32 ; P. O. Robin. 

Johnson, J. A., S. 14 ; P. 0. Cedar Rapids. 

Johnson, John, far. ; S. 14 ; P. 0. Cedar 
Rapids. 

Johnson, J. D., far., S. 14; P. O. Cedar 
Rapids. 

Johnson, J. J., far., S. 14; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Johnson, L. F., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Robin. 

JOXES, JAMES M., farmer and 
fine stock raiser. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg ; was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, 
Oct. 2, 1835 ; came to this county in 
the Fall of 1855 ; has 205 acres of land, 
valued at $8,000. Belongs to the Pres- 
byterian Church. Married for his first 
wife, Janette Fink ; she was born in 
Crawford Co., Penn., and was mother 
of one child. For his second wife, mar- 
ried Mary Irving; she was born in Che- 
nango Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1837 ; moth- 
er of four living children — Harry, born 
March 14, 1869; Clarence, Dec. 15, 
il870; Jennie M., June 4, 1873, and 
Elmer F., Oct. 23, 1865. Mr. Jones 
enlisted in the 28th Iowa V. I., Com- 
pany H ; was in thirteen regular bat- 
tles — Ft. Gibson, Raymond, Champion 
Hills, Black River and siege of Vicks- 
buig ; was under fire for fifty days ; was 
detached at Vicksburg as Hospital Stew- 
ard on account of sickness, where he re- 
mained about ten months ; afterward, 
joined the regiment at New Orleans; 
thence by water to Washington, D. C. ; 
then to the Shenandoah Valley, where 
they joined Sheridan ; was at Bolivar 
Heights and Cedar Creek; saw Sheridan 
when he came in from Winchester on 
his twenty-mile ride ; was with the regi- 
ment until it was mustered out ; was at 



588 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



the sunender of Johnston. Since the 
war, has been in the farming business ; 
makes fine stock a specialty — the Ches- 
ter White blood ; raised one pig, which, 
when he was forty days old, weighed 
53j pounds. Has a fine place, and has 
made it by his own exertions. 

KIIMM, GUSTUS, far., S. 23 ; P. 0. 
Florence. 
Kunstufi", H., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Kuhlman, H. E., far., S. 3; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
Krahling, C, far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Krahlins, J. P., far., S. 16; P. 0. Robin. 
Krumm: J., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Robin. 

LARSEN, SAREN, far., S. 32 ; P. 0. 
Robin. 
Ludwickson, J., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
Ludwickson. M., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Robin. 

McGregor, a., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. 
Robin. 
McGragur, T., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. 
McKechnie, P., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Robin. 
McLeod, H., far.. S. 12 ; P. O. Palo. 
McLeod, M., far., Sec 12 ; P. 0. Palo. 
McLead, W., far., S. 11 ; P.O. Shellsburg. 
Mason, Thomas, Sec. 32. 
Mette, A., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Mitchell, H., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Mitchell, W., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Fairfield. 
Murphy, S., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Murphy, S., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Murphy, R., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
IVTEES, OLE 0., far.. Sec. 29 ; P. 0. 
JJN Robin. 
Nicademus, C.,far., S. 16; P.O. Shellsburg. 

O'HARA, EDWARD, fer.. Sec. 18 ; 
P. 0. Cedar Rapids. 

Olsen. Peter, far., Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Robin. 

OWEX^, JOSEPH, farmer. Sec. 
1 ; P. 0. Palo ; born in Westmoreland 
Co., Penn., Aug. 21, 1842 ; has 490 
acres of land, valued at $14,700. Mar- 
ried Ruth Ann Scott ; born in Cedar 
Co., Iowa, June 28, 1848 ; mother of 
four children — John A., born Oct. 18, 
1869 ; Carrie M., March 2, 1871 ; 
Mary M., Feb. 5, 1873 ; Charles A., 
Sept. 23, 1877. Emigrated to Cedar 
Co., Iowa, in 1851 ; lived there eighteen 
years, then came to this county. En- 
listed in the 35th I. V. I., Co. H ; went 
in the service as a private, and was pro- 
moted to Sergeant ; was in the service 
nearly three years ; was in the battles of 



Jackson, Miss., siege of Vicksburg, 
second battle of Jackson, Fort De Rucy, 
on the Red River Expedition, Fort 
De Glaze, Lake Chick and Tupelo, Miss., 
where he received a severe wound in the 
leg ; carried the bullet in his leg eighteen 
months ; came near losing his leg ; was 
laid up nearly two years. 

PERKENS, RUSSELL, farmer, Sec. 
34 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Peterson, Hans, Sec. 30. 

PORTER, W. M., farmer and stock 
raiser. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Shellsburg; was 
born in Montgomery Co., Ind., Sept. 15, 
1839 ; came to this county in 1863 ; 
has 160 acres of land, valued at $5,000. 
Politics, Republican. Held the ofiice of 
Justice of the Peace. Belongs to the 
Presbyterian Church. Married Susan 
M. Wilson ; she was born in Indiana 
July 3, 1841 ; mother of four living 
children. Enlisted Sept. 16, 1861, in 
the 10th Ind. Regt., Co. B; was at the 
battle of Mill Springs, Ky.; was wounded 
by a minie ball, taking away thumb 
and second finger ; was discharged on 
account of wounds received in battle ; 
was commissioned as Captain of a militia 
company of Indiana ; also held commis- 
sion from the Governor of Iowa as 
Captain of Co. K, Iowa National Guards. 
Mr. P. has a good farm and a comforta- 
ble home. 

PRATT, M. S., farmer and stock 
raiser S. 3 ; P. O. Shellsburg; was born 
in Chittenden Co., Vt., June 26, 1843; 
came to this county in 1856 ; has 160 
acres of land, valued at $5,000. Belongs 
to the Presbyterian Church. Married 
Mary Youel ; she was born in Montgom- 
ery Co., Ind., Nov. 21, 1846; mother 
of four children — Bertha, born July 
22, 1868; Clara, born Dec. 10, 1869; 
Frank E., born Aug. 6, 1874 ; Thomas 
A., born Jan. 30, 1877. Enlisted in 
the 5th I. V. L, Co. G ; was in the serv- 
ice nearly five years; was at the siege 
of Corinth ; was in the battles of luka, 
Corinth, Raymond, Jackson, Champion 
Hills, siege of Vicksburg, and Mission 
Ridge, where he was taken prisoner, 
and taken to Richmond, Va.; was in 
Libby Prison a short time, and then 
taken to Bell Island; stayed there 
three months, thence to Andersonville ; 
was there six months, thence to Millen, 



FREMONT TOWNSHIP. 



589 



Oa., where he stayed three months ; was 
exchanged at Savannah ; while at Bell 
Island, he suft'ered terribly with the 
cold ; was taken to Andersonville in the 
Spring ; there were thirteen captured out 
of the same company, but only five ever 
lived to get home ; lias seen as high as 
•one hundred die in a day ; has seen them 
taken out in wagon loads, and would 
bring their ration of meal chuck in the 
same wagon ; has seen men brought in 
all chewed up with bloodhounds; has 
seen Capt. Wirz, hundreds of times; 
while at Bell Island men brought in 
with nothing but their shirts and draw- 
ers in the Winter, the rebels having rob- 
bed them of their clothing. 

Primrose, J., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Putnam, G. G., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

RINDERKNECHT, CARL, farmer, 
Sec. 25; P. O. Robin. 

Rinderknecht, C, far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Rinderknecht, F., far. S. 27 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Rinderknecht, (>.. far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Rinderknecht, J., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Rinderknecht, M., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Rinderknecht, W., far.,S. 23 ; P.O. Robin. 

Roseburg, C. H., far., S. 17; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

SCHLOTTERBACK, G., far., S. 21 ; 
P. 0. Robin. 

Schneckloth, D., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Schultz, J., far., S. 5 . P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Schraeder, G., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Schrim, M., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Sheeler, A., far., S. 24; P. 0. Robin. 

Sheeler, W., far., S. 14 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Sheely, J., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Shener, Fred., far., S. 16; P. 0. Robin. 

SMILEY, E. A., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg ; was born in Bradford Co., 
Penn., Dec. 17, 1842; came to this 
county in 1866 ; has 160 acres of land, 
valued at $5,600. Politics, Greenback. 
Held the office of Assessor two years. 
Married M. A. Viles; she was born in 
Indiana ; she is the mother of two chil- 
dren — Gordon M., born Oct. 13, 1869, 
and Bruce C, born Sept. 10, 1876. 
Came from Pennsylvania to De Kalb 
Co., 111.; lived there seven years ; thence 
to Cedar Rapids ; lived there one year ; 
thence to Benton Co. Mr. S. has a fine 
prairie farm in one of the best farming 



counties in the State, or United States ; 
raises on an average about 1,300 bushels 
of corn yearly, 400 bushels of wheat and 
400 bushels of oats. Came here twelve 
years ago, and by industry and good 
management has made a good home. 

Sminke, Jacob, far., S 22; P. 0. Robin. 

Smith, Fred., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Smith, F. H., far., S. 8 ; P. O. Shellsburg. 

Sprenberger, H., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Stewart, Wm. A., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Robin. 

STEWART, W. A., farmer and 
stock rasier; Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Robin ; was 
born in Feb., 1825 ; cime to this coun- 
ty in 1854; has 400 acres of land, val- 
ued at $15,000. Politics, Republican. 
Held the offices of Justice of the Peace 
and Town Trustee. He married Cathe- 
rine Cashew; she was born May 10, 
1838 ; she is the mother of seven chil- 
dren — Mary E., Maggie L., Esther, 
Alice, William H., John D. and Fannie. 
Mr. S. raises on an average 100 acres of 
corn (4,000 bushels'). 100 acres of wheat 
(1,200 bushels) and 500 bushels of 
oats ; turns off fifty head of hogs yearly. 
Helped to organize the townships of 
Florence and Fremont ; built the first 
house in the township. Came here 
poor, amongst the earliest settlers, but 
by good management and industry has 
made a good home, and is one of the 
State's sound farmers. 

Stow, J. 0., fir., S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

TAYLOR, C. W., farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 
0. Shellsburg. 
Tivedt, J. J., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Robin. 

WAGNER,0TT0, far. ; Sec. 5 ; P. 0. 
Robin. 
Weatherwax, A. T., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. 

Shellsburg. 
Weatherwax, C, far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Cedar 

Rapids. 
Weatherwax, J., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Cedar 

Rapids. 
Weatherwax, J. C, far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
W^eatherwax, L. P., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. 

Shellsburg. 
Weatherwax, M., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Cedar 

Rapids. 
Weatherwax, T., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Cedar 

Rapids. 
Weger, Chris., far., S. 5; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Wendel, Conrad, far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Wleneke, C, for., S. 25 ; P. 0. Robin. 
Wikre, J., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Robin. 

8 



590 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Witterreck, H., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Shellsburs. 

WOODS, JOHX C, farmer, Sec. 
9 ; P. 0. Shellsburg; born Aug. 12, 
1843 ; came to this county in 1839. 
Married Jane L. Bennett ; she was 
born Nov. 5, 1855 ; is the mother of 
two children — Magnolia and May Bell. 
Enlisted in the 31st Regt. Iowa V. I., 
Co. I; was in the battles of Arkansas 
Post, Chickasaw Bayou, siege of Vicks- 
burg, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, with 
Sherman on the march to the sea, and at 
the surrender of Johnston; was in twenty- 
two regular battles ; was mustered out at 
Savannah, Ga., and discharged at Dav- 
enport, Iowa. 

YOUEIi, J. li,, farmer and stock 
raiser. Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Shellsbnrg ; 
born in Montgomery County, Ind., 
Feb. 26, 1835 ; came to this county 
in 1864; has 160 acres of land, 
valued at $5,000. Politics, Republican. 
Held the offices of Justice of the Peace, 
Township Collector, Township Treas- 
urer and Assessor. Belongs to the 
Presbyterian Church. For his first 
wife, married Rachel Chambers ; she 
was born in Virginia Jan. 28, 1841; is 
the mother of two children — Jane E., 
born Sept. 3, 1860; William C, born 
Oct. 18th, 1862 ; for his second wife, 
married Ruth A. Tarpenning ; she was 
born in Ohio April 17, 1844; has five 
living children — James M., born July 6, 
1867 ; Addie.born Sept. 24, 1869 ; Blair 
T., born Oct. 8, 1871; John E., born 
Sept, 13, 1874 ; Charles D., born Jan. 
5, 1877. Emigrated to Benton Co. 
with his father, where he has lived 
since ; when he came here fourteen 



years ago there was any amount of wild 
prairie; thought it wouldn't be settled 
up for years, and could have a cattle 
range as long as he wanted. Mrs. 
Youel came to the county in 1852, and 
settled in Parker's Grove with her par- 
ents ; at that time there was not a 
family in Fremont Tp., and in the time 
she has been here has seen the prairies 
developed into one of the finest of 
farming countries. 
YOUEL., J. W. B., farmer and stock 



raiser. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. 



Shellsburg ; was 



born in Rockbridge Co., Va., Dec. 8, 
1816 ; came to this county in the Spring 
of 1860 ; has 174 acres of land, valued 
at $7,000. Politics, Republican. Held 
the offices of Justice of the Peace, As- 
sessor and Tp. Trustee. Is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. Married 
Hannah S. Pogue of Mason Co., Ky.; 
she was born April 17, 1817; mother 
of ten children, eight of whom are liv- 
ing — Elizabeth J., Amanda E., Dixon, 
Mary S., Charlotte A., Margaret E., 
Fannie S., William H. and John C. 
Mr. 5fouel emigrated from Virginia in 
1830, to Indiana ; lived there thirty 
years, then came to Benton Co., where 
he has resided since ; when he first came 
here, there were but few people in the 
township ; and at the first election he 
attended, there were only eighteen votes 
polled ; assessed the township in 1862 ; 
did it in two days and a half; raises on 
an average yearly, 2,500 bushels of corn, 
1,000 bushels of wheat, and 800 bushels 
of oats ; has a good prairie farm, and is 
one of the sound farmers of the town- 
ship. 




MONROE TOWNSHIP. 



591 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 



ALWOOD, NICHOLAS, farmer, S. 
12; P. 0. Garrison. 
BAGLEY, W. GEO., tarmer. Sec. 1 ; 
P. O. Garrison. 

BACHHAX, EDWARD, former. 
Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Garrison ; born in Ger- 
many in IS-i-t ; emigrated to America in 
1851, and to Benton Co. in 1868 ; owns 
. (362 acres of land, valued at $35 per 
acre. Mamed Margartt Gothardt in 
1 853 ; she was born in Germany in 
1835 ; mother of seven children — 
Earnest, Laura, Anna, Alfred, Ulysses, 
Wanda and Rudolph. Mr. B. landed 
in New York with $8, S6 of it being 
counterfeit, and cannot be bought out 
to-day for $30,000. 

Banghart, C. S.,far., S. 19; P.O. Dysart. 

Bates, C. F., P. 0. Dysart. 

BATES, KIMBLE, farmer. Sec. 
1-1; P. O. Dysart ; born in Lewis Co., 
N. Y., in 1829 ; came to Benton Co. 
in 1854; owns 170 acres of land,valued 
at $35 per acre. Married Sarah M. 
Safer, in 1851 ; she was born in Erie | 
Co., Ohio, in 1832 ; they have three 
children — Horace K., Charles F. and 
Lewis E. Township Clerk, Justic and 
School Director. Member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. He enlisted in the 
16th L V. L, Jan. 5, 1864, partici- 
pated in the battles of Atlanta, Kene- 
saw Mountain, and skirmishes without 
number. Mr. Bates was here before i 
the town was organized as a township, j 
and one of those who signed the petition. 

Bloutzh, Joseph, far., S. 24; P.O. Garrison. 

BOYD, G. L., farmer, S. 4 ; P. 0. 

Dysart ; born in the city of New York 

in 1855 ; removed to Benton Co. in 

' 1855 ; owns eighty acres of land, valued 

at $30 per acre. 

Brennisen, Edward ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Bridge, Joseph, far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Bridge, Thomas ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Brown, M. D., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Brown, W. H., far.. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Burrows, J. B., S. 9 ; P. 0. Dysart. 
~|HAPMAN,R., farmer. 



c 



CASTL.EDIXE, WILIilAM, 

farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in 
England in 1827 ; emigrated to America 



in 1854. and to Benton Co. in 1865; 
has eighty acres of land, valued at $35 
per acre. Married Hannah Gadd in 
1854 ; she was born in England in 
1829 ; died in 1863, leaving two chil- 
dren — Anna M. and William S. Mr. 
C. married Mrs. Anna Nichols in 1870. 
Republican in politics. Township 
Trustee; member of the M. E. Church 
since 1861. Enlisted in the 28th Wis. 
V. I. in 1862 ; transferred to the regu- 
lar army in 1863, the 12th U. S. I. ; 
participated in the battles of the Wilder- 
ness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, Mine 
Run, and other principal battles; mus- 
tered out Aug. 1865, at Richmond. 

Clark, D. A., far.. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

CLAYTON, F. H., P. 0. Dysart 
born in Montpelier, Vt., in 1867 ; re 
moved to Mitchell Co., Iowa, 1860 
then went to Fayette Co., Iowa, in 1865 
and then went to Linn Co., in 1867; then 
went to Benton Co., in 1873. Married 
Hattie A. Shoemaker in 1874 ; she was 
born in Granville, Mercer Co.. Penn., 
in 1876 ; they have one child — Hattie, 
born Jan. 1, 1877. He enlisted in the 
34th I. V. I., in 1862 ; participated in 
the battles of Vicksburg, Mobile, Fort 
Blakely, and other sieges ; mu.stered out 
in 1865. 

Coots, A., far., Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Conley, R.. Sr.. far.. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

COXLEY, RHEI^A, farmer. Sec. 
12 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in Brown Co., 
Ohio, in 1821 ; removed to Johnson 
Co., Ind., in 1828 ; thence to Benton 
Co., in 1850 ; owns ninety acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre. Married Mary 
Brown in 1843; she was born in Colum- 
bus, Ohio, in 1829 ; their children are 
Hannibal, Mary, Eliza, Jane, James M., 
Rhesa, Jr., Electa Ann, Elizabeth and 
John P. Maria died in 1857. Mar- 
ried Sarah Wheelden in 1867 ; she 
was born in Johnson Co., Ind., 
in 1845 ; left two children — Emma 
and Newell. Mr. Conley was among the 
early settlers of the county. Democratic. 

Cork, J. B., P. 0. Dysarc. 

DEHRKWP, A., farmer. Sec. — ; P. 
0. Dysart. 
Denica, A., fai-., Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Garrison. 



592 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



DICKIXSOX, O, W., farmer, Sec. 
19; P. 0. Dysart; born in Lewis Co., 
N. Y., in 1839 ; removed to Benton Co. 
in 1869 ; owns 230 acres of land, val- 
ued at $35 per acre. Married Maranda 
Strickland Oct. 25, 1865; she was born 
in Lewis Co., N. Y., in 1842; 
tbey have three children — Hattie, born 
Nov. 29, 1869 ; Bryant, born Nov. 23, 
1872 ; Fay, born April 30, 1877. Re- 
publican. Enlisted in the 5th New 
York Artillery, in 1862; was in fortifi- 
cations at Washington fourteen months, 
and detached to United States Coast 
Survey, 8th Missouri ; went to Mary- 
land Heights, Md., in 1863, and was 
there at time of Early's raid through 
the Shenandoah Valley ; served on non- 
commission staff as a non-commission 
officer; was mustered out in June, 1865. 

DOIIT, ROBERT, farmer. Sec. 
21 ; P. 0. Dysart; born in Westmore- 
land Co., Penn., in 1834; removed to 
Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1865 ; keeping 
books for State, Mondon & Tate, until 
1871, then came to Benton Co.; has 
120 acres of land, valued at S35 per 
acre. Married Miss M. J. Steen in 
1870 ; she was born in Mercer Co., Penn., 
in 1836. Republican. Township Clerk 
four years, and holds the office now. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dimit are members of the j 
Union Presbyterian Church. He en- 
listed in 1862, in the 123d Penn. V. I. ; 
participated in the battles of Antietam, 
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville ; 
mustered out in 1863. 

Dimpsey, W., far., Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Dvsart. 

DOUGHERTY, G. F., farmer, 
Sec. 19; P. 0. Dysart; born in Brad- 
ford Co., Penn., in 1843 ; removed to 
Carroll Co., TIL, in 1866 ; then went to 
Benton Co., in 1870 ; owns 160 acres 
of land, valued at $30 per acre. Mar- 
ried Mrs. Fanny L. Wells in 1867 ; she 
was born in Mt. Rose, Penn., in 1833. 
Republican. Enlisted in the 17th Penn. 
V. C, in Sept., 1863; participated in 
the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
burg, Cedar Run, Wilderness, Five 
Forks ; was badly wounded ; mustered 
out June, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Va. 

DRAYTON, WM. H., farmer, Sec. 
30 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in Boston, 
Mass., in 1827 ; removed to Rock Co., 
Wis., in 1856 ; then went to Knox Co., 



Mo., in 1858 ; then went to Benton Co., 
in 1868 ; owns 160 acres of land, val- 
ued at $35 per acre. Married Eliza- 
beth Davis ; she was born in Brooklyn, 
Mass.. Feb., 1831 ; have two children 
— William A., born Jan. 5, 1854 ; Eva 
L., born May 3, 1858 ; Elizabeth died 
July 17, 1862. Married Francis Mc- 
Gorilan May 29, 1864 ; she was born 
in Adams Co., 111., in 1844; have five 
children — Laura, Mary, Alpha, Anna 
and Johnny. Republican. Has held 
the offices of Township Treasurer and 
School Director. Enlisted in the Home 
Guards of Missouri; participated in 
several battles in Missouri. 

EL.SBERRY, C. R., farmer. Sec. 
21 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in Pendleton, 
Ind., in 1833 ; removed to Fond du Lac 
Co., Wis., in 1846 ; then went to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1868 ; owns eighty acres 
of land, valued at $35 per acre. Mar- 
ried Hannah Lipton in 1868 ; she was 
born in Belmont, Ohio, in 1839 ; have 
two children — Allice, born in 1869 ; 
Lillie, born in 1873. Democrat. She 
is a member of the United Brethren 
Church He enlisted March, 1864, in 
Co. H,24th L V. I. ; participated in the 
battles of Cedar Creek and Fisher's 
Hill ; mustered out Aug. 5, 1865. 

IT^ARNSWORTH, HENRY, farmer, 
J Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Dysart. 
FARNSWORTH, D. S., farmer 
and stock raiser, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Dysart ; 
born in Clearfield Co., Penn., in 1839 ; 
removed to Indiana Co., Penn., in 1860 ; 
thence to Scott Co., Iowa, in 1866 ; 
thence to Benton Co. in 1868 ; owns 
eighty acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre. Married Jane McCartney in 
1861 ; she was born in Indiana Co., 
Penn., in 1837 ; they had two children 
— Mary and John ; Jane died in 1865. 
Married Salena E. McComb in 1868 ; 
she died in March, 1869. Married Jen- 
nie McAlister in 1873 ; she was born in 
Indiana Co., Penn., in 1848; they have 
three children — Ambrose, Jay and 
Salena. Republican. Mr. and Mrs. 
Farnsworth are members of the Baptist 
Church. He is a member of the A., 
0. U. W. Mr. F. is among the early 
settlers in his neighborhood ; stopped in 
the prairie grass with no settlement near 
with the exception of a few, and has 



I 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 



593 



made his fine improvements by his own 
industry. 

FEI.KXER, W. H., school teacher ; 
P. 0. Garrison ; born in Iowa in 1843 ; 
came to Benton Co., in 1860. 

Fermir, L. M. ; P. O. Dysart. 

Fike. C. C. ; P. 0. Dysart. 

FIKE, JOHX C., farmer, Sec. 22 ; 
P. 0. Dysart ; born in Somerset Co., 
Penn., in 1825; removed to Benton 
Co. in 1866; owns 160 acres, valued 
at ^35 per acre. Married Elizabeth 
Bear in 1 848 ; she was born in Somerset 
Co., Penn., 1824 ; they had eight chil- 
dren — Susanna, Barbara, Anna, Eliza- 
beth, Juda, Jacob, John and Christian ; 
E'izabethdied Sept. 12, 1873. Married 
Mrs. Julia Ann Robinson in 1873. 
Republican in politics. Members of the 
River Brethren Church. 

FIKJE,MAXITEL, farmer, Sec. 32; 
P. 0. Dysart ; born in Somerset Co., 
Penn., 1823 ; removed to Ashland Co., 
Ohio in 1856 ; thence to Benton Co., in 
1864 ; owns forty acres of land, valued 
at S35 per acre. Married Mary A. 
Miller in 1844 ; she was born in Somer- 
set Co., Penn., in 1827 ; their children 
are Josiah M., born March 20, 1845 ; 
Daniel W., born June 2, 1846 ; Rosa A., 
Aug. 21, 1847; Susanna, Feb. 24,1849, 
died Feb. 18, 1869 ; Jacob, Aug. 
27, 1852 ; Mary A., Feb. 8, 1856, died 
Feb. 14, 1856. Independent in politics. 
Members of River Brethren Church. 

FIKE, HOSES, farmer. Sec. 31; 
P. 0. Dysart ; born in Somerset Co., 
Penn., in 1836 ; removed to Benton 
Co. in 1856 ; owns 200 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre. Married Ema- 
line Yager in 1863; she was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1841 ; six children — 
Caroline, Laura, Samuel. Franklin, 
George and Edwin ; Emeline died 
Sept. 17, 1871. Married Catherine 
Rampton in 1872 ; she was born in 
England in 1835; came to America in 
1854 ; two children — Albert and Mariah. 
Republican. Members of the River ' 
Brethren Church. Mr. Fike is among the 
earliest settlers, and has made the im- 
provements on his farm by his own 
industry. 

Fike, Peter, far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

FISS,JOH]V G., farmer. Sec 35 ; P. 
0. Garrison ; born in Union Co. Penn., 



in 1830 ; removed to Benton Co. in 
1868 ; has 160 acres of land, valued at 
$35 per acre. Married Nancy Gaman 
in 1868; she w^as born in Franklin Co., 
Maryland, in 1838, died July 30, 1871, 
leaving one child — Anna K., born in 
1871. Then married Mrs. Blanchard, 
widow of Charles C. Blanchard, Ajjril, 
1872 ; she was born in Knox Co., 
Ohio, in 1835 ; they have three children 
— Margaret M., born March, 1873 ; 
Mary j., born May, 1876 ; Ira T.,born 
Feb., 1878. School Director. En- 
listed in the 1st 111. Light Artillery, Co. 
F, Capt. Cheeny, in 1861 ; participated 
in the battles of Shiloh, Pittsburg Land- 
ing and Corinth, thence to Memphis, 
Tenn., raid to Jackson, Miss., Yicks- 
burg. Lookout Mountain, Missionary 
Ridge ; with Sherman to Moscow, New 
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and 
Atlanta ; thence to Nashville ; mustered 
out at Springfield, 111., 1864. 
Fletcher, Joseph, S. 16; P. 0. Dysart. 

GAMBLE, GEORGE, far., S. 8; P. 
0. Dysart. 

GIEBERT, IRA, ftrmer, Sees. 7 
and IS ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in New 
York in 1821 ; removed to Cedar 
Rapids in 1854, thence to Benton Co. 
in 1868 ; has 292 acres of land, valued 
at $40 per acre. Married Susan Shaw 
in 1854; she was born in Genesee 
Co., N. Y., in 1834. Republican. 
School Director. Financial Scribe for 
the Sons and Daughters of Temperance 
of Dysart. Members of the M. E. 
Church. 

Goon, Elias, far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Good, R. A., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Gowdy, J. M., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Grabill, D. R., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Guegv, Andrew, far., S. 28; P.O. Dysart. 

HARWOOD, THOMAS, far, Sec. 
26 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Hauck. M.. far., Soc. 2; P. O. Dvsart. 

HARWOOI>, JAMES H., far , 
Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Garrison ; born in En- 
gland in 1836 ; inmiigrated to America 
in 1841, and to Benton Co. in 1866 ; 
has 280 acres of land, valued at $35 
per acre. Married Louisa Pence in 
1863 ; she was born in Henderson Co., 
111., in 1845; they have three children 
Cora A., born in 1864; Clayton A , 
born in 1868 ; Berton A., born in 1873. 



594 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Independent in politics. Township 
Trustee. 

HAWKIXS, SAMUEL. M., 

farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Djsart ; born in 
Summit Co., Ohio, in 18-^6 ; removed 
to Lee Co., 111., in 1850, thence to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1860 ; owns eighty acres, 
of land, valued at $35 per acre. Mar- 
ried Ellen J. Scott in 1861 ; she was 
born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1840 ; 
have five children — James F., Geo. W., 
Ellen M., Bradley S. and Harriet A. 
Republican. Constable two years and 
Road Supervisor. 

HAWLEY, XEL.SON, farmer. 
Sec. 25 ; P 0.. Garrison ; born in Con- 
necticut in 1830 ; removed to Illinois 
in 1837, thence to Benton Co. in 1857 ; 
has eighty acres of land, valued at S35 
per acre. Married Roanna Thompson 
in 1852; she was born in Vermont in 
1828 ; they have eight children — Jennie 
L., Samuel R., Wilber N., Betsey A., 
Liman I., Linnie B., Hugh H. and 
Ray A. Republican in politics. Assess- 
or ten years. Board of Supervisors 
eight years. Members of the Univers- 
alist Church. 

Hawley, S. R. ; P. 0. Dysart. 

HILEMAX, G. W., farmer. Sec. 
31; P. 0. Dysart; born in Cambria 
Co., Penn., in 1836 ; removed to Jo 
Daviess Co., 111., in 1856 ; thence to 
Whiteside Co., 111., in 1859 ; thence to 
Benton Co., in 1870; owns eighty acres, 
valued at $35 per. acre. Married Mary 
Lichty in 186(3: she was born in Henry 
Co., Ind., in 1842 ; they have six chil- 
dren — Wm. E., Ira G., Holley A., Geo. 
C, Mary A. and Chas. L. Republican ; 
Constable eight years, and School Di- 
rector. Enlisted in the 93d Illinois 
Infantry "in 1862 ; participated in the 
battles of Champion Hills, forty-eight 
days, siege of Vicksburg, Mission 
Ridge, Allatoona Pass, Atlanta, Sher- 
man's raid through Georgia ; traveled 
2,554 miles on foot, 2,296 miles by water, 
1,237 miles by rail, a total of 6,087 
miles. 

Hill, Charles, far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Hill, Jessie, far., S, 5 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Hite, Henry.'far., Sec. 2 ; P. O. Dysart. 

HOWARD, GEO C , farmer. Sec. 
20; P. Dysart; born in Essex Co., 
N. Y., in 1833 ; removed to Scott Co., 



Iowa, in 1845 ; thence to Poweshiek 
Co., Iowa, and to Benton Co. in 1865 ; 
owns 250 acres, valued at $30 per acre. 
Married Lizzie Witheral in 1855 ; she 
was born in Wakefield, Eng., in 1832 ; 
they have six children — Lizzie F., born 
Feb., 1856; Fred A., Nov., 1857; 
Clara M., May, 1861 ; Ida M., July, 
1862; Geo. C, August, 1866; Arthur 
D., November, 1872. Republican 
Township Trustee five years ; Secretary 
of the Township Board six years. Mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church of Dy- 
sart ; also three of their children. Mr. 
H. is a member of the A. 0. U. W. at 
Dysart. 

Holtz, F., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Holtz, John, far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Hupfeldt, H., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

JOHNSON, J. B., farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 
0. Garrison 
Johnson, W., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Dysart. 
Johnson, W. W., far., S. 26; P. 0. Garrison. 

KABRICK, S., far.. Sec. 22 ; P. 0. 
Dysart. 

Kabrick, Wm., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Kelly, J., far., S. 3 and 10 ; P..0. Dysart. 

Kessler, H., far., S. 3; P. 0. Dysart. 

Kimport, B., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Kimport, M., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Kinderfarder, A., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Dy- 
sart. 

Kinderfarder, F., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Gar- 
rison. 

Knup-, H., far., S. 32; P. 0. Dysart. 

Knupp, J. B., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

LALLY, JAMES, far., S. 10 ; P. 0. 
Dysart. 
Lehman, H. B., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Lehman, J. P., far., S. 24; P. 0. Garrison. 
LICHTY, GEORGE D., Sec 

33 ; P. 0. Garrison ; born near Hagers- 
town, Md., in 1814; removed to York 
Co., Penn , in 1815; thence to Somer- 
set Co., Penn., in 1825 ; thence to Fay- 
ette Co., Peun., in 1850; thence to 
Linn Co., Iowa, in 1854 ; thence to 
Benton Co. in 1865. Married Mary 
Plair in 1857 ; they have nine children 
— Jacob P., Matilda, David, Lemuel, 
Lena, Barbara, Harmon, Lea and John. 
Republican in politics. Supervisor three 
years, and School Direcior two years. 
Members of the Lutherau Church since 
1836. 
Lukins, R., far., S. 6; F. 0. Dysart. 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 



595 



McCOT, H. H., far. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. 
Dysart. 

Mance, C. far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Maurict, P., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Meyers, H., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Milne, A., fiir., S. 3 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

MIlSKIiaiN, SAMUEI., farmer, 
Sec. 15 ; P. O. Dysart ; born in Dela- 
ware July 18, 1813 ; removed to Rich- 
land Co., Ohio, in 1832 ; thence to Indi- 
ana in 1851 ; thence to Benton Co. in 
1854 ; has 123 acres of land, valued at 
$35 per acre. Married Elizabeth Leedy 
iu 1836; she was born in Ohio Dec. 5, 
1818. An Old Line Whig, and now a 
Republican. County Supervisor three 
years. He is a member of the Christian 
Church. Mr. M. was one of the early 
settlers, there being no settler within 
twelve miles of here ou the west at the 
time he came to this county. 

MOORE, F. P.; P. 0. Dysart; born 
in Wood Co., Ohio, in 1850 ; removed 
to Marshall Co., Iowa, in 1866 ; thence 
to Benion Co., in 1867. Married Katie 
A. Machamer in 1870 ; she was born in 
Schuylkill Co., Penn., in 1850 ; three 
children — Herbie E., born July, 1871 ; 
Fred E., born June 4, 1873 ; Charles 
J., born Oct. 21, 1877. Republican. 

PATTEN THOS., far., S. 24; P. 0. 
Garrison. 
PALHER, A. H., farmer, Sec. 2; 
P. 0. Vi-nton ; born in Wayne Co., 
Mich., in 1850 ; removed to Benton Co., 
in 1 877 ; has eighty acres, valued at $35 
per acre. Married Miss Dora A. Coon- 
ley in 1873 ; she was born in Illinois in 

1858 ; they have one child — Lida A., 
born in 1876. Republican. 

PARSOXS, JAMES, farmer, Sec. 
2 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in England 
May 20, 1840 ; emigrated to Canada in 
1855 ; thence to Sullivan Co., Wis., in 

1859 ; thence to Mercer Co., 111., in 
1861 ; thence to Benton Co. in 1865 ; 
has 164 acres, valued at $25 per acre. 
Married Anna Pollock in 1860 ; she 
was born in Nova Scotia in 1837 ; they 
have five children — Wm. H., John E., 
Catharine E., Lavella J., infant. School 
Director. iNIembers of the United Pres- 
byterian Church. 

PETERSOX, HEXRY, farmer; 
P. O. Dysart ; born in Delaware Co., 
Ohio, in 1827 ; removed to Livinuston 



Co., 111., in 1835 ; thence to Grundy 
Co., 111., in 1863 ; thence to Linn Co., 
Iowa, in 1867; thence to Benton Co. in 
1871. Married Elizabeth Curry in 
1857 ; she was born in Virginia in 
1837 ; eight children — Mary, Daniel 
R., Phebe A., Nancy J., Joseph, Mar- 
garet, Henrietta, William. Republican. 
He is a member of the Dunkard Church. 

Pletcher, A., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Pletcher, J., far., Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

PORTER, S. M., farmer. Sec. 5; 
P. 0. Dysart ; born in New York in 
1817 ; came to Benton Co. in 1860 ; 
has eighty acres of land, valued at $35 
per acre. Married Harriet A. Hawkins 
i-n 1847 ; she was born in Vermont in 
1830; they have seven children — L. 
Augusta, Harriet N., Wallace W., Sam- 
uel N., Helen M., Charles H., Allen A. 
Republican in politics. Township 
Trustee eight years. Member of (The) 
Church. 

RAMPTON, ANTHONY, former, Sec. 
5 ; P. 0. Dysart. 
Rampton, E., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Dysart. 
Raymond, J., far , S. 36 ; P. 0. Garrison. 
Redmond, J., far., S. 15; P. 0. Dysart. 
Redmond, M., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Dysart. 
Robinson, A., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Dysart. 
Rodmond, T., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

SAUNDERS, GEO. W., farmer, Sec. 
35 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Shafer, C. for., S. 25 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

SHAFER, G. W., farmer. Sec. 23 ; 
P. 0. Garrison; born in Huron Co., 
Ohio, in 1839 ; removed to Benton Co. 
in 1863 ; has 210 acres of land, valued 
at $35 per acre. Married Annette Bra- 
son in 1861 ; she was born in Cleveland, 
Ohio in 1841 ; they have three children 
-^jElmer E., Carrie E., Clayton A. Re- 
publican in politics. Enlisted in 2d 
Ohio Cavalry in 1861 ; skirmishing and 
running guerrillas ; assisted in capturing 
several of Quantrells men at Independ- 
ence, Mo.; was mustered out in 1863. 
Members of the Christian Church. Mr. 
Shafer came to Iowa in 1863 with $250 ; 
now has 210 acres of land, well improved, 
well fenced, has just completed a fine 
residence, and has accumulated a prop- 
erty by his industry and frugality worth 
$8,000 or more. 

Shafer, H., farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Garri- 
son. 



596 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



SHOEMAKER, REUBEN B., 

far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in Mer- 
cer Co., Penn., in 1838; removed to 
Scott Co., Iowa, in 1852 ; thence to 
Benton Co., in 1871. Owns eighty 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. 
Married Buena Vista Robinson in 1867 
she was born in Pennsylvania in 1847 
two children — Frances W., born in 1871 
WilHam A., born in 1873. Independ- 
ent in politics. Enlisted in the 14th 
Iowa Inf., in 1862 ; participated in 
skirmishing and detailed duty ; mustered 
out in 1864. 

Shore, C. W., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Sisk, B. W., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Smouse, George. 

SMITH, H. R., far., Sec. 5; P. 0. 
Dysart; born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, 
in 1852 ; removed to Benton Co., in 
1854. Married Katy Hoke in 1874; 
she was born in in Pennsylvania in 
1859 ; they have two children — Molly 
L., born in 1875 ; Edgar R., born in 
1877. Greenbacker. Good Templar. 

SPAYDE, AliBERT, far., S. 20 ; 
P. 0. Dysart ; born in Kosciusko Co., 
Ind., in 1852 ; removed to Benton Co., 
in 1874. Owns 150 acres, valued at 
S30 per acre. Married Etta Howard 
in 1876 ; she was born in Scott Co., Iowa, 
in 1856 ; they have one child — Lizzie 
E., born in 1877. Republican. 

Steece, Geo., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

STEWART, JAMES, far., S. 8 ; 
P. 0. Dysart ; born in County Derry, 
Ireland, in 1814 ; emigrated to New 
York City in June, 1839, thence to 
Philadelphia in Feb., 1840 ; thence, on 
foot, to Pittsburgh in 1841 ; thence to 
Benton Co. in 1857. Owns 250 acres 
of land, valued at $40 per acre. Mar- 
ried Mary Elkin at Allegheny ^ City, 
Penn., Oct. 25, 1843; she was born in 
County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1821 ; they 
have had eleven children — William, born 
April 6, 1845, died for his country 
Aug. 16, 1864; Thomas H., born 
July 18, 1847; Mary T., Jan. 19, 
1850, died Oct. 28, 1853; James H., 
born March 20, 1852 ; Mary E., Nov. 
7, 1857, died Aug. 16, 1877 ; John F., 
born Feb. 4, 1857; Flora L., Feb. 17, 



1859 ; Anny, May 18, 1861 ; Lovy E... 
April 3, 1862 ; Minna, April 11, 1866 ; 
Sadie, Aug. 11, 1868. Township Trus- 
tee, School Director, Road Supervisor. 
Have been members of the Presbyterian 
Church since 1843. 

THORNPKINS, JOHN, far., S., 12 • 
P. 0. Vinton. 

Thompson, R. E.,far.,S.36 ; P.O. Garrison. 

"TTRMY, JONATHAN, far., S. 15 ; 
U P. 0. Dysart. 

Urmy, J. F., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

URMY, WILL.IAM, far., Sec 23 ; 
P. 0. Garrison ; born in Indiana in 
1833 ; came to Benton Co. in 1852. 
Has eighty acres, valued at $25 per 
acre. Married Mary J. Clarrilse in 
1856 ; she was born in Illinois in 1840 ; 
three children — Nancy J., Charles L.,. 
Anna E. Demoratic. Constable six 
years. Member of the Christian Church. 

Utley, M. S., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

VAN WINKLE, A. A , far., S. 11 ; 
P. 0. Garrison. 

TAN WINKLE, ISAAC I., far , 
S. 9 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in Bergen 
Co., N. J., 1811 ; removed to Oakland 
Co., Mich., in 1855 ; thence to Benton 
Co., in 1861 ; owns 200 acres, worth 
$35 per acre. Married Anna D. Brown 
in 1837 ; she was born in Essex Co., 
N. J., in 1841 ; they have five children 
— Phebe. born March 31, 1838, Hester, 
Jan. 25, 1840; Anna E., Feb. 5, 
1844 ; Isaac, Jr., May 5, 1846 ; Cor- 
nelia, March 11, 1853. Republican. 
School Director, Justice of the Peace, 
Township Trustee. He is a member of 
the Presbyterian and she of the Meth- 
dist Church. 

Welch, P., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Wheton. H. F., flar., S. 20; P. 0. Dysart. 

WOOD, W. H., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. 
Garrison ; boru in Ohio in 1843 ; came 
to Benton Co. in 1849 ; owns forty 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. 
Married Harriet Wilson in 1866 ; she 
was born in Indiana in 1846 ; two chil- 
dren — Stewart, born in 1869 ; Charles,, 
born in 1871. Republican. 

W^ortcel, G., far., S. 34; P. 0. Dysart. 
OTING, JAMES. 



Y' 



BRUCE TOWNSHIP. 



597 



BRUCE TOWNSHIP. 



ADAIR, W. T., farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. O. 
La Porte City. 

ADAIR, J. M., farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 
0. La Porte City ; born in Westmore- 
land Co., Penn., in 1841 ; came to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1865 ; has eighty acres of 
land, valued at $40 per acre. Married 
Miss M. J. English in 1865 ; she was 
born in Clarion Co., Penn., in 1841 ; 
they have four children — Frank Milton, 
Margaret E., Anna M., and James A. 
Members of the Presbyterian Church. 
Enlisted in 1862 in the 15th Penn. V. 
C; participated in the battles of Stone 
River, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, 
Cumberland Mountain, Lookout Moun- 
tain and others ; was mustered out in 
1865, at Nashville. 

AL.T, GEORG^E W., farmer and 
breeder of Clydesdale horses, Sec. 28 ; 
P.O. Mooreville; born in Johnson Co., 
Iowa, in 1843; came to Benton Co. in 
1869; has 160 acres of land, valued at 
S40 per acre. Married Miss P]lizabeth 
Ross in 1867 ; she was born in Frank- 
lin Co., Ohio, in 1841 ; they have four 
children — Olive J., Mary Maria, George 
W., Jr., and an infant. Republican in 
polities. Is road Supervisor. Mrs. A. is 
a member of the United Brethren 
Church. Enlisted for the 18th Iowa V. 
I., Aug. 1, 1862; was discharged on 
account of ill health Sept. 10, 1862 ; 
re-enlisted int he 22d Iowa V. I. Feb. 
27, 1864; participated in the battles of 
Winchester, Shenandoah Valley, Fisher's 
Hill, Cedar Creek, Va.; was mustered 
out July 25, 1865. 

BEAL, JOHN, flirmer, Sec. 21 ; P. 
La Porte City. 

BEACH, J. B., farmer. Sec. 29 ; P. 
O. Mooreville ; born in the State of 
New York in 1842 ; came to Benton Co. 
in 1865 ; has 88 acres of land, valued 
at $30 per acre. Married Miss Mary 
J. Wilson in 1867 ; she wa.s born in 
Michigan in 1845. Republican in poli- 
tics. Shool Director. Mrs. B. is a mem- I 
ber of the M. E. Church. 

BELL, J. H., firmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. 
La Porte City; born in Ohio in 1836 ; 
came to Benton Co. in 1870 ; has eighty 
acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. 



Married Eliza Curtis in 1861 ; she was 
born in Michigan in 1839; they have 
four children — John W., Robert C, 
William E. and Carl. Democrat. Is 
School Director, Secretary of the Town- 
ship. Members of the U. B. Church. 

Betts, J., far.,S. 3; P. 0. La Porte City. 

Betts, L., for., S. 3 ; P. 0. La Porte City. 

Bowman, P., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

BOYD, WILLIAM, farmer, Sec. 
32 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in Ireland in 
Jan., 1812; emigrated to America in 
Dec, 1848 ; came to Benton Co. in 
1855 ; has 440 acres of land, valued at 
$35 per acre. Married Sarah Stringer 
in 1853 ; she was born in Ireland in 
1817 ; they have six children — George 
L., William A., Mary E., John M., 
Abram F. and Margaret. Republican ; 
members of the Presbyterian Church. 
Is Township Trustee. Mr. Boyd is the 
oldest settler of his neighborhood, and 
has made the fine improvements on his 
farm by his own industry. 

Brenneiser, H. E., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. La 
Porte City. 

Brenneiser, J. J., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. La 
Porte City. 

BROWN, F. CJ., farmer and stock 
rai.ser. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in 
Jackson Co., Ohio, in 1820 ; removed 
near Columbus, Ohio, in 1825 ; thence 
to Sandusky Co., Ohio, in 1832 ; thence 
to Indiana in 1841 ; thence to Benton 
Co. in 1857 ; has 244 acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre. Married Keziah 
Becker in 1841 ; she was born in Knox 
Co., Penn., in 1822, and died Sept. 18, 
1873; hasten children — William H., 
Mary C, Isabel, John R., Emily, Erven 
L., Miland, Clara J., Melyette, Free- 
born G., Jr. Republican. Supervisor, 
Trustee and School Director. Member 
of the United Brethren Church. 

Brcwn, J., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. La Porte City. 

Brown, J. R.. far.. S. 31 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

BUCHAN, GEO., far., S. 1(1; P. 
0. La Porte City ; born in Scotland in 
1805; emigrated to America in 1837, 
and to Benton Co. in April, 1854 ; has 
200 acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre. Married Agnes Bruce in 1831 ;. 



598 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY ; 



she was born in Aberdeenshire, Scot- 
land, in 1812, died Sept. 9, 1849, leav- 
ing seven children — Greorge, Jr., Ann 
Margaret, who died April 18, 1874 ; 
John, William, James, and Joseph. 
Was an old-line Whig ; is now a Re- 
publican ; is a member of the Presbyte- 
rian Church. 

UCHAN, C^EO., JR., far.. Sec. 
15 ; P. 0. La Porte City ; born in Scot- 
land in 183] ; emigrated to America in 
1837 ; came to Benton Co. in 1855 ; 
has 160 acres of land valued at $35 
per acre. Married Mary J. Betts in 
1862 ; she was born in Pennsylvania in 
1 840 ; they have three children — Agnes, 
Ellry J. and Willie. Republican in 
politics. 
BURRELL, AI^EXAXDER, 
farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. La Porte City ; 
born in Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1822 ; 
came to Benton Co. in 1866 ; has 240 
acres of land,valued at $35 per acre. Mar- 
ried Rhoda E. Ackerman 1858 ; 'she was 
born in Ohio in 1833; they have six 
children — Ellen E., Cynthia E., Olliver 
E., David R., Mercia E. and Clara E. 
Republican in politics, 
urrell, R. E. 

CARLISLE, J., far.,S. 12; P. 0. La 
Porte City. 

Carlisle, L. M., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

COOPER, DARWIN, far., S 6 ; 
P. 0. La Porte City ; born in Will Co., 
Ill,, in 1849 ; removed to Benton Co. 
in 1876 ; has eighty acres of land, val- 
ued at $40 per acre. Married Maria 
Walkerlv in 1876 ; she was born in 
Will Co*, III, in 1858. Republican in 
politics; members of the M. E. Church. 

DEPEW, OEOROE, farmer, Sec. 
4 ; P. O. La Porte ; born in Canada in 
1830 ; removed to Clinton Co., Iowa, in 
1864 ; thence to Benton Co., in 1868 ; 
has 124 acres of land, valued at $35 
per acre. Republican in politics. 

DAVIS, ELISHA, farmer, S. 1 ; P. 
0. La Porte City. 

Dickerson, A. W., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. La 
Porte City. 

Does, v., far., S. 35; P. 0. La Porte 
Citv. 

DRISCOI., PETER, firmer. Sec. 
14 ; P. 0. La Porte City ; born in Ire- 
and in 1833; emigrated to America in 
1856; came to Benton Co. in 1876; 



E 



eighty acres of land, valued at $30 per 
acre. Married Miss Mary Hagan in 
1858 ; she was born in 1837 ; they have 
five children — Jeremiah, John, William 
James and Jemimah. Politics, Demo- 
cratic. 

BERHART, B., far., S. 8; P. O. 
J La Porte City. 

E FRANCIS, JOSEPH, far.. Sec. 16; 
P. 0. La Porte City. 

FREEJOAX, IRA L., farmer. Sec. 
32 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in Broome Co., 
N. Y., Nov. 7, 1822 ; removed, to Ben- 
ton Co. March, 1859 ; has 174 acres 
of land, valued at $40 per acre. Mar- 
ried Lucy E. Wilton March 19, 1846 ; 
she was born in Broome Co., N. Y., 
June 9, 1823 ; they have four children 
—Charles E., born Aug. 19, 1848; 
Martin E., July 19, 1851 ; Lyman E., 
Aug. 24, 1857; Roxy J., May 19, 
1861. Republican. School Director, 
Township Trustee, Road Supervisor, 
and Justice of the Peace at the present 
time. Members of the M. E. Church. 
Mr. Freeman says there are no manu- 
facturing interests in the county, and 
thinks the farmers should interest them- 
selves in the matter and contribute a 
certain sum according to their means, to 
be used for that purpose. 

Fritz, H.. far., S. 24 ; P. 0. La Porte City. 

FRITZ, WIL.L.IAM C, farmer. 
Sec. 13 ; P. O. La Porte City ; born in 
Pennsylvania in 1836 ; removed to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1867 ; has eighty acres of land, 
valued at $40 per acre. Married Cor- 
delia M. Agnew in 1862 ; she was born 
in Bureau Co.. 111., in 1843 ; five chil- 
dren — Lizzie B., Mary A., Henry F., 
Mertie M. and Claude W. Green- 
backer ; School Director and Road 
Supervisor ; member of the I. 0. 0. F. 

Fuller, S., far., Sec. 31 ; P. O. Dysart. 

QALLIGER, JOHN, farmer,' Sec. 25 
P. O. La Porte City. 
OANGE, JOH]¥, farmer. Sec. 33 
P. O. Dysart ; born in England in 
1840; emigrated to Amei-ica in 1849 
came to Benton Co. in 1869; has 160 
acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. 
Married Susan Kine in 1865 ; she was 
born in Canada in 1845; they have 
seven children — Mary E., WiUiam H., 
Charles F., Sarah J., John E., Martha 
L., Harriet M. Members of the Church 



BRUCE TOWNSHIP. 



599 



of Christ. Enlisted in the 26th I. V. 
I., in 1862; participated in the battles 
of Arkansas Post and Vicksburg; 
wounled and taken prisoner at Ray- 
mond Station, Miss.; also at battles of 
Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, At- 
lanta and others; was with Sherman in the 
march to the sea ; mustered out in 1865. 

Gates, L. R„ far., S. 4 ; P. 0. La Porte 
Citv. 

Gay, J. R., far., Sees. 9 and 10 ; P. 0. La 
Porte City. 

Gibson, VV. J., f\ir.. Sec 30 ; P. 0. Moore- 
ville. 

Gifford, Henry. 

Gillespie, M., far., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

CJIIiLESPIK, ROBT. J., farm- 
er. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in 
Philadelphia, Penn., May 25, 1843; 
removed to Benton Co. in 1866 ; owns 
eighty acres land, valued at ^35 per acre. 
MaiTied Emeline Kuhn in 1871 ; she 
was born in Ohio in 1842 ; have four 
children — Sarah Y., William L., Joseph 
H., John. Grernbacker ; members 
of the United Presbyterian Church. 
Enlisted in the 98th 0. V. I. in 1862; 
participated in the battles of Buzzard's 
Ronst, Kenesaw, Rocky Falls, Resaca, 
and others ; injured in spine while 
building breastworks, from which he 
has never recovered ; mustered out 
July. 1865. 

Gillespie, Z., far.. Sec. 36 ; P 0. Vinton. 

Goodwin, W. G.,far., S. 1 ; P.O. La Porte 
City. 

HALSLED, FREEMAN, farmer, Sec. 
15 ; P. 0. La Porte City. 

Haislet, G., far., Sec. 15 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Halboth, G., far., S. 35 : P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Halboth. J. N., far., S. 34 ; P. O. La Porte 
City. 

HATCH, E. W., farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 
O. La Porte City ; born in Medina Co., 
Ohio, in 1831 ; came to Benton Co. in 
1871 ; has 230 acres of land, valued at 
S40 per acre. Married Elizabeth A. 
Tuttle in 1855 ; she was born in Me- 
dina Co., Ohio, in 1831 ; they have nine 
children — Amanda A., Alice J. James 
P., Ernest W., Mary E., Nellie A , An- 
dress E.. Amy C. and Linn B. Repub- 
li(,:an. Has held the offices of School 
Director four years, Township School 



Treasurer four years, and Road Su- 
pervisor. Members of the Free-Will 
Baptist Church. 

Hathaway, 0. C, far., S. 9 ; P. O. Dysart. 

HAYWARD, €. B., farmer. Sec. 
19; P. 0. Mooreville ; born in Lena- 
wee Co., Mich., in 1843 ; came to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1855; has 160 acres of land, 
valued at $40 per acre. Married Lucy 
E. Marsh in 1870 ; she was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1851 ; they have two 
children — Otis, born in 1871, and Bes- 
sie, in 1875. Republican in politics. 
Has held the offices of Supervisor and 
School Director. Members of the Free- 
Will Baptist Church. Enlisted in the 
12th Iowa V. I., Oct. 21, 1861 ; lost 
his health, and was mustered out May 
12, 1862. 

Haywood, H., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Hayes, I. B., far., S. 26; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Heth, W. H., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Hex, H., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Hiller, M., far., S. 22; P. 6. La Porte 
City. 

Hirst, H. T., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Moore- 
ville. 

Hoefling, C, far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Hoefling, J., far., S. 28; P. 0. Dysart. 

Howitt. J., far., S. 14 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Hurd, L. W., far., S. 9; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Hurd, W. W., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Johnson W.T.,far., S. 28 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Judd, J. S., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Cedar 
Falls. 

KENASTON, C. H.,far.,S. 6 ; P. 0. 
La Porte Citv. 
KAHIi, JOHX, farmer, Sec. 23; 
P. 0. La Porte City ; born in Germany 
in 1826. Emigrated to America in 
in 1856, and to Benton Co. in 1867. 
Has eighty acres of land, valued at S30 
per acre. Married Catherine Hass in 
1863; she was born in Holstein, Ger- 
many, in 1836; they have seven chil- 
dren — John, Jr., Annie, Mary, Henry, 
Lena, Peter and Willie. Republican in 
politics. Members of the Lutheran 
Church. 



600 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



Kessler, D., far., See. 22 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

City. 
Kitchil, G. L., far., S. 14 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

City. 
Kunidy, N. K, far., S. 3 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

Citv. 

LEWIS, J. W., far., S. 11 ; P. O. 
La Porte City. 

LAWYER, WM. M., farmer and 
stock grower. Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Moore- 
ville; born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., 
1838 ; removed to Benton Co. in 1865 ; 
has 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre. Married Aurelia Schoolcraft in 
1864; she was born in New York in 
1835; they have three children — Lula 
J., Alonzo D., Hulbert A. Democrat. 
Road Supervisor. Members of the M. 
E. Church. 

Longman, W., for., S. 14 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

Lyon, E. B., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

Lyon, R. B.,far., S. 1 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

MCCORMICK, JOHN, far., S. 5 ; P. 
La Porte. 

McQuilkin, J. M., far., S. 7; P. 0. La 
Porte. 

McQUILKIN, R. R., farmer. Sec. 
18; P. 0. La Porte City; born in 
Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1814 ; re- 
moved to Benton Co. in 1862 ; has 870 
acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. 
Married Isabel Wylie in 1842 ; she was 
born in Westmoreland Co., Penn , in 
1819; they have eight children — Mar- 
garet A., Robert W", Martha J., Mary 
B., Andrew A , John N., William T., 
David K. Republican. Has held the 
office of School Director, Road Super- 
visor, and Justice of the Peace six 
years. Mr. and Mrs. McQ. and all 
their children are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 

McQriLKIN, SAMUEL, farmer, 
Sec. 8 ; P. 0. La Porte City ; born 
in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1818; 
came to Benton Co. in 1865; has 
149 acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre. Married Miss Kerr in 1847 ; she 
was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., 
in 1822; they have five children — 
Joseph K., Robert R., Flora B., Nana 
J., Archie D. Justice of the Peace 
six years and County Supervisor. Mr. 
and Mrs. McQuilkin are members of 
and he an Elder of the Presbyterian 
Church for twenty-five years. 



Mayes, W. P., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

Meeker, J., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Mooreville. 

Meirr, C, for., S. 23 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

Moore, C. M., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. La Porte. 

MOSES, H. D., farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. 
Mooreville ; born in Allegany Co., N. 
Y., in 1836 ; came to Benton Co. in 
1861 ; has 302 acres of land, valued at 
$35 per acre. Married Rhoda Will- 
iams in 1861 ; she was born in Roches- 
ter, N. Y., in 1835 ; they have six chil- 
dren — Albert M., Elmer, Arthur, Min- 
nie, Johnie and Libbie. Democratic. 
Has held the offices of Road Supervisor 
and School Director. Member of Trowel 
Lodge (Masonic), 216, La Porte City. 

Myers, J., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. La Porte City. 

^Vl'ARBOR, Emanuel, farmer, Sec. 6 ; 

JJN p. 0. La Porte City. 

XARBEE, EMAXUEE, farmer. 
Sec. 6 ; P. 0. La Porte City ; born in 
Stephenson Co. 111., in 1855 ; removed 
to Benton Co. in 1857 ; has 280 acres 
of land, valued at $40 per acre. Demo- 
cratic in politics. 

Nichols, J., farmer. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

PERKINS, JOHN M., farmer. 
Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Mooreville ; born in 
Ohio in 1834; i-emoved to Benton Co. 
in 1855 ; has eighty acres of land, valued 
at $45 per acre. Married Cordelia 
Landakan in 1854 ; she was born in 
Ohio in 1834 ; they have three children 
living, and one dead — John L., born 
in 1855, died May 19, 1877; Mary 
E., born in 1858 ; Alpha C, born in 
1861 ; Anna, born in 1865. Mr. P. is 
Republican in politics. Held the offices 
of Road Supervisor and Constable. 

PERKINS, ROYAL A., former 
and stock raiser. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. 
Mooreville ; born in Ohio in 1840 ; re- 
moved to Benton Co. in 1866 ; has 250 
acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. 
Married Catharine Gingrich in 1875 ; 
she was born in Pennsylvania in 1840. 
Republican. 

PERRY, WM., farmer and breeder 
of tine stock, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Moore- 
ville ; born in Kentucky in 1839 ; came 
to Benton Co. in 1875 ; has eighty 
acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. 
Married Tryphenia Hally in 1861 ; she 
was born in Ohio in 1845 ; their chil- 
dren are Effie, Mary, Lizzie, William, 



BRUCE TOWNSHIP. 



(>01 



Jasper, Lee, Ellie, Dollie, Bessie, and 
an infant. Democratic in politics. 

RAHN, HANS, farmer, Sec. U ; P. 
0. La Porte City. 

RICE, MOSES W., farmer. Sec. 
15 ; P. 0. La Porte City; bora in 
Erie Co., N. Y., in 1888; removed to 
Benton Co. in 1858; htis 160 acres of 
land, valued at 835 per acre. Married 
Mrs. Mary J. Bodgurs Sept. 20, 1865; 
she was born in Ohio in 1841, died 
Oct. 14, 1867 ; he married Miss E. P. 
Cromer Dec. 25, 1872; she was born 
in Missouri in 1851 ; they have one 
child— Frankie M., born April 6, 1877. 
Republican in politics. Was Assessor 
in 1868 ; Township Trustee and Boad 
Supervisor. Enlisted in the 13th I. V. 
I., August, 1862 ; participated in bat- 
tle of Vicksburg, although discharged ; 
re-enlisted and in battle of Atlanta ; there 
wounded and in hospital from July 
until the March following ; mustered 
out in March, 1865. 

Bice, O. A., farmer, S. 21 ; P. 0. Moore- 
ville. 

Bipple, Chas., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

SANDEBS, G. W., farmer, Sec. 35 ; 
P. 0. Garrison. 

Scheurer, J. F., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Scheurer, J. F., Jr., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. 
La Porte City. 

SEHEITRER, J. M., farmer, S. 22 ; 
P. 0. La Porte City ; was born in Ger- 
many in 1838 ; emigrated to America in 
1843 ; to Black Hawk Co. in 1861, and to 
Benton Co. in 1867 ; has 100 acres of 
land, valued at 840 per acre. Married 
Mary A. Eimerman in 1861 ; she was 
born in Germany Nov. 7, 1839, died 
Sept. 5, 1875, leaving five children — 
Sarah J., William M., Allie, Louisa M. 
and Anna M. ; married Mai-y Elizabeth 
Baher Aug. 5, 1876 ; she was born in 
West Prussia in 1852; they have one child 
— Hattie, born Jan. 26, 1878. Repub- 
lican, School Director and Township 
Trustee. Member of the Evangelical 
Church ; leader of the choir of that 
church. 

SIIIKER, J. J., farmer, Sec. 22; 
P. U. La Porte City ; born in Baden, 
Germany, in 1835 ; emigrated to Amer- 
ica in 1843, and to Benton Co., in 1868 ; 



; P. 0. La Porte 
P. 0. La Porte 
: P. 0. Moore- 



has 200 acres of land, valued at 840 
per acre. Republican in politics ; mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Church. 

SCHErRER, W. W., farmer, Sec. 
22 ; born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1846 ; 
came to Black Hawk Co., Iowa, in 1861 ; 
thence to Benton Co. in 1869 ; has 
160 acres of land, valued at 830 per 
acre. Married Miss Carrie M. Triem 
in 1868 ; she was born in Ohio in 1847 ; 
they have three children — Lillian V., 
Leonard L. and Mabel May. Repub- 
lican in politics. Has held the offices of 
School Director, Justice of the Peace, 
Trustee, and is Township Clerk at the 
present writing. Mr. and Mrs. Scheurer 
are members of the Evangelical Church. 

Scott, H. H., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Shimer, J. A., far., S. 21 
City. 

Sloan, J. T., far., S. 18 ; 
City. 

Smith, W. W., far., S. 19 , 
ville. 

SOMERS, A. C, farmer, Sec. 11; 
P. 0. La Porte City ; born in Genesee 
Co., N. Y., in 1828 ; came to Benton 
Co. in 1856 ; has eighty acres of land, 
valued at 830 per acre. Married Susan 
Searle in 1859 ; she was born in Ohio, 
in 1842 ; they have five children — 
Irene B., Eoline L., Lillie E., Leslie L. 
and Leon L. Bepublican in politics. 
Enlisted in the 31st I. V. I., in 1862 ; 
he participated in the battles of Arkan- 
sas Post and siege of Vicksburg ; mus- 
tered out Nov. 6, 1863, from ill health. 

Stull, J. S., far., S. 3; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

STEWART, SAMUEL, farmer, 
Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Mooreville ; born in 
Pennsylvania in 1823; removed to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1867 ; has 240 acres of land, 
valued at 840 per acre. Married Sarah 
A. Young in 1847 ; she was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1822 ; they have four 
children — James B., Ashbell X., Charles 
D. and Frank Y. Bepublican in poli- 
tics. Has held the office of School Di- 
rector five years. Township Trustee three 
terms, and Boad Supervisor. Volun- 
teered, with about thirty others from 
North Washington, Penn., to prevent 
the rebels from making a raid into Penn- 
sylvania from Antietam. 



602 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



TALBOTH, SETH, farmer, Sec. 29 ; 
P. 0. La Porte City. 
Thompson, C. 0., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
TREANOR, <T^EO., farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Mooreville ; 
born in the city of New York Jan. 28, 
1816 ; removed to Benton Co. June 

1857 ; has 390 acres of land, valued at 
$'65 per acre. Married Lucy S. Allen 
Jan. 6, 1836 ; she was born in Massa- 
chussetts Sept. 3, 1846 ; died March 
25, 1856, leaving two children — Har- 
riett M., born July 3, 1844; Lucy A., 
born Dec. 24, 1848. Married Sarah L. 
Rice Nov. 9, 1856 ; she was born in 
Erie Co., N. Y., 1835 ; they have two 
children — George S., born Oct. 24, 
1859; Belle A., born Oct. 3, 1862. 
Republican in politics. Has held the 
offices of Township Clerk, Trustee, 
School Director and County Supervisor, 

\ the first elected in the town. Is a mem- 
ber of the I. 0. 0. F. 

UNGER, CHARLES, far., S. 16 ; P. 
0. La Porte City. 

Unger, H., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

^"TAN DUGAN, G. L., far., S. 10 ; P. 
V 0. La Porte City. 

VAX DErSEX, M. B., farmer 
and stock raiser, Sec. 17; P. 0. La 
Porte City ; born in Medina Co., Ohio, 
in 1835 ; removed to Benton Co. in 
1858; has 400 acres of land, valued at 
$40 per acre. Married Miss Harriet 
Treenor in 1859 ; she was born in Erie 
Co., N. Y., in 1844 ; they have one 
child — Orpha, born in Nov., 1864. Re- 
publican in politics. Has held the of- 
fices of J ustice of the Peace, .Assessor, 
School Director and others. Mr. Van 
Deusen was among the early settlers, 
and has made all he has by his own in- 
dustry, working for wages the first year 
of his life in Iowa, at $12 per month. 

VAN DUYN, JAMES W., 
farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 11; P. 
0. La Porte City ; born in Cayuga Co., 
N. Y., in 1824 ; came to Benton Co. in 

1858 ; has 165 acres of land, valued at 
$45 per acre. Married Mary J. Sayles 
in 1846 ; she was born in Cayuga Co. , 
N. Y., in 1825 ; they have three chil- 
dren — Charles L., born Aug. 27, 1850 ; 
George L., born Oct. 6, 1852, and Ella 
J., in Jan. 6, 1862. Republican. Has 



held the offices of Assessor, Justice of 
the Peace, Township Clerk, Road Su- 
pervisor and School Director. Mem- 
ber of the Trowel Lodge, 216, La Porte 
City. 

WALKER, A. L., far., Se. 8 ; P. 
0. La Porte City. 

Warner, N. S., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

Waterson, J., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Willmore, J., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

Woodley, A., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. La Porte 
City. 

WOODL-E Y JACOB, farmer. Sec. 
16 ; P. 0. La Porte City ; born in Ly- 
coming Co., Penn., in 1823 ; removed to 
Erie C, N. Y., in 1828; thence to Medina 
Co., Ohio, in 1838, and to Benton Co. 
in 1856 ; has eighty-five acres of land, 
valued at $40 per acre. Married Ma- 
linda Treanor in 1848 ; she was born in 
New York in 1830 ; they have one 
child — Ann, born in 1849. Republican 
in politics. Township Trustee. 

YOUNG, E. C, farmer. Sec. 11 ; P. 
0. La Porte City. 

YERKES, S. A., farmer, Sec. 36 ; 
P. 0. Vinton ; born in Dearborn Co., 
Ind., in 1837 ; removed to Benton Co. 
in 1855 ; has eighty acres of land, val- 
ued at $30 per acre. Married Catha- 
rine Hite in 1860 ; she was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1842 ; they have six 
children — Ollive V., Eldora, Cora B., 
Lulu May, Ostrum H. and Thomas E. 
Republican. Sub-School Director. Have 
been members of the United Brethren 
Church for five years. Mr. Yerkes is 
among the early settlers ; came to Bruce 
Tp. in 1869. 

YOIIXG, A. E. F., farmer. Sec. 14 ; 
P. 0. La Porte City ; born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1822 ; came to Benton Co. in 
1861 ; has 160 acres of land, valued at 
$30 per acre. Married Lavinna Good- 
win in 1844 ; she was born in Ohio in 
1822 ; they have three children — Clar- 
ence v., Eugene C. and Mary C. Re- 
publican in politics. Township Clerk 
four years ; Justice of the Peace four 
years, and Township Trustee four years. 

YOUNG, CEARENCE V., far., 

Sec. 21 ; P. O. La Porte City ; born 
in Hinckley, Medina Co., Ohio, in 1845 ; 
came to Benton Co. in 1861 ; has eighty 



BRUCE TOWNSHIP. 



605 



acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. 
Married Anna Woodley in 1865 ; she 
was born in Ohio in 1849. Republican. 
Constable four years, Road Supervisor 
nine years, and Township Trustee. Is 



a member of the Fire Company at La 
Porte City. 
Young, E. C, far., S. 11 ; P. O. La Porte 
City. 




604 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



POLK TOWNSHIP. 



ALBERTS, JACOB, farmer, Sec. 6 ; 
P. 0. Urbanna. 
Alberts, M., far.. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Urbanua. 

BABC0CK,'R. D., far., Sec. 9; P. 
0. Urbanna. 

Baltus, T., for., Sec. 12; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Barnard, J., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Barnard, T., far.. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Beebe, D. W., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Berry, E., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Berry, Robt., far., S. 4 ; P.O. Urbanna. 

Black, J. C, far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Black, J. J., far., S. 35; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Blackburn, D., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

BOARDMAX, HORATIO E., 
farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Spencer's Gi-rove ; 
born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1841 ; 
came to Benton Co. in 1854 ; has nine- 
ty-five acres of land, valued at $35 per 
acre. Married Rachel Manwell in 
1855 ; she was born in Indiana in 1848 ; 
they have four children — Charles, Lo- 
retta, Stephen and Greorge F. Repub- 
lican in politics. 

RODY, HUGH, former. See. 3 ; 
P. O. Urbanna ; born in Richland 
Co., Ohio, in 1817; came to Benton 
Co. in 1840 ; has 584 acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre. Married Miss 
Joanna Osborne in March, 1844 ; she 
was born in Indiana in 1827 ; they have 
nine children — Samuel, Clarinda, Ste- 
phen, Hugh, Jr., John, William, Rebec- 
ca, Henry and Alexander. Mr. Brody 
was among the earliest settlers of the 
county, and has made his property, with 
extensive improvements, by hard labor 
and economy since coming to the county. 

Brody, Samuel, farmer. Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

BROWN, ABRAHAM, farmer, 
Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Urbanna ; born in West 
Virginia in 1806 ; came to Benton Co. 
in 1852 ; has ninety-three acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre. Married Mrs. 
Charlotte Cagley in 1839 ; she was born 
in Virginia in 1813; they have three 
children — James, Samuel and Catherine. 
Democratic in politics. Has held the 
offices of Township Trustee and School 
Director. Members of the Lutheran 
Church. 

Brown, J., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 



BRYSON, JOHN, former. Sec. 24; 
P.O. Urbanna; born in Tennessee in 1821; 
came to Benton Co. July, 1845 ; has 98 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Speak in 1851 ; 
she was born in Lebanon Co., Ky., Aug. 
22, 1827 ; they have three children — 
John F., born in 1855 ; Emma V., 
born in 1857, and Julia E., born in 1860. 
School Director ; Mr. and Mrs. Bryson 
and the two girls are members of the 
Evangelical Church. Enlisted August, 
1862, in the 20th I. V. I.; participated 
in the battles of Prairie Grove, Vicks- 
burg, Forts Blakely and Morgan ; mus- 
tered out at Mobile, Ala., July, 1865. 

Burk, J. L., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Burk, J. L., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Burk, W., far., Sec. 4; P. O. Urbanna. 

Burkhart, C, far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Burrell, J. D., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

CAGLEY, J. C, far.. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 

Carl, G., far.. Sec. 22 ; P. O. Urbanna. 

Casner, E. W., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Chambers, J., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Claser, M., far., Sec. 14; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Cline, C. M., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Cline, J. C, far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Cook, R. E., far., S. 29; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Cramer, A. B., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Crawford, J. P., far., S. 21 ; P.O. Urbanna. 

Cross, J., far.. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Cross, J. W., far., Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Crossland, J., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Cumberland, P. C, far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

DARIN, J. H., farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 
0. Urbanna. 

Denison, S. H., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Urbanna 

Derers, D., far.. Sec. 12; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Dingman, G. W., Sr., for.. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna 

Dingman, G. W., Jr., far.. Sec. 1 ; P. O. 
Urbanna. 

DOTY, OILEIS, farmer, Sec. 31 ; 
P. 0. Urbanna ; born in the State of 
New York in 1819 ; came to Benton 
Co. in 1874 ; has 100 acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre. Married Miss 
Clarisa Brown in 1848 ; she was born 
in New York State in 1828 ; they have 
five children — Mariah, Helen M., May, 



POLK TOWNSHIP. 



605 



Eunice M. and Stephen. Democratic 

in politics. 
Downs, J. C, far., S. 27 ; P. O. Urbanna. 
Drips, A. J., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

EATON, T. J., farmer. Sec. 28 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 
Erving, Thos., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

FERGURSON. A. J., far., S. 23 ; P. 
0. Urbanna. 
Fergurson, J., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 
Fetherkile, A. A., far., S. 2 ; P.O.Urbanna. 
FETHERKILE, ADAM F., 

S. 27 ; P. 0. Urbanna ; born in Nelson 
Co., Ky., April 1, 1812; came to 
Benton Co. in Oct., 1852; has 314^ 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. 
Married Miss Jemima Bailey in June, 
1832 ; she was born in Phillips Co., 
Ark., in 1817 ; died July 4, 1837 ; then 
married Miss Sidney Bailey in Dec, 
1837 ; she died Aug. 27, 1841, leaving 
•one child — Lucinda M,, born Jan. 2, 
1840 ; died March 22, 1860 ; Mr. F. 
married Amelia J. Holley in 1843 ; she 
was born in Indiana in 1820 ; divorced 
from Amelia in 1849; she left one 
<;hild — George M., born March 17, 
1844 ; Mr. F. married Nancy Pawley 
in 1849 ; she was born in Kentucky 
in 1819; died Oct. 5, 1850 ; he then 
married Sarah M. Weysong April 19, 
1 851 ; she was born in North Carolina Dec. 
26, 1825 ; they have eight children — 
Adam A., Polly, John F., Abraham W., 
Sarah J., Mary E., Nancy C, Julia I. F. 
Democrat. Has held the office of Town- 
ship Trustee. He is a member of the 
Dunkard Church. His son, Georse 
M., now a resident of Kansas, enlisted 
in the 28th I. V. I. in 1862 ; partici- 
pated in the battles ot Red River, 
Vicksburg, all through the Shenandoah 
Valley, Va., with Sheridan. Was a 
prisoner three months ; taken foraging ; 
mustered out at close of the war. I^Ir. 
F. is among the early settlers, and has 
made all he has, with his fine improve- 
ments, since coming to this State, by his 
untiring energy and perseverance. 

Francis, A.W., far., S. 20 : P. 0. Urbanna. 

Francis, J. S., far., S. 20 ; P. O. Urbanna. 

Francis, VV. W., far., S. 20 ; P. O. Ur- 
banna. 

Fulton, F. J., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

GARDENKAUF, ADAM, farmer, 
Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 



Gates, J. 0., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

GIL.I.MAX, E. D., farmer, Sec. 17 ; 
P. 0. Brandon ; born in Indiana in 
1847 ; came to Benton Co. in 1873 ; 
has 320 acres of land, valued at 035 per 
acre. Married Calphurnia Andrews in 
1867 ; she was born in Indiana in 1849 ; 
they have four children — Sarah 0., Mar- 
tin L., LillieE. andAdelbert C. Inde- 
pendent in politics. School Director in 
Independent District. Enlisted in the 
27th Iowa V. I. in 1864 ; was taken 
sick at Nashville, and was in hospital 
until mustered out in 1865. 

Goasch, John, far.; P. 0. Urbanna. 

GOINGS, DELILA, farming, Sec. 
11; P. 0. Spencer's Grove; born in 
Ohio in 1830 ; came to Benton Co. in 
1862 ; has 200 acres of land, valued at 
S40 per acre. Married Joseph A. Go- 
ings in 1844 ; he was born in Virginia 
in 1823, died June 18, 1877, from a 
stroke of lightning, leaving eight chil- 
dren — Susan, John, Sarah, George W., 
Alexander, James, William E. and Mary 
M. >. Members of the Free Method- 
ist Church. 

Goings, John, far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Goodwin, R., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Gray, Wm. R., tinner, Ui-banna. 

Gresie, F., flir., S. 28; P. 0. Urbanna. 

HAKE, G. W., farmer. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 

Hardesty, M. W., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

Harrison, R., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Haseltine, E. D., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Center 
Point. 

Hawley, J. A., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Hawley, William. 

Heath, J. T., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Hemphill, F., S. 2 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Hines, W. S., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Holly, C, far., S. 16; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Holt, John, far., S. 29 ; P. O. Urbanna. 

Hoon, J. W., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Hunt, Wm., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

JOHNSON, G. W., far., Sec 5 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 
Johnson, J., far., S. 31 ; P. O. Urbanna. 

KATTERMAN, J., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 
Keitges, Peter, far., S. 13; P. 0. Urbanna. 
Kelso, S., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Spencer's Grove. 
Kelty, H. H., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 
Kelty, S. D., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 



606 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Kelty, W. H., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

KETTERII AX, JAMES, farmer, 
Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Urbanna ; born in Dela- 
ware Co., Ind., in 1838; came to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1852 ; has 175 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre. Married Miss 
Lucy J. Storts in 1861; she was born 
in Perry Co., Ohio, in 1842 ; they have 
seven children — Allice C, Chas. L., 
Emma V., Bell M., Olie, Effie, Eddie. 
Democrat in politics. She is a member 
of the Christian Church. Both are 
members of the Pleasant \'alley Lodge, 
No. 1671. 

Kimmus, Paul, far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

King, A. A., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

King, A. M., far., S. 32; P. 0. Urbanna. 

King, Wm., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Kirkland, C, far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Kisling, John, far., S. 4; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Kisling, Joseph, far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Kieser, Mike, farmer, Sec. 14 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 

Kizer, A., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

KIZEK, B. F., farmer. Sec. 23; 
P. O. Urbanna ; born in Cedar Co., 
Iowa, in 1838 ; came to Benton Co. in 
1867; has eighty-six acres of land, valued 
at $35 per acre. Married Miss Isabel 
Beckworthin 1865; she was born in Cana- 
da in 1843 ; they have four children — 
Maggie S., Ida May, George E. and 
Sidney. Is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., 
No. 328, Marysville ; has held the of- 
fice of School Director. 

Kuntz, H., far.. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Kramer, J., far., S. 15; P. 0. Urbanna. 

LARSON, S. H., farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 
0. Urbanna. 

liAXDON, L. D., blacksmith, Ur- 
banna; born in Ithaca, N. Y., in 1824; 
came to Benton Co. in 1864. Married 
Miss A. M. Lapp in 1852; she was 
born in Tioga Co., Penn., in 1832. 
Is a member of the Church of God. 
He is a member ot the I. 0. 0. 
F., No. 324; also Altar Lodge, 
No. 362. Enlisted in the 1st Pennsyl- 
vania Rifles May, 1861 ; mustered out 
Aug., 1861 ; re-enlisted in the 132d 
Penn. V. I. in 1862 ; participated in 
the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville and others ; mustered 
out in 1863 ; was promoted to Second 
Lieutenant. Democrat in politics. 

Lash, H. F., far., Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 



Leaven, N., far.. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Urbanna, 

Leaven, W., far., Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Liebsch, J. H., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Likens, J., far., S. 16; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Lockhart, C, far., S. 24; P. 0. Urbanna. 

L.OCKHART, SAMUEL., farm- 
er, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Urbanna ; born in 
Adams Co., Ohio, in 1812; came to 
Benton Co. in 1840 ; has 411 acres of 
land, valued at S30 per acre. Married 
Miss Malinda Wright in 1832 ; she was 
born in Spencer Co., Ind., in 1815 ; they 
have six children — Thomas, Milton, 
Cass, Grure, Nancy E. and Malinda. 
Is a Democrat in politics. Was County 
Commissioner six years ; also School 
Director and Trustee. They are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. He is a 
member of the Pleasant Valley Grange, 
No. 1761. Mr. Lockhart has the honor 
of building the first house erected in 
Benton Co. 

Long, W. P., far., S. 19; P. 0. Urbanna. 

McMILLER, R. F., far., S. 20 ; P. 
0. Urbanna. 

McCULEEY, JAMES, farmer, 
Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Urbanna; born in Penn- 
sylvania in 1818 ; came to Jefferson Co., 
Ohio, in 1840 ; then went to Guernsey- 
Co., Ohio in 1849; then went to Tus- 
carawas Co. ill 1852 ; then went to 
Guernsey Co. in 1861, and to Benton 
Co. in 1865; has 120 acres of land^ 
valued at $35 per acre. Married Mary 
A. McCulley in 1841 ; she was born in 
Steubenville, Ohio, in 1825 ; died in 
1849, leaving four children — Eliza M.,. 
John H., Mary C. and James A. Mar- 
ried Carterette Fiester in 1850 ; she was 

. born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1830; 
died in 1857, leaving one child — Olin- 
thus A., born in 1854. Married Miss 
Lucy J. Ward in 1858 ; she was born 
in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1830 ; they 
have five children — Eugene W., Flor- 
ence L., Elmira J., Jessie V. and Carrie 
A. Mr. and Mrs. McCulley are mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church. He is a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F., Urbanna 
Lodge, No. 328. 

Merideth, W. J., far.. S. 5 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Mikiel, N., Sr., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Mikiel, N., Jr., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Miller, C, far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Miller, D. D., far., S. 16; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Miller, G., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 



POLK TOWNSHIP. 



607 



Miller, J. F., blksmth, Urbanna. 
Moore, J. M., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 
Moore, J. W., far., S. 22 ; P. O. Urbanna. 
Mossman, A. P., far., S. 23 ; P.O. Urbanna. 
Mossman, B., far., S. 23 ; P. O. Urbanna. 
Mossman, J. H., far., S. 15 ; P.O. Urbanna. 
Mossman, W., ret. far ; P. O. Urbanna. 
Moulton, G. C, far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Burk. 

NEWLAND, JAMES, farmer, Sec. 
29 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 
Nichols, C. S., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 
Northrop, J. R., far. S. 10 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

O'NEAL, T. K., farmer. Sec. 18 ; P. 
0. Urbanna. 
Osborn, T. F., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Spencer's 
Grrove. 

PHELPS, R. G., farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 
0. Urbanna. 

Pitts, W. H., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

PORTER, W. H. H., farmer. Sec. 
23 ; P. 0. Urbanna ; born in Ireland in 
1828; emigrated to America in 1847; 
came to Benton Co. in 1865 ; has 345 
acres of land, valued at ^40 per acre. 
Married Grace Sloan in 1856 ; she was 
born in Ireland in 1835 ; they have five 
children — Wm. H., James, Mary J. and 
Angeline (twins) and John. Democratic 
in politics. Members of the Evangelical 
Church. Enlisted at Buffalo, N. Y., in 

1855, in the 10th Regulars, under Col. 
E. B. Alexander, for the frontier ; was 
on the expedition to the Red River ; 
crossed the jilains in 1857 on foot; on 
half rations the whole of the Winter of 

1856, and again the Winter of 1857 ; 
the officers, all Southern men except 
three or four, going with the South at 
the breaking-out of the war. 

Powley, E. H., far., S.*31 ; P. O.Urbanna. 
Primmer, P. E., far., S. 6 ; P. O. Vinton. 

REED, JOHN, farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 

Remer, A. L., far., S. 5 ; P. Urbanna. 

Remington, J., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Rice, A., dry goods merchant, Urbanna. 

Ribble, J. S., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Richards, J. W., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

Robinson, J. D., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

Robinson. J., retired fir., P. 0. Urbanna. 

ROLLIXNOX, FRAXKLIN, 

former. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in 
Delaware Co., Ohio, in 1847 ; came to 
Benton Co. in Sept., 1877; has eighty 



acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. 
Married Miss Florence Berkhardt in 
1878 ; she was born in Benton Co., in 
1854. Republican in politics. Was Su- 
pervisor of the township which he 
left. Members of the M. E. Church 
Rouse, J. C, far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

SAND, PETER, farmer ; P. 0. Urban- 
na. 

SAr^fDERS, S. T., farmers. 81 ; 
P. 0. Urbanna ; born in Nicholas Co., 
Ky. in 1837 ; came to Benton Co. in 
1868 ; has eighty acres of land, valued at 
$40 per acre. xMarried Miss Lucy J. 
Wilson in 1866 ; she was born in Iowa, 
in 1845; they have three children — 
George W., Frank N. and Josie M. 
Republican in politics. Has been Justice 
of the Peace ; is now President of the In- 
dependent School District. Members of 
the Disciple Church, 
rgeant, G. W., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Ur- 

Sabanna. 

Shepard, D. G., for., S. 13; P. 0. Ur 
banna. 

SMITH, FERDIXAXD, farmer, 
Sec. 14 ; P. O. Urbanna ; born in Prus- 
sia, Germany, in 1828; emigrated to 
America in 1852 ; came to Benton Co. 
in 1855 ; has 170 acres of land, valued 
at $40 per acre. Married Magdalina 
Graff in 1858 ; she was born in South 
Germany in 1837 ; they have eight 
children — Joseph, Frank, Louis. Ferdi- 
nand, Jr., Emma, John, Willie and 
George. Democratic in politics. Has 
held the ofiice of School Director. Are 
members of the German Catholic 
Church. 

SMITH, JOHN X., former, Sec. 
21 ; P. 0. Urbanna ; born in Clark Co., 
Ind., in 1828 ; came to Linn Co., Iowa, 
in Feb., 1853, and to Benton Co. in 
1867 ; has ninety-two acres of land, val- 
ued at $35 per acre. Married Charlotte 
E. Smith in 1853 ; she was born in 
Ohio in 1829, died Nov. 5, 1861, leav- 
ing two children — Mary E. and William 
H ; then married Mary C. White in 
1863; she was born in Greene Co., 
Ohio in 1830; they have three children 
— James C, M. Almira and Emeline. 
An Old-Line Whig, and now a Repub- 
Hcan; members of the M. E. Church. 

Spencer, A. N., far., S. 10; P. 0. Spen- 
cer's Grove. 



608 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Spencer, C. H., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Spen- 
cer's Grove 

Squires, W. S., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

STARFF, DAXIEL, farmer, Sec. 
29 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in St. Louis, 
Mo., in 1849; came to Benton Co. in 
18-19 ; has eighty acres of land, valued 
at S40 per acre. Married Mariah Lash 
in 1873; she was born in Keokuk Co., 
Iowa, in 1855 ; they have one child — 
Dallas Earle, born Aug. 9, 1876. Dem- 
ocrat in Politics. Road Supervisor. He 
is a member of the Christian Church. 

Stevens, T., blacksinith. Urbanna. 

Stevenson, B. M., fxr.,' S. 7 ; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

Stevenson, J. H., far., S. 29; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

Storts, J. H., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

T AGUE, DAVID, far., S. 18; P. 0. 
Burk. 
Titus, G. D., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 
Todd, J. v., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

USHER, G. S., farmer, S. 8 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 
YANDEVENTER, W. H., far., S. 16; 
P. 0. Urbanna. 
Volentine, J., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

WAITMAN, J. G., Sr., far., S. 28 ; 
P. 0. Urbanna. 

WAHIi, AXTHONY, farmer, S. 
24 ; P. 0. Urbanna ; born in France in 
1820 ; emigrated to America to Erie 
Co., N. Y., in 1848 ; thence to Wyo- 
ming Co., N. Y., in 1852; thence to 
Benton Co. in 1864; has 165 acres of 
land, valued at $40 per acre. Married 
Mary A. Aman in 1842 ; she was born 
in France Sept. 3, 1817 ; they have 
three children — Lana, born in France in 
1843 ; Catharine, born in France in 
1846, and Charles, born in Erie Co., N. 
Y., in 1850. Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wahl, and all their children, are mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church. 

Walters, J., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 



Wariner, J. G., farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. 
Burk. 

Wheeler, P. V., far., S. 23; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

Whitney, S. H., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Ur- 
banna. 

Whitus, U. B., physician, S. 22 ; P. 0. 
Urbanna. 

Wilson, G. W., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Urbanna. 

Wilcox, Wm., druggist, Urbanna. 

WYCKOFF, A. J., farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Urbanna ; 
born in Sangamon Co., 111., in 1821 ; 
came to Benton Co. in 1840 ; has 277 
acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. 
Married Miss Rebecca Permenter in 
1847 ; she was born in Hopkins Co., 
Ky., in 1831 ; they have six children — 
Richard A., John W., Harriet P., 
Robert E., Nancy J. and Edmond E. 
Greenbacker in politics. Has held all 
the township offices ; also County Su- 
pervisor. Mr. W and son, John W., 
are members of Altar Lodge, No. 362; 
Mr. W., wife, two boys and daughters 
are members of Cedar Ridge Grange; 
he is a member of the State Grange. 

WYCKOFF, ELIJAH, farmer, 
Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Urbanna ; born in Sanga- 
mon Co., 111., in 1826 ; came to Benton 
Co., in 1850 ; has 278 acres of land, 
valued at $40 per acre. Married Miss 
Mary Bryson in 1852 ; she was born in 
Sumner Co., Tenn.,in 1836; they have 
eight children — Lenora A., John F., Na- 
thaniel G., Mary E., Charles H., Samuel 
F., George L. and Eugene F. An Old 
Line Whig ; now a Republican ; has 
held the offices of Assessor, Trustee and 
Treasurer. Mrs. W. has been a life- 
long member of the M. E. Church. He 
is a member of Altar Lodge, No. 362, 
Marysville ; Treasurer ; was Warden un- 
til last meeting. While District Treas- 
urer, he held from $17,000 to 18,000 ; j 
paid for every school house in his town- 
ship. 



HOMER TOWNSHIP. 



609 



HOMER TOWNSHIP. 



ALBERS,HARTWICK, farmer, Sec. 
15; P. 0. Ga^son. 
Anson, J. W.. far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Paul. 

BENNETT, C, far., Sec. 18 ; P. 0. 
Dryden. 

Bennett, E. W., far., S. 19 ; P. O. Dryclen. 

Bennett, C. J., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

Bennett, Mortimer; P. 0. Dryden. 

Berenlerg, H., far., S. 29 ; P. O. Dryden. 

Bermister, H., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

Boge, J., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Boromaster, H., far., S. 28; P. 0. Dysart. 

Bowen, P., far., Sees. 11 and 12; P. O. 
(Harrison. 

BK01>E, J>. 1)., farmer. Sec. 33^ 
P. O. Dryden ; born in Huntingdon Co., 
Penn., Feb. 18, 1823 ; removed to War- 
saw, Ind., in 1852 ; thence to Bureau 
Co., 111., in 1855 ; thence to Benton 
Co. in 1856. Mr. Brode drove the first 
nail driven at Shellsburg, this county ; 
his occupation being that of carpenter 
and millwright ; built a mill at Shells- 
burg, and entered land within one mile 
of the village ; has 160 acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre. Married Miss 
Mary N. Ditch Nov. 21, 1861 ; she 
was born in Cambria Co., Penn., in 
1836; they have five children — Lulla, 
born Feb., 1863; John A., born Feb., 
1865 ; Cora M. and Flora M., born 
June, 1867 ; Daniel, born Nov., 1875. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brode are members of the 
M. E. Church ; Republican in politics. 

BLRDICK, DAXIEL. G., form- 
er, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Dryden ; born in 
Madison Co., N. Y., Nov., 1810 ; re- 
moved to Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1821 ; 
thence to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 
1831 ; thence to Washington Co., Wis., 
in 1845 ; thence to Outagamie Co., 
Wis., in 1866 ; thence to Benton Co. 
in 1874 ; owns seventy acres of land, 
valued at S35 per acre. Married Harriet 
C. Gile Jan. 1, 1833 ; she was born in 
Jefi"erson Co., N. Y., in 1816; their 
children are Orlando, born Oct., 
1833 ; Charles, Aug., 1836, died Feb. 
5, 1856 ; Christopher G., Oct., 1871 ; 
Lucy M., Nov., 1873 ; Amos, Nov. 7, 
1877 ; Harriet died June 14, 1876. 
Married Mrs. Rolina Lathrop Dec, 
1877 ; she was born in Herkimer Co., 



N. Y., in 1821. Republican in politics" 
Keeps the Dryden post ofiice. Members 
of the Baptist Church. 

Burris, W. E. ; P. (). Dryden. 

BrXTERFIEI.D, JOSEPH 

A., farmer. Sec. 12; P. O. Garrison ; 
born in Allegany Co., N. Y., March, 
1843 ; removed to Benton Co., Iowa, 
in 1866 ; owns 240 acres of land, val- 
ued at $30 per acre. Married Ellen 
Hite in January, 1870; she was born 
in Bedford Co., Penn., in 1848 ; they 
have two children — Fred E., born in 
May, 1872; Hattie E., born in March, 
1875. Republican in politics. En- 
listed in the 130th N. Y. V. I. in 1862 ; 
transferred to the First New York Dra- 
goons in 1 863 ; participated in the bat- 
tle of the Wilderness and capture of 
Richmond, and other important battles 
under Sheridan. 

BTAM, C. O., farmer and stock 
raiser, Sees. 33 and 28 ; P. 0. Dryden ; 
owns 1,120 acres, valued at $35 per 
acre; born in Essex Co., N. Y., in 
1830; removed to Jones Co., Iowa, in 
1853 ; thence to Benton Co. in 1868. 
Married Elizabeth A. Starry May 1, 
1857 ; she was born in Jones Co., 
Iowa, in 1842 ; have six children — 
Bessie L., born March 5, 1860 ; Daniel 
E., born April 29, 1862; Dora J., 
born May 30, 1865; Etta, born May 
25, 1867; Richard, born Sept. 30, 
1872; Nellie E., born Aug. 18, 1876. 
Supervisor two years ; Assessor two 
years ; Township Trustee two years ; 
Clerk one year ; on the School Board 
— before they became independent — 
Secretary, President and Treasurer four 
years. Republican in politics. 

Byam, E., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

Byam, G. W., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Drvden. 

Byam, Lorin, far., S. 31 : P. 0. Dryden. 

CARSTAN, HENRY, farmer. Sec. 9 ; 
P. 0. Paul. 
CHASE, E. O., Sec. 9; P. 0. Garri- 
.son ; born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1834 ; 
moved to Benton Co. in 1867 ; has 120 
acres of land, valued at 835 per acre. 
Married Orpha A. Rose in 1857; she 
was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1840 ; 
they have four children— A urelia E. 



610 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



born Aug. 22, 1858 ; Jane L., March 
18, 1863; Clement R., Jan. 27, 1867 ; 
Orpha R., Nov. 28, 1877. Republican 
in politics. School Director five years, 
Road Supervisor five years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Chase have been members of the 
Baptist Church twenty-five years. Mr. 
Chase enlisted in the 91st New York 
Artillery September, 1864 ; and detailed 
as Post Machinist; mustered out in 
June, 1865. 

CHASE, L.YMAX J., Sec. 25 ; P. 
0. Luzerne; boi"u in Bureau Co., 111., 
in 1837; removed to Benton Co., Iowa, 
in March, 1869 ; has eighty acres of 
land, valued at 630 per acre. Married 
Mary A. Shultz ; she was born in Co- 
lumbia Co., Penn., Nov. 22, 1831 ; 
they have six children — Clarrie E., born 
July 2, 1861 ; Charles, Sept. 26, 1863; 

• laella. Nov. 16, 1868; Frank L., Feb. 
26, 1871; Jennie I., Aug. 12, 1872; 
Laura M., Dec. 9, 1875. 

Christian, J. Gr.,far., S. 3 ; P. Garrison. 

CHRISWELL, MARY, MR8., 
farmer. Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 
Mrs. Chriswell was born in Centre Co., 
Penn., in August, 1823, her maiden 
name being Mary Stearm ; she has 120 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Mar- 
ried Robt. Chriswell in 1813; he was born 
in Mifflin Co., Penn., in June, 1822; 
removed to Scott Co., Iowa, in 1855; 
thence to Benton Co. in 1870 : she has 
eight children — Sarah C, Rebecca J., 
Elmira, Luther, Emma, John, Alonzo, 
and Robert. She is a member of the 
M. E. Church. Mr. Chriswell enlisted 
in 1861 in the 20th Iowa Infiintry ; 
lost his health and served in the hospi- 
tal during the war. Died from a stroke 
of lightmns July 18, 1871. 

CO AN, JOHX, farmer and stock- 
raiser. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Garrison ; born in 
Galway, Ireland, in 1832. Emigrated 
to Pennsylvania in 1847 ; thence to 
to Johnson Co., Iowa, in 1858; thence 
to Benton Co. in 1861 ; has 200 acres 
of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married 
Catherine Winter in 1852; she was 
born in Galway, Freland, in 1830 ; four 
children — Sarah, Onora, Margaret and 
Martin. Catherine died in September, 
1863. He then married Bridget Gab- 
enny in 1873 ; she was born in Cavan, 
Ireland, in 1838. Democrat in politics. 



School Director two years ; Path Master 
one year. Members of the Catholic 
Church. 

Collins, Thos., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Condon, Michael, farmer ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Cook, Christ, far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Paul. 

Cray, Thomas, far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Cruik, John, far., Sec. 9; P. 0. Paul. 

CrifNIX^iHAlI, JOHXS., 
Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Dryden; born in Madi- 
son Co., N. Y., in August, 1846 ; re- 
moved to Onondaga in 1 852 ; then to 
Tioga Co., N. Y.,"in 1853 ; thence to 
Broome Co., N. Y., in 1857 ; thence to 
Benton Co. in 1861 ; owns forty acren 
of land, valued at $30 per acre. Married 
Eliza A. Lewis in November, 1876 ; 
she was born in Onondaga, N. Y., in 
1843. Republican ; Members of the 
M. E. Church. 

DEPPE, Phillip, far.. Sec. 27 ; P. 0. 
Belle Plaine. 

Dilger. N., farmer, S. 2 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

D O I^ N E E LY, MICHAEL, 
farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Garrison ; born 
in Galway, Ireland, in 1832 ; emigrated 
to New Orleans, La., in 1849 ; thence 
to Benton Co. in 1870 ; has eighty acres 
of land, valued at $30 per acre. Mar- 
ried Mary Corran in 1863 ; she was born 
in County Sligo, Ireland, in 1833; they 
have three children — Ellen F., Mary A. 
and William J. Democrat. President 
of the School. Members of the Cath- 
olic Church. 

Donnelly, T., far., S. 13; P. 0. Garrison. 

FIKE, C. J., farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. 
Waterloo. 
FIKE, JOSEPH, farmer, Sec. 6 ; 
P. 0. Dysart ; born in Somerset Co., 
Penn., in 1843; removed to Benton Co. 
in 1856 ; owns 120 acres of land, val- 
ued at $25 per acre. Married Anna 
Lichtyin 1863 ; she was born in Lan 
caster Co., Penn., June 11, 1843 ; their 
children are Peter L., born Nov. 14, 
1866; Ellen,Dec. 12, 1867; Jeremiah, 
Sept. 5, 1869; Abel, April 19, I87I ; 
Eneas, June 23, 1872, died Nov. 1, 
1872; Mary L., born Jan. 1^0, 1874; 
Andrew L., April 21, 1875, died July 
22, 1877 ; Benjamin and Joseph, boro 
Aug. 24, 1876 ; Magdaline, Sept. 14, 
1877. Republican. Has been the 
farrier of the county since 1 857. Elected 
to the ministry in 1865 ; ordained to 



HOxVIER TOWNSHIP. 



611 



the eldership in 1871 of the River 
Brethreu Church, organized in 1858. 
Mr. Fike has organized two churches in 
Kansas, one at Clay Center and one at 
Hamlin. 

Pinellay, James, flir., S. 18 ; P. O. Paul. 

Pintel, H., far., S. 14; P. 0. Garrison. 

/^ AYHEGEN, A. R., farmer. 

I^JAREY, JAMES W., farmer. 
Sec. 16; P. 0. Paul ; born in Oswego 
Co., N. Y., in 1835 ; removed to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1870 ; has 160 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre Married Su- 
sanna Thomas in 1859 ; she was born in 
Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1834 ; they have 
four children — Hermon H., born in 
1860; Georgianna, in 1862; Eva K., 
in 1869, and Isabel M., in 1871. Re- 
publican. School Director of District 
No. 5 six years, Justice of the Peace 
three years and Township Clerk since 
1877. 

Gebers. Fred., farmer. 

OOKIN, TAIRK FRED- 
ERICK, farmer. Sees. 14 and 11; 
P. 0. Garrison ; born in Groszherzog- 
thrum, Oldenburg, Germany, Dec. 1, 
1840 ; emigrated to Lee Co. ,111 , in 1866 ; 
thence to Benton Co. in 1869 ; owns 
160 acres of land, valued at $35 per 
acre. Married Fredereke Koliler ; she 
was born in Corchersenger, Germany, in 
1850 ; they have three children — Chris- 
tian, born Nov. 28, 1871 ; Carl, Oct. 15, 
1874, and Anna, Oct. 16, 1877. Re- 
publican. Road Supei'vi.sor. 

Grapler, Chas.,far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

MAACK, CLAUS, former, Sec. 35; P. 
0. Luzerne. 

Hadenfelt, H., far.; P. 0. Paul. 

HARMON, H. S., farmer. Sec. 1 ; 
P. 0. Garrison ; owns eighty acres of 
knd, valued at $40 per acre; born in 
Maryland May 18, 1842; came to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1854. Married Mary Etta 
McCord ; she was born in Jasper Co., 
Ind., in 1843 ; they have one child — 
John F., born Aug. 18, 1867. ^ School 
Director two years, and Treasurer three 
years. Democratic in politics. Mr. and 
Mrs. H. are members of the M. E. 
Church. 

Hansen, Carson, farmer. 

Hansen, Fred., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Hansen, ^Y., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Paul. 



HAY JOHX E.,far., S..32; P. 0. 
Dryden ; born in Somerset Co., Penn., 
in 1845 ; removed to Jones Co., Iowa, 
in 1876 ; thence to Benton Co. in 1878. 
Married Agnes Bogerin 1870; she was 
born in Somerset Co., Penn., in 1842; 
they have four children — Robert Mor- 
ris, born in Dec, 1871 ; Fred K. War- 
ren, in June, 1873 ; Wm. Calvin, in 
Jan., 1875, and Minnie, in Sept., 1877. 
Members of the German Reformed 
Church. A member of the I. 0. 0. F. 
Enlisted in Aug.. 1862, in the 142d 
Pennsylvania Y. I. ; participated in the 
battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, Weldon Railroad, 
Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold 
Harbor, Wilderness, Long Hill, Tolo- 
potomy Creek, Bethesda Church, Peters- 
burg, Poplar Grove Church, Peeble's 
Farm, Dafney's Mills, Ford's Crossing 
and raid to Bellfield. 

Hiepenthal, J., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Paul. 

Hinneman, J., far. ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Heyer, P., farmer; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Hoick, J., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Paul. 

Holm, F., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Hoover, A., far., S. 5 ; P. O. Dysart. 

Houghton, M. T., farmer. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. 
Paul. 

HUDSON, JOHBf, school teacher; 
born in Essex Co., N. J., in 1847 ; re- 
moved to Fulton Co., III., in 1849; 
thence to Warren Co. in 1858 ; thence 
to McDonough Co. in 1859 ; thence to 
Henderson Co. in 1862 ; thence to Ben- 
ton Co. in 1863 ; thence to Kansas in 
1868 ; thence to Benton Co. in 1873 ; 
thence to Nebraska in Jan., 1875 ; 
thence to Benton Co. Dec. 26, 1875. 
Member of the L 0. 0. F. 

Huffman, I., farmer. 

TLLIAM, LEWIS, far., S. 28 ; P. 0. 

_L Belle Plaine. 

IRWIN, A. W., farmer. Sec. 2; 
P. 0. Garrison ; born in Indiana Co., 
Penn., Oct. 13, 1851 ; removed to Iowa 
in 1876. Married Unice McAlister on 
the 27th of September, 1870 ; she was 
born in Indiana Co., Penn., in 1852 ; 
they have four children — William P. 
Smith, born Feb. 14, 1872 ; Inahouetta, 
born May 28, 1873 ; Winnie C, born 
Dec. 7, 1874 ; John Ambrose, born 
June 13, 1876. Democrat in politics. 
Members of the Evangelical Church. 



612 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



JANNSEN, JOHN, far., S. 26 ; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 
James, J., far. ; P. 0. Benton. 
Johnson, J., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Benton. 
Jungklaus, P., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Jurgens, F., far. ; P. 0. Dysart. 

KEBACH, ERNEST, far., S. 20 ; P. 
0. Paul. 

Keith, C. W., far., S. 28 and 34; P. 0. 
Dryden. 

Keiper, F., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Kerr, S. J., for., S. 10; P. 0. Garrison. 

Kerston, H., far.; S. 9 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

King, B., far., S. 15; P. 0. Paul 

King, J. H., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

Kinner, P. P., tar., S. 30 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

Kinner, W. H., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

KIRCHNER, CLAITS, former, 
Sec. 24: ; P. 0. Garrison ; born in Hol- 
stein, Germany, Jan. 8, 1837 ; emi- 
grated to Davenport, Iowa, in 1855 ; 
thence to Benton Co. in 1868. Married 
Louisa Dorthia Meyer March 11, 1868 ; 
she was born in Holstein, Germany, in 
1852 ; they have three children — Mary, 
born June 2, 1871 ; Henry, born Jan. 
4, 1874 ; Fred W., born June 21, 1877. 
Secretary of school while independent 
district four years. Has 160 acres, val- 
ued at S30 per acre. 

KIR€HNER, JOim H., former 
and stock raiser. Sec. 23 ; P, 0. Lu- 
zerne ; born in Holstein, Germany, in 
1832; emigrated to Iowa in 1854; has 
160 acres, valued at $35 per acre. Mar- ! 
ried Margaret McKeals in July, 1855 ; ! 
she was born in Holstein, Germany, in \ 
1836; they have five children — Anna 
E., born Oct. 28, 1857; Wilhelmina, 
born Dec. 26, 1859 ; Cecelia C, born 
March 26, 1863; Alvina M., born in 
June, 1871 ; Ella S., born June 12, ^ 
1873. Margaret died June 23, 1874 ; 
he then married Lena Peters, who was 
born in Denmark in 1828. Republican 
in politics. District Treasurer three 
years ; Trustee two years ; Supervisor 
two years. Members of the German 
Lutheran Church. 

Koep, Peter, far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Paul. 

Krug, Henry, far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Robin. 

Krug, John, far., S. 35 : P. 0. Robin. 

Krisel, Chas., far., S. ll'; P. 0. Paul. 

T ICHTY, SAMUEL, farmer. 

Landgrebe, J., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Paul. 



Lynch, Jas., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Dryden. 
Lynch, ,Tno., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

MATTHEWS, W. A., former, Sec. 
5 ; P. 0. Paul. 

MARTEENY, J. J., Sec. 33 ; P. 0. 
Dryden ; born in Somerset Co., Penn., 
in 1838 ; removed to Lee Co., 111., in 
1863 ; thence to Benton Co. in 1873 ; 
has eighty acres of land, valued at $40 
per acre. Married Mary Wilhelm in 
1866 ; she was born in Maryland Co., 
Penn., in 1836 ; they have one child — 
Edith R., born Jan. 10, 1869. Demo- 
cratic in politics. Members of the M. 
E. Church. Enlisted in the 133d Penn. 
Inf , Aug. 6, 1862 ; participated in the 
battles of Fredericksburg, Antietam, 
Chancellorsville and others ; mustered 
out May 26, 1863; lost his health 
while in the army. 

Miller, Henry. 

Millhouse, G., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

MEY^ER, HEXRY J., Sec. 25 ; P. 
0. Luzerne ; born in Holstein, Ger- 
many, in 1841 ; emigrated to Davenport, 
Iowa, in 1865 ; thence to Benton Co. in 
1868; has 280 acres, valued at $30 per 
acre. Married Elsabea Peters in 1868; 
she was born in Holstein, Germany, in 
1842 ; they have five children — Henry 
N., born in 1869 ; Anna M., born in 
1871 ; Emma E., born in 1874; Her- 
man H., born in 1875 ; Maria K., born 
in 1877. Independent in politics. 
School Director five years ; Trustee one 
year. Members of the Lutheran Church. 

Minish, N., for., S. 15 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Mohr, G., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

MORGAN, W. A., S. 31 ; P. 0. 

Dryden ; born in Tioga Co., Penn., Oct. 
12, 1842; removed to Linn Co., Iowa 
in 1854, thence to Benton Co. in 1862 : 
has 160 acres of land, valued at $35 
per acre. Married Susan Byam in 
1866; she was born in Onondaga Co., 
N. Y., Oct. 10 1841 ; they have four 
children— Alf, born Jan. 7, 1868; Hu- 
bert, born March 19, 1871 ; Cora, born 
Aug. 4, 1872 ; Harry, born Oct. 30, 
1875. Republican in politics. Was As- 
sessor three years, Justice two years, 
School Director four years. Enlisted 
in Sept., 1862, in the 6th I. V. C; par- 
ticipated in the battle of White Stone 
Hill, in the frontier skirmishes, etc. 
Mosebergh, C, far., S. 4 : P. Paul. 



i 



HOMER TOWNSHIP. 



61S 



NYTTING, IRA G., far., S. 
8 ; P. 0. Dysart ; born in Rensselaer 
Co., N. Y., in 1842 ; removed to Dav- 
enport, Iowa, in 1851, thence to Iowa 
Co., Iowa, in 1871, tlience to Benton 
Co., in 1873 ; owns eighty acres of land, 
valued at $35 per acre. Married Ma- 
ran da Tollman in 186-1 ; she was born 
in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1844 ; they 
have three children — Evert, born in 
1864 ; Florence, born in 1867 ; Esther, 
born in 1875. Republican. School Di- 
rector, Road Supervisor, and President 
of the School Board. 

PECK. SHELDON, farmer, Sec. 30 ; 
P. 0. Dryden. 

PARKER, D AXIEL, P Paul ; 
born in Indiana in 1828 ; removed to 
Clinton Co., Ohio in 1837; thence to 
Grant Co., Ind., in 1847 ; thence to 
Kosciusko Co., Ind., in 1853; thence to 
Lee Co., 111., in 1867, thence to Benton 
Co., in Oct., 1877. Married Elizabeth 
J. Sisk in 1857 ; she was born in 
Wayne Co., Ind., in 1837 ; two chil- 
dren — Sarah M., born in 1859 ; 
Chester M., born in 1861. Demo- 
cratic. Member of the Grange ; Mrs. 
Parker is a member of the Dunkard 
Church. 

PE€K, ROLLIN, farmer, Sec. 15 ; 
P. O. Paul ; born in Rutland Co., Vt., 
in 1850 ; removed to Benton Co. in 
1857; has eighty acres of land, valued 
at $30 per acre. Married Dora Grase 
in 1871 ; she was born in Oswego Co., 
N. Y., in 1853 ; they have two chil- 
dren — Carry, born in 1873, and Char- 
lie, born in 1877. School Director and 
Road Supervisor. 

Pegl, William, farmer. 

Peterson, W., S. 20 ; P. 0. Paul. 

Pierce, N. R., far., S. 11, 13 and 22 ; P.O. 
Vinton. 

PIPPERT, A. ADA]tt, far , S 

22 ; P. 0. Paul ; born in Hessen, Ger., 
Feb. 24, 1830 ; emigrated to York Co., 
Penn., in 1854 ; thence to Lee Co., 111., 
in 1858; thence to Benton Co. in 1873. 
Married Elizabeth Witzel in 1860 ; she 
was born in He-ssen, Germany, in 1835 ; 
they have eight children — Catharine, 
Henry, Adam, Elissa, Jacob, Mary, 
John and William. School Director. 
Member of the Evangelical Church for 
fourteen years. 



T3IPPLE, JOHN, farmer. 

RANDALL., EDWARD V.^ 

farmer. Sec. 10 ; P. O. Garrison ; born 
in Franklin Co., Me., in 1831 ; re- 
moved to Allamakee Co., Iowa, in 1854 ;. 
thence to Benton Co. in 1870 ; owns 480 
acres of land, worth $35 per acre. Mar- 
ried Sarah Allen in 1857 ; she was born 
in Franklin Co., Me., in 1832 ; they 
have seven children — Anna A., born 
April 27, 1859; Edward, born April 
21, 1861 ; Caleb, born Aug. 3, 1864; 
Mary L., born Sept. 20, 1866 ; Eben, 
born June 14, 1869 ; Howard, born Aug. 
27, 1871 ; Bently, born July 25, 1874. 
Republican in politics ; members of the 
M. E. Church. 
REDIXGTOX, HEXRY H., 

farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Paul ; born in Lor- 
raine Co., Ohio, in 1822; removed to 
La Salle Co., 111., in 1856 ; thence to 
Henry Co., Ind., in 1866 ; thence to 
Wayne Co., Ind., in 1868; merchandis- 
ing ; thence to Benton Co., in 1877; 
owns 154j acres of land, valued at $30 
per acre. Married Mary E. Slater in 
1850 ; she was born in Chautauqua Co.,^ 
N. 1"., in 1830 ; their children are Em- 
ily L., born Nov. 6, 1864 ; Edward C, 
born April 5, 1856 ; Leslie J., born 
Feb., 21, 1858 ; Elizabeth, born July 
21, 1860, died June 5, 1875 ; Franklin 
E., born Sept. 17, 1862, an inmate of 
the Vinton Blind Asylum ; Lucy, born 
Dec. 3, 1865 ; Harry, born March 5, 
1869. Republican ; member of M. E. 
Church. 

Rose, J. W., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

ROSE, X. D., farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. 
Garrison ; born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 
1838; removed to Benton Co. in 1868 ; 
has 120 acres of land, valued at $30 per 
acre. Married Sarah E. Herring ; she 
was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., in 
1839 ; they have four children — Adora, 
born in Feb., 1866 ; Ethel wyn, in May, 
1871; Joseph E., in Aug., 1872, and 
Mary Esther, in March, 1875. Mr. 
and 3Irs. Rose are members of no 
orthodox church, but Christians, wor- 
shiping as instructed by the Bible. 

Rost, C, far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Ryan, M.. far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

SCHEEL, M., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Lu- 
zerne. 



614 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY ; 



SCH AEFFER, HEXRY, Sec. 25; 
P. 0. Garrison ; born in Waldrick, 
Prussia, Jan. 14, 1843 ; emigrated to 
Davenport, Iowa, Aug. 1, 1856 ; thence 
to Muscatine Co., Iowa, in 1871 ; thence 
to Benton Co. in 1875 ; has 120 acres 
of land, vahied at S30 per acre. Mar- 
ried Louisa Burkimp in 1871; she was 
born in Hanover, Germany, in 1850 ; 
they have four children — Mena, born 
in Aug. 1871; Willie, Dec. 6, 1872; 
Henry, July 3, 1874, and Louie, May 
20, 1876. 

Schell, H., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine. 

Schnell, A., far.. S. 17 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

SCHOEIiERlIAX, REIiriER 

X., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; born in 
Holstein, Germany, Sept. 27, 1842 ; 
emigrated to Davenport, Iowa, Jan. 18, 
1863 ; thence to Benton Co. in 1867; 
has 160 acres of land, valued at $30 
per acre. Married Sophia Foss Dec. 4, 
1867 ; she was born in Holstein, Ger- 
many, June 4, 1848; they have six 
children— Peter F., born Dec. 25, 1868 ; 
Wm. H., born April 29, 1870 ; John 
J., April 16, 1872 ; Hermon F., June 
1, 1873; Adolph A., Nov. 29, 1874, 
and Caroline M., April 3, 1877. Re- 
publican. Has been School Director 
three years. 
SCHOLERMAN, PETER J., 
farmer, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Luzerne ; born 
in Holstein. Germany, Nov. 22, 1837 ; 
emigrated to America Dec. 21, 1862 ; 
owns 240 acres of land, valued at $30 per 
acre. Enlisted in the engineer department 
in New York for the South in 1863 ; sent 
to Port Royal Bay, South Carolina ; re- 
mained in that department until Nov., 
1865; thence to New York, and, in 

1866, came to Scott Co., Iowa, and in 

1867, to Benton Co. Married Cecelia 
Rostermund in 1869 ; she was born in 
Holstein, Germany, March 21, 1847. 
Trustee one term ; School Director four 
years, and Justice of the Peace one 
year. 

Seeck, Clans, far., S. 36 ; P. Luzerne. 

SEICK, PETER, former. Sec. 36 ; 
P. 0. Luzerne ; born in Holstein, Ger- 
many, Jan. 6, 1838 ; emigrated to Dav- 
enport, Iowa, in 1858 ; thence to Cedar 
Co., Iowa, in 1865; thence to Benton 
Co. in 1868 ; has 160 acres of land, val- 
ued at $35 per acre. Married Chris- 



tena Mier ; she was born in Holstein, 
Germany, in 1850 ; they have two chil- 
dren — Gustof, born June 6, 1875, and 
Ferdinanduait W., June 16, 1877. 
School Director and Supervisor. Re- 
publican in politics. Members of the 
German Lutheran Church. Enlisted in 
the 27th Missouri V. I., from St. Louis, 
in 1861 ; participated in the battles of 
Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Vicksburg, Chat- 
tanooga, Kingston, Atlanta and others ; 
mustered out Sept. 19, 1864. 

Shellhaus, R., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Shildroth, P., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Shremser, F., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Dysart. 

SMITH, D. li., farmer. Sec. 18; P. 
0. Paul ; born in Cortland Co., N. Y, 
in 1836 ; removed to Lee, 111., in 1857 
thence to Rochester, Minn., in 1857 
thence to St. Louis, Mo., in 1858 
thence to St. Clair, Mo., in 1859, to the 
lead mines; thence to Lee Co., 111., in 
1861 ; thence to Ogle Co., 111., in 1862 ; 
thence to Whiteside Co., 111., in 1865; 
thence to Benton Co., in 1867 ; owns 
eighty acres of land, valued at $25. 
Married Permelia Putnam in 1861 ; she 
was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y„ in 
1840 ; they have seven children — Maria 
R., Charles L., Davias V., Theadocia E., 
Charlotte, Daisy and D. L., Jr. Re- 
publican. Town Clerk and Scliool Di- 
rector. 

Smith, G. W., far.,S. 11 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

SNYDER, S. W., P. 0. Dysart 
born in Whiteside Co., 111., in 1847 
removed to Labette Co., Kan., in 1870 
thence to Whiteside Co. in 1873 ; thence 
to Benton Co. in 1877. Married Miss 
M. J. Hcleman in 1867 ; she was born 
in Pennsylvania in 1849 ; they have 
three children — Gertie M., born March 
5, 1869; Joseph E., Aug. 28, 1871, 
and Mandie L., Aug. 5, 1874. Repub- 
lican in politics. 

Stine, Henry, far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Dryden. 

Storey, James, far., S. 3; P. 0. Garrison. 

Strube, A., far., S. 14 ; P. O, Garrison. 

STRUCK, J., farmer. Sec. 13 ; P. 0. 
Garrison ; born in Holstein, Germany, 
May 13, 1835 ; emigrated to Davenport, 
Iowa, Oct. 16, 1857 ; thence to Benton 
Co. March 21, 1873; has IHO acres of 
land, valued at $30 per acre. Married 
Margaret Meyer in 1866 ; she was born 
in Holstein, Germany, in 1847 ; they 



HOMER TOWNSHIP. 



615 



have four children — Willie, born March 
12, 1869 ; Fred, May 22, 1871 ; Henry, 
Feb. 20, 1875 ; Rodolph, April 20, 
1877. Republican ; members of the 
German Lutheran Church. 
Stuck, William, farmer. 

TAYLOR, N. S., farmer. Sec. U ; P. 
O. Garrison. 

Taylor, Solon, far., S. 14 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

Thiessen, P. M., farmer. 

Thiessen, Thies, far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Thoele. Geo., far.. S. 26 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

TILLY, HKXRY, farmer. Sec. 22 ; 
P. O. Garrison ; born in Hanover, Ger- 
many, in 1839; emigrated to Chicago in 
1859 ; thence to Lee Co., III., in 1860; 
thence to Idaho in 1862 ; thence to Lee 
Co., 111., in 1864- ; thence to Benton Co. 
in 1872. Owns 100 acres of land, val- 
ued at $35 per acre. Married Anna C. 
Homon ; she was born in Hesse, Ger- 
many, in 1840; they have two children 
— Anna M.,boru in Feb., 1872, and G. 
Henry, in March. 1874. Members of 
the German Lutheran Church. 

TWOGOOD, CHARLES, form- 
er. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Belle Plaine ; born 
in Delphi Co., N. Y., Feb. 24, 1825 ; 
removed to Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 
1828; thence to Jackson Co., Mich., in 
1849 ; thence to Grand Rapids, Mich., 
in 1851 ; thence to Benton Co. in 
1856 ; has seventy-eight acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre. Married Juliet 
Stebbins July 19, 1848 ; she was born 
in Syracuse, N. Y., June 15, 1826 ; their 
children are Sarah A., born June 15, 
1849; Harriet A., Nov. 15, 1851; 
Willie E., Feb. 2, 1856 ; Milo C, Sept. 
11, 1858 ; Alva C, Aug. 9, 1861, died 
Oct. 23. 1873 ; Augustus, born March 
24, 1868. Republican in politics for 
thirty years ; Road Supervisor for twelve 



years ; Township Trustee one year. 
Members of the Baptist Church since 
1852. 

Twogood, W. E., farmer. 

TT7 AHL, JAMES, farmer, Sec. 31 ; 
V V P. 0. Dry den. 

Waller, J. P., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Paul. 

Waller, Robert, far., S. 7; P. 0. Paul. 

Waller, W. H., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Paul. 

WAREHAM, I>. H., farmer, Sec. 
28 ; P. 0. Dryd^n ; born in Lawrence 
Co.. Penn., in 1842 ; removed to Scott 
Co., Iowa, in 1864; thence to Cedar Co., 
Iowa, in 1865 ; thence to Benton Co. 
in 1870 ; owns 200 acres of land, valued 
at $30 per acre. Married Sarah C. 
Criswell Feb. 15, 1866 ; she was born 
in Blair Co., Penn., in 1844 ; they have 
two children — Mary Alice, born in 
March, 1867, and Mertie, in Aug., 1877. 
Democratic in politics. School Director 
four years ; Supervisor one year. Mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. Mr. Ware- 
ham enlisted in July, 1862, for nine 
moths in the 134th Penn. V. I.; partici- 
pated in the battles of South Mountain, 
Fredericksburg and the Wilderness ; 
mustered out in March, 1863. 

Wareham, Stephen., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Belle 
Plaine. 

Wilson, A., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Garrison. 

WILSOX, SAMUEL, farmer. Sec. 
10 ; P. 0. Garrison ; born in North of 
Ireland in 1827 ; emigrated to Upper 
Canada in 1842 ; thence to Benton Co. 
in 1872 ; owns 280 acres of land, valued 
at 1^35 per acre. Married Elizabeth 
Arnt in 1852 ; she was born in Ottawa, 
Canada ; they have eight children — 
Adam H., James, John, Jane, Mathew, 
Edward, Albert and William Henry. 
Members of the Presbyterian Church. 

Witt, M., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 




616 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 



ALDEN, J., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
Asshaur, J., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

BACHMAN, WM. ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Barry, P., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Barry, Wm., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Bean, J., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Benson, C, far., S. 1*7 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Bender, J., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Bonenitz, H., far., S. 18; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Bonenitz, H., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Brigle, G., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Burk, P., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Burk, T., far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Burk, T., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Butler, W. S., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Benton 
Station. 

CALLAGE AN, P., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Cantwel, P., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Collins, J. S., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Conkannon, T., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Corchran, A., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Cratty, M.,far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Crist, J. F., far., S. 36; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Cronk, H. 

Cullen, P., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Cummins, T., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

DARCY, JAMES, far., S. 18; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

Ditcler, Samuel ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Duncalf, Jos., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 

Duncalf, R. T., far., S. 32; P. 0. Luzerne. 

ELFET, CHARLEY, farmer. Sec. 11 ; 
P. O. Blairstown. 
FIRBAUGH, JOHN, farmer. Sec. 7 ; 
P. 0. Luzerne. 
Fisbaugh, Philip, far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Fry, Daniel, far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Fry, David, far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Fry, John, far., S. 12 ; P. O. Blairstown. 
Fry, Uria, far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

aARDNER, WILLIAM, far., S. 29 ; 
P. 0. Luzerne. 
Glonce, Jacob, far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Green, Jas., far. S. 28 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Green, John, far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 



HAGEN, FREDERICK, far., S. 24 , 
P. 0. Luzerne. 
Hagen, Lue, far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Hagge, Clous, far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
I Handley, C, far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Hanning, J., far., S. 19; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Heenieh, Gus., far., S. 35 ; P.O. Blairstown. 
Helzerty, Henry, far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Hickey, Jas., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Hickey, M., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Horn, Clous, far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Hotzel, Geo., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Huahey, J. W., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Blairstown 

KEENAN, CORNELIUS, far., S. 27 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown. 

Keenan, M., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Kelly, M., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Kelly, P., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Kelly, T., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Kenaly, J., far.. S. 14 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Kerins, P., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
j Kerins, T., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
I Ketler, F., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
I King, J., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

LAFERTY, 0., far., S. 18; P. 0. 
Luzerne. 

MCCORMICK, JOHN, far., S. 23 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown. 
McCormick, P., far., S. 14 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
McGowen, A., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
McGuire, John, far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
McKanna, J., far., S. 20 ; P. O. Luzerne. 
McKanna, M., far., S. 20; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
McKanna, P., far., S. 21 ; P. O. Blairstown. 
Mahar, E., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Manuel, R., far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Masser, A., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Mericle, A., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Mickey, J., far., S. 35; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Mickey, M., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Mier, A. B., far., S 31 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Molcen, A., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Blair.-^town. 
^VTUEL, JOSEPH, far., S. 15; P. 0. 
1 \l Blairstown. 

O'BRIEN, JAMES, far., S. 16 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 
O'Brien, J., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
O'Brien, T., farmer, S. 22 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
Outland, J., far., S. 9 ; P. O. Blairstown. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 



617 



s 



PARRY, THOMAS, farmer, Sec. 28 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown. 
QUINN, JOHN, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 
0. Blairstown. 

RILEY, HENRY J., farmer. Sec. 34 • 
P. 0. Blairstown. 
Ryan, A. D., far., S. 25; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Ryan, James, far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Ryan, John, far., S. 14; P. 0. Blairstown. 
AUER, JULIUS, farmer, S. 30 ; P. 
0. Luzerne. 
Seeman, J., far., S. 27; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Scheal, M., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Blairstown; 
Shapperd, J., far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Sharger, J., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Shumaker, L.,far., S. 35; P.O. Blairstown. 
Shultz, L., far., S. 4 ; P. O. Blairstown. 
Sindlings, John, far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Sint, C, far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Smith, J., far., S. 18; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Smith, S., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Smith, T., school teacher, Blairstown. 
Speaker, H., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Stiegelmeyer, A., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 



Stiegelmeyer, C., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Stiegelmeyer, G., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Stiegelmeyer, H., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Stortz, M., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

TILER., JAMES, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 
0. Blairstown. 
Tile, W., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Tranor, J., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Tranor, 0., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

UTHE. A., farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 
Uthe, F., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

YANDRESEN, F. D., farmer, Sec. 
16; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Vanmeter, H. C, far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

WARWICK, WILLIAM, farmer. 
Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Wasmand C, far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Witrouck, W., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 
Woodruflf, J., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Luzerne. 




618 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



BENTON TOWNSHIP. 



ADDY, GEORGE, far., S. 27 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

Arble, W. B., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
BARNARD, J. W., far., S. 25; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

Barr, T., far., S. 14; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Benfer, F., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

BERRY EBENEZER, farmer, 
Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in Orange 
Co., Vermont, July 2, 1810 ; lived in 
that State thirty-nine years ; engaged in 
farming and coopering; came to Iowa 
in Oct., 1849, and located where he 
now lives, and entered land from the 
Government. He was one of the early 
settlers here ; the Indians were here at 
that time ; has sold dressed pork for 2c 
per pound, and wheat at SOcj^er bushel ; 
used to take two days to go to mill with 
ox team. The first wagon he had. he 
made himself; it was an ox cart without 
iron. He owns 193 acres of land. 
He married Miss Permelia Floyd, 
from Clinton, Ohio, May 8, 1861 ; she 
came to Linn Co., Iowa, in Oct., 1854 ; 
they have two children — Ella, born Nov. 
23, 1863, and Lulu, born July 13, 
1874. 

Berry, J., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg'. 

Bort, S. B., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Sliellsburg. 

Broddy, E., S. 7 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Broddy, J., far., S. 7; P. 0. Vinton. 

Broddy, J., far., S. 19 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Brooks, C. B., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

BROOKS, E., farmer and stock 
raiser, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born 
in Genesee Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1818 ; 
came to this county in 1 855 ; has 320 
acres of land, valued at $9,000. Held 
nearly all the Township oflfices ; be- 
longs to the M. E. Church. Married 
Jane S. Pease in 1839 ; she was born 
in Cortland Co., N. Y., Feb. 4, 1820 ; 
mother of five children — Marianne 
(now Mrs. Dr. Dickerson), was born 
Dec. 12, 1842;*Charles H., April 13, 
1846; Chester B., May 8, 1851; Al- 
fred Le Roy, June 6, 1859 ; Emory L., 
July 20, 1861. In 1852, emigrated to 
Williamson Co., 111., and lived there 
three years ; then came to Benton Co. ; 



came with teams, camped out, and did 
their own cooking ; when they came 
here, there were only three shanties on 
the prairie south and west ; now, from 
his farm, he can count nine churches, 
showing what the development of the 
country has been in the last twenty two 
years. Came here poor, and, by industry, 
has made him a good home. 

Brumwell, F. ; P. "O. Shellsburg. 

Brumwell, J., far., S. 30; P. O. Shellsburg. 

Brumwell, J. H. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Brumwell, Wm., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Buttolph, A. M., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
CALLICOTT, F. C, farmer; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

Cantonwine, David, far.. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

Carriher, G. E., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

CARRIHER, JOSEPH, farmer 
and stock raiser. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Vinton ; 
born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Jan. 26, 
1833 ; came to this county in 1853 ; 
has 185 acres of land, valued at $7,400. 
Republican in politics. Held the offices 
of Justice of the Peace, Assessor, Town- 
ship Trustee, Town Treasurer, etc. Mar- 
ried Cynthia Ann Raelsback, who was 
born in Indiana Nov. 12, 1834; they 
have seven children — George E., born 
Sept. 18, 1859; John C, Aua-. 2, 
1861 ; Joseph G., Dec. 29, 1864 ; 
Clarence S., June 10, 1866; Jerry F., 
Nov. 10, 1869 ; William E., Aug. 13, 
1870; Nellie May, May 8, 1875. Emi- 
grated from Pennsylvania to Indiana ; 
lived there thirteen years ; thence to 
Ohio ; stayed there three years ; thence 
came to Benton Co., where he has lived 
since ; when he came here brought 
twenty-seven head of horses ; sold them 
to the emigrants ; has dealt in horse more 
or less ever since he came here ; has 
handled as many as 600 head, and never 
lost one in his life; the second year Tie 
was here went to Missouri, and bought 
steers and brought them to this county 
and fed ; the first ever fed in the county. 
Mr. C. has a fine farm and a good, com- 
fortable home. 



V. 



BENTON TOWNSHIP. 



619- 



Casefeer, J. M., far.; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

DeWITT, D. H., fiirmer; P. 0. Shells- 
bury;. 

Dickenson, '"J. N., far., Sec. 28; P.O. 
Shellsburg. 

DIIVE, JOHN C, farmer, Sec. 12 ; 
P. 0. Vinton ; born in Decatur Co., 
Ind., Dec. 19, 1840; lived there until 
11 years old, and came with parents by 
wagon to Iowa ; was four weeks on the 
way; arrived in this county in Sept., 
1852 ; they were among the early set- 
tlers. Was in the army ; enlisted in 
Co. A, 28th Iowa V. I.; was in the 
battles of Port Gibson and Grand Gulf ; 
was wounded at PoH Gibson — shot in 
the leg ; was in the service eighteen 
months ; returned and engaged in farm- 
ing. Owns a farm of 100 acres. Has 
held the office of School Director for 
the past five years, and is President of 
the Board. Married Miss Louisa M. 
Wheeler, from Pennsylvania, in Feb., 
1865 ; they have four children — Alice 
A., Myrtie, Edson and Electa ; lost two 
children in infancy. 

Donels, J., far., 8. 34; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Donels, W. G., far.,S. 34; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

DORSE Y, BEAIi, farmer and stock 
raiser. Sec. 31 ; P. O. Vinton ; born in 
Lexington, Ky., April 29, 1823; came 
to this county in the Fall of 1845 ; has 
335 acres of land, valued at $10,000. 
Republican in politics. Held the offices 
of Township Trustee, Deputy Sheriff, 
etC; Married Eliza J. Railsback ; she 
was born in Parke Co., Ind., July 13, 
1827 ; they have nine living children — 
Mary Ann, George, Samuel, Allie, 
James F., Lucinda J., Charles, Richard 
and Malissa E. Emigrated from Ken- 
tucky to La Salle Co., 111.; lived there 
one year; thence to Tazewell Co., 111.; 
nine years ; thence to Carroll Co., 111.; 
stayed there one year ; from there to 
Linn Co., Iowa, in May, 1839 ; thence 
to Benton Co., where he has resided 
since. Was at the first election held in 
Benton Township. When he came here 
there was not a house in Vinton, and 
only four families in the neighborhood. 
Had in his pocket SI 20, team, one plow, 
an old dray, two cows and five hogs, 
which was the extent of his wealth. 
Mr. D. has by industry and economy 
made himself and family a good home, 



and is one of the sound farmers of the 
township. 
Dorsey, J. F., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

ELWOOD, E. Z.. far., Sec. 18 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 
ELSON, DAXIEL, farmer, S. 36; 
P.O. Shellsburg ; born in Coshocton Co., 
Ohio, Jan. 15, 1834; came to this 
county in 1852 ; has 160 acres of land, 
valued at $3,200. Politics, Republican. 
Married Catherine Swallum, who was 
born in Merrill Co., Ohio, Oct. 26, 
1837 ; mother often children — Sylves- 
ter H., Albert A., Mary A., James E., 
Roxa I., Phebe L., Cora A., Rebecca 
J., Sarah E. D., and Oliver Thomas. 
Emigrated from Ohio, direct to Benton 
Co., where he has resided since; was 
amongst the first who come to the coun- 
ty ; had to rough it, and knows what it 
is to lead a pioneer life ; when he first 
came here he worked for 
and by hard work has 



^13 per month, 
made a 



good 



H., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Shells- 



home. 
Elson, S , . 
burg. 

FREEMAN, Ci^EORGE, farm- 
er and fruit grower, S. 27 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg; born in Broome Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 8, 1820 ; came to this county in 
1857, in the Spring ; has 180 acres of 
land, valued at $3,600. Politics, Re- 
publican. Held the offices of Town Trus- 
tee, Town Clerk and Treasurer ; belongs 
to the Christian Church. Married Mary 
E. Keeler in 1848 ; mother of five living 
children— Ella H., born Aug. 20, 1850 • 
Mary B., born Aug. 24, 1852; Stacey 
H., born Aug. 22, 1856; Ida F., born 
March 2, 1863; Alice E., born March 
5, 1870. Emigrated to Bradford Co., 
Penn., where he lived for three years, 
thence to Luzerne Co.; taught School 
three years ; run a canal boat at the 
time of the epidemic in the Wyoming 
Valley in 1844; thence to Bradford Co., 
where he was married ; thence to Bur- 
lington, N. J. ; lived there two years ; 
thence to Broome Co., N. Y. ; bought a 
farm and built a saw-mill, stayed there 
three years and lost 85(10 in the under- 
taking ; thence to Bradford Co., Penn.,. 
to Mrs. Freeman's old home ; lived there 
three years, and then came to Linn Co.,^ 
Iowa, and from there to Benton Co. 
Mr. F. has one orchard of 450 trees of 



620 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



the choicest fruit. Mr. Freeman takes a 
great interest in the township, and is 
one of its leading spirits. 

G LIMES, W. N., far., P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

GRrBB, JACOB, former and stock 
raiser, S. 33 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; born in 
Huntingdon Co., Penn., Nov. 30, 1825 ; 
has 197 acres of land, valued at $5,000; 
also ten acres in Canton Tp., valued at 
$800. Politics, Republican. Married 
Elizabeth Acker, who was born in Blair 
Co., Penn.; mother of two children — 
Henry L., born Aug. 25, 1853; Mary 
C, born May 18, 1861. Emigrated 
from Pennsylvania to Benton Co., di- 
rect ; located on eighty acres of land ; 
bought the balance second handed; 
came here in limited circumstances, but 
has made himself a good and comfortable 
home. Was at the first election in Ben- 
ton Tp.; there were only three families 
between here and Parker's Grove ; the 
most of the prairie where he now lives 
was covered with hazel brush, where 
now you can find groves from fifteen to 
twenty-five feet high ; at the time he 
came, there were plenty of Indians and 
wild game ; built a shanty the first year 
he came here ; lumber was scarce and 
hard to get ; was amongst the pioneers, 
and knows what a pioneer life is. 

Orubb, U. L., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

HALL, ELIE, far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Shells- 
sburg. 

Hanover, F. W., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Hanover, G. C, far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Harrison, J. W., far., S. 18; P. 0. 

Harrison, R. C, far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Vinton. 

Hite, J., far. ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Hopper, W., carpenter, S. 36 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

ySSENHUTH, M., far., S. 36; P. 0. 

_L Shellsburg. 

JOHNSON, R. E., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 

KIMBALL, G., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 
KIMBALL., IRA C, farmer Sec. 
28; P. 0. Shellsburg; born in La- 
Moille Co., Vt., Nov. 14, 1840 ; came to 
this county in 1854; has eighty acres 



of land, valued at $1,600. Held the of- 
fice of Town Trustee. Married Caro- 
line I. Marshall ; she was born in Sus- 
quehanna Co., Penn., June 7, 1847; 
mother of three children — Abbie E., 
born June 9, 1868 ; Carrie C, Dec. 19, 
1872, and Roy, March 31, 1876. Em- 
igrated from Vermont to St. Lawrence 
Co., N. Y., when he was 8 years 
old, and lived there about five years ; 
thence to Linn Co., Iowa, where he 
lived one year ; then came to Benton 
Co., where he has resided since ; when 
he came to this county, it was new, and 
very few inhabitants ; has lived to see 
it develop into oae of the finest of farm- 
ing counties. 
KING, S. m, REV., minister. Sec. 
12; P. 0. Vinton; born in Armstrong 
Co., Penn., March 12, 1833; lived in 
Pennsylvania for twenty years. He edu- 
cated himself by his own efforts, and 
prepared himself for the ministry ; stud- 
ied two years in Pennsylvania, then 
came to Ohio, and pursued his studies 
four years longer, and graduated ; he re- 
ceived a call from a church in New Lis- 
bon, Ohio, which he accepted, it being 
his first pastorate ; he remained there 
for ten years, and then accepted a call 
to preach in Fulton Co., 111., four years ; 
came to Vinton in 1873, and united 
with the Cedar Rapids Presbytery ; is 
now engaged in preaching under the 
auspices of the Home Missionary So- 
ciety of New York, preaching regularly 
both at Ely and Fairfax, where he has 
been the means of doing great good. 
He owns 160 acres of land. Married 
Miss Sarah Ann Krilley, from Ohio, 
April 1, 1857 ; they have five children 
— John A., Franklin M., Harriet A., 
Mary L. and Benjamin A. 

LEACH, J., farmer ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 
Lee, A., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Lee, A. W., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Lee, C, far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Lehew, J., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Lehew, W. I., S. 15 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Linderman, M., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Livermore, D. A., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

McBROOM, T., farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. 
0. Shellsburg. 
McCHntock, A. J., far., S. 25; P. 0. 
Shellsburg. 



BENTON TOWNSHIP. 



621 



P. 0. 



McCormick, R., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

McCoy, J. F., far., S. 24; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Ma-rill, J., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Maxon, T., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Mirkmans, D., far., S. 25; P. Shellsburg. 

Mirknians, M., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Mu.shawick, W., far., S. 24; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Myers^ C, far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Myers, W., for.; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

POWERS, I., farmer, S. 16 ; 
Shellsburg. j 

PARKER, JOHN, farmer and j 
President of the Farmers' Exchange ■ 
Bank, Shellsburg, Sec. 36 ; born in Ire- 
land in 1817 ; came to this county in 
the Fall of 1849; has 600 acres of land, 
valued at from $16,000 to $20,000. 
Belongs to the Presbyterian Church. 
Mamed Harriet Kirkpatrick ; she was 
born in Ohio April 5, 1833 ; they have 
five children — David K., born July 20, 
1855; Thomas A., Oct. 13, 1857; 
Nancy A., July 18, 1860; Sarah A., 
June 6, 1864; Mattie E., Sept. 9, 1868. 
Emigrated from Ireland in 1843 to 
■Coshocton Co., Ohio, where he lived seven 
years ; then came to Benton Co., where 
he has resided since. Worked the first 
jear after he came here for a man of 
the name of Thomas P. Johnson for 
$12 per month ; entered the land he 
now lives on the same year ; went back 
to Ohio in the Spring of 1851; lived 
there one year ; then came to Benton 
Co. Was married in 1854. The first 
election was held at John Pogue's, in 
Benton Tp. When he first came here 
he could have bought Parker's Grove 
for $700 — a claim of about 600 acres ; 
within two years some of the timber 
land was sold for $50 per acre. The 
first sermon preached in Vinton was by 
Rev. Dr. Wood, from Iowa City (a 
Presbyterian ) ; Mr. P. was instrumental 
in getting up the meeting : it was held 
in a little frame court house, not fin- 
ished ; laid planks down upon sleepers 
for seats. When he came to Iowa he 
was very poor ; worked out by the month, 
and rented land, and in seven years had 
$500 to stai't into his Benton Co. farm ; 
by good management has accumulated a 
tine property. 



QUACKENBUSH, C. L., far., Sec. 
20 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Quinn, Robert, far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

RICHART, J., far.. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. 
Vinton. 

RICE, JAMES, farmer. Sec. 12; 
P. 0. Vinton ; born in Rockingham 
Co., North Carolina, Dec. 10, 1810; 
when 16 years of age, he went to Vir- 
ginia, and served an apprenticeship in 
the tailoring business at Danville ; in 
1835, went to Tennessee, and lived 
there fourteen years; came to Benton 
Co., and located where he now lives 
April 18, 1849 ; bought the claims of 
Jesse Brody, and was one of the early- 
settlers, only several living here now 
that were here when he came ; carted 
his first crop of wheat to Muscatine, and 
sold it for 57c per bushel ; at one time, 
he and F. Brison and A. Johnson, went 
together, and were gone two weeks. He 
was elected County Commissioner of this 
county in 1851 ; held the office of Su- 
pervisor of Roads, represented his town 
in the Board of Supervisors for eight 
years, and has held the office Justice of 
the Peace for fifteen or twenty years in 
all, and still fills that office ; owns farm 
of 140 acres. He has been married 
three times ; his first wife was Margaret 
Hunt, of Virginia ; she died in Tennes- 
see, leaving three children — Mary Spen- 
cer, Sallie Gaylord and Nathan, who 
was in the army, having gone as First 
Lieutenant, and acted as Captain of 
Company C, 9th Iowa V. I, ; was shot 
and killed at the battle of Pea Ridge. 
His .second wife was Lucinda Brison, 
daughter of Fielding Brison ; she died 
Jan. 22, 1854, leaving five children — 
Le Roy, Henry C, Elizabeth and Lu- 
cinda; lost one son — Fielding — in 28th 
Iowa V. I., Company A; he was killed 
in the battle of Cedar Creek, Va. He 
married his present wife, Mrs. Mary 
Floyd, from Ohio, in April, 1856 ; they 
have one son — Wm. 0. 

Rife, S. M., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Rodecap, J., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Roll, F., Sr., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Shellsbur- 

Roll, F., Jr., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Roll, P., S. 33 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

SANDERS, C. C, far. ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

10 



622 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Sanders, W. I., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Scott, J., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Smith, A. K., iar. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Snyder, D., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Soden, J. H., far. : P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Spangler, J., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Spencer, J. D., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

STARFF, JOHN, farmer, Sec. 12 ; 
P. 0. Vinton ; born in Germany Jan. 
27, 1814: ; emigrated to America, and 
landed in New Orleans Dec. 1, 1839, 
without a cent ; after being there with- 
out work for three months, he hired to 
a gardener ; received $8 for the first 
month, $12 for the second, and S30 for 
the third month ; then went to Little 
Miami, Ohio, and worked in harvest for 
five bits per day — and the whisky ; 
but it was very good whisky ; worked 
in Ohio a year and a half, working on 
farm and in distillery and chopping 
wood ; went to St. Louis and drove om- 
nibus there ; worked in Iowa City and 
in Cedar Co., this State ; after living in 
this county seven years alone, taking it 
rough and tumble, up and down, sweet 
and sour, he got married to Mrs. Lizzie 
Young, from the old country, Aug. 28, 
1847 ; they came to Benton County in 
April, 1849, and were early settlers. He 
traded a pair of pants, jacket, vest, and 
a bridle, for the first horse he ever 
owned, and it was blind ; his first wagon 
was a cart, made by himself, E. Berry 
and Berry Way, without iron ; he used 
to cut and cart to Vinton three loads of 
wood a day, three-fourths of a cord in a 
load, and has cut a cord of wood in 
forty-five minutes. He owns 453 acres 
of land. They have three children — 
Daniel, Matilda and Thomas, and lost 
two in infancy. 



Starf, T., far., S. 12; P. 0. Vinton. 

STEPHENS, J. H., farmer and 
stock raiser, Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Vinton y 
born in Clarion Co., Penn., Jan. 26, 

1850 ; cametothis county in April, 1852; 
has an undivided interest in 160 acres 
of land, valued at $5,000. Held the 
oflBces of Township Trustee and Assessor. 
Married Annie Kimball, who was born 
in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 21, 

1851 ; mother of two living children — 
Nellie, born Jan. 7, 1875 ; Jessie, born 
Aug. 5, 1877. Henry Stephens, father 
of the above sketch, was born in Blair 
Co., Penn., Dec. 2, 1810. He married 
Margaret McDowell, who was born in 
Philadelphia, Penn., Feb. 3, 1810 ; she 
was mother of five children, three of 
whom are now living — James, J. H. 
and Mollie. Was among the earliest 
settlers in Benton township. He had 
one brother in the 28th I. V. I., Co. 
D ; was in the battles of Champion Hills, 
siege of Vicksburg, Red River expedi- 
tion, in the two last fights of the Wild- 
erness ; was shot through the hip, which 
caused his death. 

Sterns, P., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Tracy, M., far., S. 14 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Wence, A., far., S. 18 ; P. O. Vinton. 

Wence, J. H., far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Whitney, H. E., far. ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Wilcox, W., farmer, S. 24 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Williams, C, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Williams, E., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Williams, I. Z., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Williams, T., S. 36 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Wilt, J. W., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 




FLORENCE TOWNSHIP. 



623 



FLORENCE TOWNSHIP. 



FLORENCE. 

ALSPACH, WASH'N., farmer, Sec. 
18 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

Alspach, West, far., S. 13 ; P. O. Fairfax. 

Amanawel, N., blacksmith, Florence. 

AXDERSOX, JOHN, section fore- 
man. C, N. W. Ry., Florence; 
born in Sweden Jan. 1, 1844. Mar- 
ried Christena Johonas in Sweden ; 
.«he was born in Sweden, in 1841 ; have 
four children — John A., Anderson, Char- 
lotte and August. Owns house and 
three lots, valued at $1,000 ; came from 
Sweden to Iowa, in 1869. 

ATKINSON, W. F., farmer. Sec. 
26 ; P. 0. Florence ; born in Cook Co., 
111., Sept. 8, 1840. Married Ellen L. 
Phillips in Florence, Iowa, in 1867 ; she 
was born in Joliet, 111., Feb. 24, 1848 ; 
they have four children — Paul W., Ada 
E., Frederick W. and Charles D. Has 
160 acres of land, valued at $35 per 
acre. Mr. Atkinson enlisted in Co. G, 
18th United States Infantry March, 
1862 ; was taken prisoner at the battle 
of Chickamauga, 1 864 ; was taken to 
Libby Prison at Richmond ; kept two 
and a half months, and then taken 
to Danville, Va.; remained in prison 
five months ; was paroled and exchanged 
and discharged at Parole Camp, at 
Annapolis, Md., April, 1865. Mr. 
Atkinson is County Supervisor of Ben- 
ton Co.; he came to Iowa in 1865, and 
carried on the mercantile business twelve 
years at Florence, Iowa ; was Postmas- 
ter in Florence twelve years. Mr. 
Atkinson is a member of the Good Tem- 
plar, A., F. & A. M., and A. 0. U. 
W. Lodges. 

Austin, O., far., Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Florence. 

T) AKER, A. B , farmer, Sec. 36. 

Baker, Freeman, farmer, Sec. 36. 

Baker, J., far.. Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Barrett, J. A., railit)ad agt.; Florence. 

Behle, H., blacksmith, Florence. 

BerL'e, H. O., far.; P. O. Florence. 

BKKG, O. ii,, wagon maker, Flor- 
ence ; born in Norway, Europe, Sept, 
12, 1824. Married Carn Sophia in 
Norway ; she was born in Norway Sept. 
22, 1822; they have four children- 



Hans, born in Norway ; Barletta, 
Thomas and Albert, born in Iowa. Mr. 
Berg came to Chicago from Norway, 
1854, and located in Leland, 111.; carried 
on wagon making thirteen years, and 
moved to Florence, Iowa, in 1869 , where 
he now carries on wagon making. Mr. 

members of the 
^Ir. Bersr owns a house 



and Mrs. Berg are 



and stock, valued at 
far., Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Flor- 



Lutheran Church, 
antl lot, shop 
$1,500. 

Bergeson, L. W. 
ence. 

BIRD|S$AL.L, OLIVER, farmer 
and stock raiser ; Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Flor- 
ence ; born in Erie Co., N. Y., March 
20, 1824. Married Avoline A. Dun- 
ham in New York in 1 846 ; she was born 
in New York Sept. 24, 1823; they 
had three childi'en, two are living — 
William H. and Mary Jane ; Emma, 
died at the age of 19 years. Has 165 
acres of land, valued at $7,000 ; moved 
to Michigan, in 1856 ; came to Iowa in 
1859. Mr. Birdsall is a member of the 
Quaker Church. 

Bjilland, Ener, laborer ; P. 0. Florence. 

Blogil, Joseph, R. R. lab., Florence. 

Boddaker, F.. far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Brecht, R., far., Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Brickal, Chris, far., Florence. 

Broderick, M. A., saloon, Florence. 

BROWN, E. G., farmer, Sec. 30 ; 
P. 0. Florence ; born in North Caro- 
lina Aug. 10, 1822. Married Harriet 
Conklin in Indiana, in 1840 ; she was 
born in Ohio in 1819 ; they have .seven 
children — Anna Eliza, Volinda, Wm. 
J., Phebe H., Newton, Josephine and 
Amanda. Has 160 acres of land, val- 
ued at $50 per acre. Mr. Brown moved 
to Indiana in 1835, and to Benton Co., 
Iowa, in 1855 ; is a member of the A, 
F. & A. M. Lodge, and Chapter and 
Commandery ; has held several town of- 
fices. 

Brown, J., far, S. 13 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

Brown, J. W., far., S. 30 ; P. O. Florence. 

Brown, John, clerk, Florence. 

Brown, Thos. H., agricultural store and 
lumber yard, Florence. 

Brownlie, R., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

Browning, R., far., S. 1 ; P 0. Fairfax. 



624 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNT 



Buchan, Daniel, for., S. 2 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

BUCHANAN, THOMAS, far. 
Sec. -'2; P. 0. Florence; born in Scot- 
land in 1848. Married Delia Listerber- 
ger in Linn Co., Iowa, in 1873 ; she 
was born in Linn Co., Iowa, in 1856; 
they have two children — Charles and 
Elizabeth ; they have 120 acres of land, 
valued at $3.5 per acre. Mr. Buchanan 
came to America in 1850, to Ohio ; 
moved to Linn Co., Iowa, in 1853 ; lo- 
cated in Benton Co., Iowa, in 1868, 
where he now resides. 

Buchanan, W., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Florence. 

BUSIIAIVN, G., far. and preacher, 
Florence ; born in Hanover, Germany, 
Feb. 27, 1828. Married Jophia Welp 
in New Orleans, in 1851; she was born 
in Prussia Jan. 11, 1833; they had 
twelve children ; six are living — Caro- 
line, John, Lydiu, Amelia, Addoline 
and Edwin ; they have 115 acres of 
land, valued at $.50 per acre. Mr. Bus- 
man n came to New Orleans in 1849 ; 
studied for the ministry ; lived there as 
Methodist Episcopal clergyman nine 
years ; followed the ministry of the M. 
E. Church six years ; moved to Quincy, 
III, in 1858, and followed the ministry 
as the New Jerusalem; moved to Iowa 
Co., Iowa, in 1863 ; remained five years 
and moved to Benton Co., Iowa, in 
1873 ; preached at Lenox, Iowa, Fre- 
mont and church near Ely, for several 
years, where he now presides as Pastor. 
Mr. Busmann was ordained in the New 
Jerusalem Church in 1859, by Dr. J. 
R. Hibbard, of Chicago, 111. 

Busman, J., far., S. 17; P. 0. Florence. 

CHRISTIAN, E. F., grocery store, 
Florence. 

CAI.KINS, E. M., druggist and 
book store, Florence ; born in Wisconsin 
Jan. 22, 1847. Married Miss S. J. 
Loomis in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1873 ; 
she was born in Detroit. Mich. Mr. 
Calkins owns stock and store ; came to 
Iowa in 1867. Holds the office of 
Township Clerk, and is a member of 
A., F. and A. M., No. 164; holds the 
office of Secretary in Lodge. 

CHRISTIAXSOX, C. P., dealer 
in grain and stock, and farmer, Florence ; 
born in Norway, Europe, Sept. 14, 
1848. Married Rebecca Quam in La 
Salle Co., 111.; in 1870 ; she was born in 



La Salle Co., 111., in 1852 ; they have 
three children — Noah Webster, Porter 
Ollen and Rosa Barthema. Has 232 
acres of land, valued at $45 per acre ; 
owns warehouse and elevator, valued at 
$4,000 ; cattle, worth $1,000 ; house and 
lot in Florence, valued at $800. 

Churchill, N. B., general store and post 
office, Florence. 

Collet, Geo. A., blacksmith, Florence. 

Conley, A., far., S. 2; P. 0. Fairfax. 

Conlev. Wm., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

CORBIX, JEROME, farmer, Sec 
31 ; P. 0. Florence ; born in Knox Co., 
Ohio, in 1828. Married Caroline Me- 
Murtey in Wisconsin, in 1854 ; she was 
born in New Jersey April 23, 1 838 ; 
they have four children — Adalade, Will- 
iam, Jerome and Catherine. Has 264 
acres of land, valued at $35 per acre ; 
Mr. Corbin moved to Wisconsin in 
1852 ; returned to Ohio in 1855 ; moved 
to Benton Co., Iowa, in 1865. 

Crowley, Wilson, grocer, Florence. 

DARIN, THOMAS, far., Sec. 24; P. 
0. Florence. 
Deklotz. John, far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Donor, D., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 
Dyrland, E., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Dyrland, G. G., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Dyrland, G., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Dyrland, Ole, far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Florence. 

ELLERSTON, CHRIS, miller, Flor- 
ence. 
Ellingson, E., far.. S. 5 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Ellingson, L., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Elliott, B., far., S. 35; P. 0. Florence. 
Elliott, J., far., S. 35; P. 0. Florence. 
Elliott, J., far.. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Elsinghans, J., far. ; P. 0. Florence. 

ipRAZE, GEORGE, farmer, Sec. 18 ; 
' P. 0. Florence. 
Furstinbers;, Anton, saloon, Florence. 
/^ IBBONS, AUSTIN, farmer, Sec. 23; 
or P. 0. Florence. 
Goswell, G. W., hotel keeper, Florence. 
Grove, James E., sewing machine agent, 

Florence. 
Grove, John E., butcher, Florence. 
Groth, H., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Grub, S. M., far.; P. 0. Florence. 
Guinan, Thomas, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. 

Florence. 

HALL, F. M., far.. Sec. 25; P. 0. 
Florence. 
Halverson, Ole, far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Florence. 



FLORENCE TOWNSHIP. 



62^ 



Hanson, Peter, farmer, S. 9 ; P. O. Flor- 
ence. 

Hanson, A., far., S. 8 ; P. Florence. 

Harkness, Hanier, carpenter, Florence. 

Harradon, H., harness maker, Florence. 

Harrington, P., farmer, S. 34 ; P. 0. Flor- 
ence. 

Hayes, Dennis, iar., S. 28 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Hayo, John, laborer, Florence. 

Helgland, L., stone mason, Florence. 

Hendrickson, J., wauon maker, Florence. 

HIBBEN, G. W., furniture and un- 
dertaking business, Florence, Iowa ; born 
in Pennsylvania in November, 1832. 
Married Eliza A. McLain in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1 855 ; she was born in West- 
moreland Co., Penn., in 1832 ; they 
have three children — James, Flora, and 
Hettie. Mr. Hibben owns house, store, 
stock, and eight lots, valued at $2,000. 
Mr. Hibben is a member of the Rock 
Island I. 0. 0. F. Lodge, No. 170. 

Hills, David, laborer, Florence. 

HOIiMEN, WILLIAM H., far , 
S. 30 ; P. 0. Watkins ; born in Utica, 
X. Y., in Jan., 1846. Married Martha 
Enos, in Iowa, in 1876 ; she was born in 
Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1853 ; have 
one child — Lewis, born in Iowa, March 
30, 1878. He enlisted in the 151st 
111. V. I., in Feb., 1865 ; was discharged 
with the regiment at Columbus, Ga., 
in 1866. Has 164 acres of land, valued 
at S40 per acre ; came to Illinois in 
1849 ; moved to Iowa in 1877. 
HOl«HTO]«, JOHN A., form 

er, See. 22 ; P. 0. Florence ; born in 
Tioga Co., Penn., July 20, 1 831 , Mar- 
ried Mary Bower in Benton Co., Iowa, 
in 1857 ; she was born in England in 
Jan.. 1838 ; they have three children — 
Hannah L., William A. and John F. 
Has 200 acres of land, valued at S35 
per acre ; Mr. Houghton moved to Illi- 
nois in 1852 ; remained two years and 
moved to Benton Co., Iowa. Mr. 
Houghton is a member of the A., F. & 
A. M. Lodge, No. 164, Florence, Iowa. 

Huifman, A., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Humphrey, H., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Flor- 
ence. 

Humphrey, J., far., S. 13 ; P, O. Fairfax. 

Humphrev, M., far., S. 26 ; P. O. Florence. 

yMON^ CHARLES, far., S. 36 ; P. 0. 

JL Florence. 

Irion, G., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Florence. 



TACKSON, A., hardware, Florence. 

Jared, Jacob, far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Florence. 

JENSEN, JAMES, merchant, gen- 
eral store, dry goods, groceries, etc., 
Florence, Iowa ; born in Norway, Eu- 
rope , July 11, 1840. Married Mary 
L. Johnson, in Indiana, in 1866; she 
was born in Sweden, Elurope, died Feb. 
1, 1875 ; have three children — William, 
Charlotte and Winifred. Mr. Jensen 
owns a house and lot. valued at SI, 500, 
and stock of goods worth 810,000. 
Mr. Jensen has held the office of School 
Treasurer in Florence ; is a member 
of the A., F. & A. M. Lodge, Chapter 
and Commandery. 

Johnson, H. C, cheese factory. 

Johnson, J., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Johnson, J. L., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Johnson, J. K., far. S. 11 ; P. 0. Flor^ 
ence. 

Johnson, J. T. far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Johnson, K. T., far., S. 11 ; P. 0- Flor- 
ence. 

Johnson, O., fir., S. 8 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Johnson, P. S., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Johnson, P. T., farmer, S. 11 ; P. Flor- 
ence. 

TT^EMP, FRANK, laborer, Florence. 

Kern, Jacob, far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Kimm, A. S., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Kimm, H., far., S. 9 ; P, 0. Florence. 
Kimm, S., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Knouf, G., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Knouf, J. H., far., S. 29 ; P.O. Florence. 
Knudtson, K., laborer, Florence. 
Koeberle, J., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Florence. 

LAMB, THOMAS, farmer, S. 2 ; P. 
Florence. 
LARSON, JACOB, farmer. Sec. 
4 ; P. 0. Florence ; born in Norway, 
Europe, Feb., 1829. Married Martha 
Olson in Norway in 1860 ; she was 
born in Norway April, 1839 ; they had 
nine children, eight are living — Larson 
I., Martin, Bernt, Julia, Lauris, Jacob- 
ina, Martha and John; Bernt, first, 
died in infincy. They have eighty 
acres of land, valued at §35 per acre. 
They came to Clinton, Iowa in 1860; 
remained four years, and nioved to Ben- 
ton Co., Iowa in 1864. Mr. Larson 
sailed on the north seas three years, and 
was cloth dyer one year before coming 



626 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



to America. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are 
members of the Lutheran Church. 

Larson, J., far., Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Larson, Lewis, far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Larson, Ole, far. ; P. 0. Florence. 

Lee, Albert, N., far., S. It) ; P. 0. Florence. 

Lehnen, J. J., clergyman, Florence. 

Lenga, Fred., far., S. 13 ; P.O. Florence. 

Lyman, S. H., far., S. 33 ; P. O. Florence. 

McADOW, JORDAN, laborer, Flor- 
ence. 

McFARLANE, JOHX, lumber 
and coal yard and agricultural and farm 
machinery, Florence ; born in Canada 
Oct. 1, 1851 ; moved to Iowa in Jan., 
1874. Mr. McFarlane followed farming 
in Canada ; owns stock and imple- 
ments and lumber, valued at $3,000. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. With him is D. H. Park 
born in Scotland May 28, 1851 ; he 
came to New York in 1859 ; remained 
ten years ; moved to Fairfax, Iowa ; 
was engaged in the carpenter and build- 
ing business three years, and moved to 
Florence in 1877. He held the office 
as Town Clerk in Fairfax. Has shop 
and lot and tools in Fairfax worth $700. 

McKIXXOX, PETER, school 
• teacher and Town Assessor, Florence ; 
born in Scotland Dec. 28, 1849. Mar- 
ried Viola M. Younglove in Benton Co., 
Iowa, in 1871 ; she was born in Canada 
Jan. 22, 1851 ; they have two children 
— E. G. and Florence L. Owns a 
house and lot, valued at $600. Mr. 
McKinnon came to America in 1852; 
located in Benton Co., Iowa; has fol- 
lowed school teaching the last ten years ; 
holds the office of Township Assessor. 

McKINXOW, WILLIAM, farmer, 
Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Florence; born in Scot- 
land in 1821. Married Catherine Mc- 
Nicol in Scotland in 1846 ; she was 
born in Scotland in 1820 ; they have 
eight children living — John, Peter, Mar- 
garet, David, William, Alexander, James 
and Aberham. Have 126 acres of land, 
valued at $40 per acre ; located in Ben- 
ton Co., Iowa, in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. 
McKinnon are members of the Presby- 
terian Church. Mr. McKinnon made 
his property in America by his energy 
in farming. 

McLaren, a", far., S. 2 ; P. O. Florence. 

McQuin, B., clerk, Florence. 



Manville, C. M., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Manville, D. C, far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Florence. 

MAKVILLE, G^EORCi^E, farmer, 
Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Florence ; born in Jef- 
ferson Co., Ind., Feb. 14, 1814. Mar- 
ried Elizabeth Carpenter in Ohio ; she 
was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, in 
1818 ; they have three children living — 
Sydney Oscar, Charles Monroe and 
DeWitt Clinton. Have 139 acres of 
land, valued at $45 per acre. Moved to 
Ohio in 1835, then to Wisconsin, and 
located in Benton Co., Iowa, in 1861. 

Martin, J., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Merringer, tjeorge, shoemaker, Florence. 

Merritt, Chas., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Merritt, G., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Merritt, R., far., S. 33 ; P. O. Florence. 

Miles, J. M., harness maker, Florence. 

Miller, Alex., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Miller, David, shoemaker, Florence. 

Mitchell, A., Jr., far., S. 3; P. 0. Florence. 

Mitchell, J., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

Mitchell, John, far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

Mitchell, Moses, far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

Mohler, James, rtr., S. 27 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Montague, W., far., S. 33; P. 0. Florence. 

Morey, D., railroad laborer, Florence. 

Morgan, A. W., miller, Florence. 

Morrison, R., far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Murphy, E., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Murphy, H.,far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Murray, Jas., far., S. 35; P.O. Florence. 

Murray, Wm., far., S. 35; P. 0. Florence. 

Murray, W. H., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Florence. 

~\TAPIER, ALEX., far.; P. 0. Fair- 
Nelson, G.,far., S. 20; P. O. Florence. 

Nelson, Jas., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Nelson, John, horse dealer, Florence. 

Nelson, John, Jr., lab., Florence. 

Neubauer, S., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 

OLSON, CHRISTOPHER, far., S. 
16; P.O. Florence. 
Olson, Knudt, far.,S. 9 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Olson, Ole G., far., S. 25 ; P. O. Florence. 
Olson, Ole, far.,- S. 29 ; P. 0. Florence. 
lARK, DAVID H., clerk, Florence. 



P 



Park, G. R., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Fairfax. 
Peterson, P. A. C, bar tender, Florence. 
Pieper, Frank, far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Pine, Alex., farm lab. ; P. 0. Florence. 
Pine, James, blacksmith, Florence. 
Pine, John, far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Pine, William, blacksmith, Florence. 



FLORENCE TOWNSHIP. 



627 



Pickart, John, far., Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Flor- 



ence. 



PIRIE, WILLIAM, blacksmith, 
Florence; born in Scotland in 1821. 
Married Mary Taylor in Scotland in 
184G ; she was born in Scotland in 
1820 ; came to Iowa in 1869 ; they 
had ten children ; eight are livinu- — 
James, William, Alexander, John, Mary, 
George, Robert and Hans. Mr. Pirie 
owns house and lot, and shop and tools, 
valued at S1,00U. Mr. and Mrs. Pirie 
are menibei-s of the Presbyterian Church. 

Powers, John, far., S. 12; P.O. Watkins. 

~p EESE, JAMES, miller, Florence. 

Reynolds, Wm. H., stock dealer, Florence. 
RILEY, ALEXAIVDER W., 

farmer. See. -4; P. 0. Florence ; born in 
Berkeley Co., Ya., April 8, 1795. Mar- 
ried Nancy Hous* worth in Virginia in 
1816 ; she was born in Bucks Co.,.Penn.; 
they had eight children, seven are liv- 
ing — George A., Isaac, John, Martha, 
Solomon, Sarah Jane and Tarlton ; 
Leroy B. died at the age of 26 years ; 
Mrs. Riley died Oct. 27, 1876. Mr. 
Riley moved to Ohio ; lived there thirty- 
five years, and moved to Iowa Co., Iowa, 
and located in Benton Co. in 1874 ; has 
176 acres of land valued at $35 per 
acre. Helped to build some of the first 
school houses in Iowa Co. Mr. Riley 
enlisted in the war of 1812 in a private 
volunteer company of infantry, at Mar- 
tinsburg, Va.. under Col. Boyd and 
Capt. Gregory ; served three months, 
and mustered out with his company at 
the close of the war. Mr. Riley fol- 
lowed the stone mason and brick laying 
trades thirteen years in his early life. 

Ring, Henry, retired, Florence. 

Rogers, Albert M., carpenter, Florence. 

Rogers, Ashley D., carpenter, Florence. 

Rogers, C. M., carp, and sch. tcher, Flor- 
ence. 

Rogers, Harvey, carpenter, Florence. 

Rosdail, David, farmer, S. 23 ; P. O. Flor- 
ence. 

Rosdail, Jacob, for., S. 23 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Rosdail, Oree, for.. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Flor- 
ence. 

Rose, William G., farmer ; P. 0. Florence. 

Rus.sell, Wm., far., Sec. 11 ; P.O. Florence. 

Russell, Wm., Jr., far., S., 11; P. 0. Flor- 
ence. 



SABEN, STEPHEN T., farmer. Sec. 
33 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Sargeant, Alden R.,ins. agt., Florence. 
SCHLOEMAX, WILLIAM, 

farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. O. Florence ; born 
in Germany April 11, 1847. Married 
Marggareth Volz in Iowa Co., Iowa, in 
1869 ; she was born in Germany in 
1847 ; they have four children — Willie, 
Melrose, Edwin, and Annie. Have 
eighty acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre. He came to America, a child, in 
1847, to St. Louis, Mo., and moved to 
Iowa Co., Iowa, in 1851 ; located in 
Benton Co. in 1 869. Mr. Schloeman 
has a good property, made by his energy 
and economy. Mr. and Mrs. Schloeman 
are members of the New Jerusalem 
Church. 

Schulte, John, saloon, Florence. 

Schulte, Joseph, far.,S. 15 ; P.O. Florence. 

Secor, Anthony, painter, Florence. 

Secor, Frank, painter, Florence. 

Segard, Jens, blacksmith, Florence. 

Simmons, T., clergyman, Florence. 

Sodestrora, 0., carpenter, Florence. 

Smith, G., far.. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Florence. 

SMITH, J. A., physician and sur- 
geon, Florence ; born in Pennsylva- 
nia June 9, 1848. Married Addie 
Taylor in Iowa, in 1875 ; she was born in 
Ilhnois, in 1848. Dr. Smith took the 
classical course at Elder's Ridge, Penn.; 
graduated in medicine and surgery at 
Rush Medical College, Chicago, Feb., 
1872 ; located in Florence March, 1872; 
they have one child — Lura, born in Flor- 
ence April, 1876. Mr. Smith owns 
house and lot, and interest in other 
buildings, valued at $2,200. Mr. Smith 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and Mrs. Smith is a member of the 
Methodist. 

Sperbeck. A. H., Florence. 

SPERBECK, MARTIX, carpen 
ter and contractor. Florooce ; born 
in Genesee Co., N. Y., Dec. 28, 1833 ; 
moved to Wisconsin in 1846, and went to 
California in 1853, and remained ten 
years ; followed mining and hotel keeping ; 
returned to Wisconsin one year, and re- 
turned to California ; crossed the plains 
with fifty horses, 1864; remained in 
California one year, and returned to 
New York, and from there moved to 
Titusville, Penn. ; was engaged in the 



628 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



oil business ; returned to Wisconsin, 
1867 ; moved to Florence, Iowa, in 1867, 
where he now carries on business ; was 
engaged in building the U. P. Railroad 
one year. Married Eliza Easton in 
California Nov., 1856; she was born in 
Massachusetts in 1835 ; they have four 
children — Francis, Walter and Willie, 
born in California ; Flora E., born in 
Wisconsin. Holds the offices of Justice 
of the Peace and Notary Public ; has 
held the offices of Constable, Deputy 
Treasurer, and several other town offices. 
Has house and twb lots, shop and lot, 
valued at $1,500. 

Springer, J. L., druggist, Florence. 

Sprinker, S., druggist, Florence. 

Stallman, L., far., Sec. 10 ; P. O.Florence. 

Stick, C, for.. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Florence. 

STOCKSL.AGER, S. O., physi- 
cian and surgeon, Florence ; born in Bal- 
timore, Md., Oct. 27, 1849. Married 
Flora E. Brown in Florence, Iowa, 
1877 ; she was born in Florence, Iowa, 
in 1858. Mr. Stockslager attended the 
Rush Medical College of Chicago, in 
1871, and after the large fire took place 
in Chicago in 1871, went to Iowa City, 
Iowa, and attended the Iowa State Uni- 
versity, and graduated Feb., 1875, at 
the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, 
at New York ; practiced in Tipton, Cedar 
Co., Iowa, commencing March, 1872 ; 
practiced eighteen months and then took 
another course of lectures and a hospital 
course, and located in Florence, Iowa, 
July 31, 1875, where he has since been 
practicing. Owns house and lot in Flor- 
ence, valued at $1,000. Is a member 
of the A., F. & A. M. Lodge. 

Strand, T. L., farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Flor- 
ence. 

Swenson, 0., stone mason, Florence. 

rpALMAN, B., farmer ; P. 0. Florence. 

TAYLOR, ALFRED E., farmer. 
Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Florence ; born in Du 
Page Co., 111., July 30, 1851. Married 
Phebe Brown in Benton Co., in 1874; 
she was born in Indiana, March 4, 
1854 ; they have two children — Rossi- 
ter Elwin and Iva. Have 110 acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre ; came to 
Benton Co., Iowa, in 1844. Mr. Tay- 
lor has held the office of School Director 
and other town offices. 



TAYLOR, ELIZABETH^ 

MR^., farming, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. 

Florence; was born in Wayne Co., 
N. Y., Oct. 28, 1824. Was married 
to Wm. Taylor in Du Page Co., 111., in 
1844. Wm. Taylor was born July 24, 
1810, in New Hampshire ; they had 
seven children ; five are living — Wm. 
J., Alfred E., Lewis E., Addie and 
Agness L. ; have 360 acres of land, val- 
ued at $40 per acre. Mrs. Taylor is a 
member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. 
Taylor moved with her parents to Mich- 
igan, and then to Illinois, and moved to 
Benton Co., Iowa, in 1856. Mr. Tav- 
lor died, July 24, 1865 ; Mary E. died 
Aug. 25, 1877, aged 32 years; Elzora 
A. died Jan. 9, 1875, aged 16 years. 

Taylor, Lewis E., farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. 
Florence.' 

Taylor, R. P., jeweler, Florence. 

Taylor, Wm., carpenter, Florence. 

Templeman, J. N., carpenter, Florence. 

Thomas, A., far., S. 34; P. 0. Florence. 

Thompson, Nels, laborer ; P. 0. Florence. 

Thompson, Nelson, laborer ; P. 0. Flor- 
ence. 

THOMPSON. SOPHIA, 

MRS., farming, S.'30 ; P. 0. Florence ; 
born in Norway, Europe, in 1831 ; has 
eighty acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre ; has three children — Martha B., 
Wm. 0. and Annie Bell; is the widow 
of Wm. B. Thompson. Mr. Thompson 
enlisted Sept. 20, 1861, in the 8th 
Iowa V. I. ; was taken prisoner at the 
battle of Pittsburg Landing April, 
1862 ; was kept in Montgomery and Ma- 
con, Ga., prisons six months ; was ex- 
changed at Annapolis, Md. Mrs. Thomp- 
son came to America in 1850 ; located in 
La Salle Co., 111. ; moved to Iowa Co., 
Iowa, in 1857, and located in Benton Co. 
in 1861. Mrs. Thompson is a member of 
the Lutheran Church. Mr. Thompson 
lost his health in prison, and was transfer- 
red to the Invalid Corps of Company K, 
4th Regiment, and was discharged in 
Sept., 1864; died in 1868 in Benton 
Co., Iowa. 

Thompson, T.,far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Tiede, John, far., S. 1 6 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Tiel, Lererette, retired, Florence. 

Tow, Andrew, far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Torrison, H.,far., Sec. 15 ; P. O. Florence. 

Tow, A. L., far., S. 25; P. 0. Florence. 



FLORENCE TOWNSHIP. 



62^ 



Tow, Axel, far., S. 24; P. 0. Florence. 

Tow, C, renter, Sec. 14; P. O.Florence. 

Tow, Lars, far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Tow, Ole, far., S. 23 ; P. Florence. 

Tow, Severt, far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Troy, Charles, far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Troy, J. W., far., S. 32 ; P. O. Florence. 

TUCKER, GABRIEL. F., form- 
er, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Florence ; born in 
Collins, N. Y., June 6, 1836. Married 
Sarah A. Smith in New York ; she 
was born in Brant, N. Y., in 1837 ; 
they had one child — Jason C, born in 
1859. Mrs. Tucker died in 1866. Mr. 
Tucker has eighty acres of land, valued 
at $35 per acre ; is a member of the 
Friends' Society. Mr. Tucker was in 
the U. S. Mail Service at Buffalo, 
N. Y., for nine years; came to Benton 
Co., Iowa, in 1863. 

Tacker, John, far., P. O. Watkins. 

TlITTIiE. OSMAX, farmer. Sec. 
17; P. 0. Florence; born in Norway, 
Europe, in January, 1798. Married 
Melinda in 1826 in Norway ; they had 
nine children, three are living — Annie, 
Betsey and Osman. Mrs. Tuttle died 
in 1852. Mr. Tuttle married his 
second wife — Helena Sophia in Norway, 
in October, 1855 ; she was born in 
Norway in 1822 ; they had five chil- 
dren, two are living — Henry and Os- 



man Edward. Mr. Tuttle has 640 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre 
and some town property; he came to 
America in 1836, went back to Norway 
in 1855, and returned to America in 
1856 ; located in Benton Co. in 1859. 
Mr. Tuttle located the town of Norway, 
Iowa ; he gave eleven acres of land to 
the Chicago & North-Western Railway 
Company to locate the depot and rail- 
road ; he helped to build the first school 
house in Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Tuttle has a good property, made 
by his energy and economj'. 

Tuttle, 0., Jr., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Florence. 

TTTALKER, ED. C, Florence. 

Wayner, Philip, carpenter, Florence. 
Weland, Ole, tar., S. 36 ; P. O. Florence. 
Weston, John, far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Wheeler, Charles H., carpenter, Florence. 
Wheeler, George W., Constable, Florence. 
Wheeler, J. A., farmer ; P. 0. Florence. 
Wicks, Lars, far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Wilmirth, Charles, laborer, Florence. 

YOUNG, A. S., far.. Sec. 35 ; P. 0, 
Florence. 
Younglove, Isaac, Florence. 

ZLIBCICK, John T., Catholic priest :. 
P. 0. Florence. 




630 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



ELDORADO TOWNSHIP. 



ABRAHAM, WILLIAM, fanner, Sec. 
2 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Ahrendt, C. F., far., S. 31 ; P.O.Blairstown, 

Ahrend, Fred'k, far., S. 16 ; P.O.Watkins. 

Anderson, Sol., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Andrews, S., far., Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Andrews, W., far., Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Amundson, Shure, laborer, Watkins. 

AXEI.SEX, ADOIiPH, farmer, 
Sec. 26 ; P. 0. W^atkins ; born in Ger- 
many Aug. 6, 1847. Married Minna 
Schroeder in Iowa, in 1871 ; she was 
born in Germany Sept. 12, 1849 ; they 
have five children — Dora, Minna, Phil- 
lip, Mary and Adolph (twins). Has 240 
acres of land, valued at S30 per acre. 
Came to Scott Co., Iowa, in 1866, and 
located in Benton Co. in 1872. He fol- 
lowed school teaching in Germany three 
years ; holds the ofiice of Township As- 
sessor, and has held it two terms. 
BACKHAUS, HENRY, farmer, Sec. 
21 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

BAKER, EMAiriJEL., farmer. 
Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; born in 
Pennsylvania March 10, 1825. Mar 
ried Matilda Troutman in Pennsylvania, 
in 1857 ; she was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1824 ; they have six children — Simon 
Peter, William Henry, Mary Margret, 
Sarah Esther, Lydia Ellen and Emma 
Jane. Has 160 acres of land, valued 
at $35 per acre. Moved to Illinois, 
lived one year, and moved to Iowa in 
1 855 ; he was one of the first settlers in 
Eldorado Tp.; has held the ofiices of 
Supervisor, School Director, etc. Mr. 
and Mrs. Baker are members of the M. 
E. Church. Mr. Baker has followed 
carpentering and building several years. 

Baker, L., far.. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Baker, S., far., Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Baumgarten, P., far.. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Baumgarten, Wm., far., S. 4 ; P.O.Vinton. 

Becker, Hans, shoemaker, Sec. 20 ; P. O. 
Blairstown. 

Benedict, E., far.. Sec. 11; P. 0. Vinton. 

Bettenhausen, Chroix, horseman. Sec. 16 
P. 0. Vinton. 

BEIJE, JOHX M., farmer. Sec. 19 
P. 0. Blairstown ; born in Holland in 
1834. Married Esther Bentz in 1860 
she was born in Ohio in 1837 , they 



have five children — John F., William 
C, Orson Arthur, Ervine Edwin and 
Leota Leverna ; have 145 acres of land, 
valued at $4,000. Mr. Blue moved to 
Ohio in 1857, and from there to Iowa 
in 1867. He holds the ofiice of Justice 
of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Blue are 
members of the Evangelical Association. 

Boeddeker, A., far., S. 14 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Boiler, H., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Bornstein. R.,far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Brehm, C, far.. Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Budde, F., far.. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Buehre, H., far., S. 17; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Buehre, J. H., far., S. 17 ; P.O. Blairstown. 

/^^ALDWELL, JAMES A., far., Sec. 

Vy 11 ; P.O. Shellsburg. 

CAEKINS, DAVID, farmer. Sec. 
2 ; P. 0. Shellsburg; born in Connect- 
icut May 7, 1821. Married Eliza 
Crippen in March, 1842; she was born 
in New York in 1824 ; they had four 
children, one is living — Henry. Mrs. 
Calkins died in 1855. He then married 
Molissa Coutts in Iowa in 1858 ; she 
was born in Ohio in 1836 ; they have 
five children — Marvin, Martha, Linna 
May, Harriett Lee and Jacob J. ; has 
fifty-six acres of land, valued at $50 per 
acre. Has held several town offices. 
Was the first settler in Eldorado Town- 
ship ; helped to organize the township ; 
moved with his father to Oswego, N. Y., 
and to Michigan in 1835 ; followed 
blacksmithing in Michigan and in Iowa 
fifteen years ; located in Iowa in 1854. 
Mr. Calkins went to California across 
the plains in 1852; followed saw-milling 
and mining fifteen months and returned 
to Michigan, and then to Iowa. 

Coutts, Jacob, far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

COZAI>, B. F., farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. 
0. Watkins; born in Mercer Co., Penn., 
Aug., 1846. Married Mary A. Hill in 
Linn Co., Iowa, in 1866 ; she was born 
in Pennsylvania in 1852; had four 
children, two are living — Edward and 
Ora ; has forty acres of land, valued at 
$40 per acre. Enlisted in 15th I. V. 
I., Aug. 8, 1862 ; was taken prisoner on 
skirmish line and made his escape ; was 
in all the principal engagements with the 
regiment ; re-enlisted in 1864 and was dis- 



ELDORADO TOWNSHIP. 



631 



charged with regiment at the close of 
the war in 1865. Came to Iowa in 1857 ; 
located in Benton Co., in 1870. They 
are members of the M. E. Church. 

DANKERT, FERDINAND, former, 
Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 

Davidson, J., far., Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Florence. | 

Davis, L., far., Sec. 28 ; P- 0. Watkins. 

Dean. C. F., far., S. 34; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Dean. H. A., far., S. 34 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Doolittle, A. P., far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Watkins. 1 

Div,little, L. M., for., S. 36 ; P. 0. Florence. 

DOOLITTLE, W. A., former, Sec. 
35 ; P. (). Florence ; born in Knox Co., 
Ohio, Jan. 17, 1841. Married Miss S. 
C. Stookey in Iowa in 1871 ; she was 
born in Indiana in 1850 ; they have 
three children — J. W., J. L. and Elma 
L. Has 160 acres of land, valued at 
S35 per acre. Enlisted in the 12th 
Iowa V. I., Sept. 28, 1861 ; was dis- 
charged by reason of general debility in 
July, 1862. Came to Iowa in 1857. 

Dunker, J., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Dvrio. B., for., S. 25 ; P. 0. Florence. 

ENGELKING, WILLIAM, farmer, 
Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Ertynd, S., far., S. 12; P. 0. Florence. 

Ij^ICK, HANS, far., S. 10; P. O. Vin- 
. ton. 

Fiebelkorn, J., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Fielman, J., far., S. 20 ; P. Blairstown. 

Freese, J., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Fricke, Geo., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

/^ ALLMANN, MARTIN, former. Sec. 

VX 18; P.O. Blairstown. 

Gereke, A., blacksmith. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

OIBBINI^, A., farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. O. 
Vinton; born in Maryland, Nov. 2,1825. 
Married Hannah Cloppner in Ohio in 
1846 ; she was born in Germany in 
1831 ; had thirteen children — Charles 
L., James M., Edward, Caroline (died 
at the age of two years), Joseph Adi- 
son, Louisa, Nellie, Elmer, Allie, Will- 
iam, Frederick and Carrie. Has eighty 
acres of land, valued at $2,200 ; came 
to Ohio in 1831 ; moved to Iowa in 
1856 ; followed harness making in Ohio. 
Has held the office of Township Clerk 
and several other town offices. Charles 
L. married Celissa A. Cranston in 1874 ; 
she was born in Ohio in 1852; has 
eighty acres of land, valued at $2,0<l0. 
Edward, born in 1853, married Emma 



Gephart in ICldorado in 1878 ; she was 
born in Linn Co., Iowa, in 1857 ; has 
eighty acres of land, valued at §2,000. 

Gibbins, Ed., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Grovert, H. J., far., S. 3; P. 0. Vinton. 

Grote, H. A., far., S. 18; P. 0., Blairs- 
town. 

Grubb, Lsaac, far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

HAHN, ADAM F., Sec. 30 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Hannemann, Fred, far., S. 17 ; P. Blairs- 
town. 

Hauser, John, far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hausmann, Henry, far., Sec. 6 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Hasch, Henry, far., S. 22; P. 0. Watkins. 

Haupt, Fritz, far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Hagen, C, far^, S. 17 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hemme, Ludwig, far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Hill, Wm., lab.^S. 14; P. 0. Watkins. 

Hoeck, A., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hoefle, Geo., for.,S. 29; P. 0. Blairstown. 

ITBENDORF, JOHN, lab. S. 26 ; P. 

JL 0. Watkins. 

JANSFEN, CHRISTIAN, far., S. 3 ; 
P. 0. Vinton. 

Jahake, Fred., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Johnson, G., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Johnson, P., Jr., for., S. 12 ; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Johnson, P., Sr., far.,S. 12; P. 0. Shells- 
burg. 

Jungclaus, H., fai-., S. 26; P. 0. Watkins. 

KECK, EMMANUEL, far.. Sec. 30 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown. 

Keck. Wm., for., S. 29 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

KKRKMAN, COARAI>, for, 
S. 9 ; P. 0. Vinton ; born in Germany, 
in 1817. Married Anna M. Werning : 
she was born in 1818 ; they have six 
children — Anna, Katarine, Edward, 
Henry, Mary and Conrad ; Mrs. Kirk- 
man had two sous when married ; their 
names are John and Martin Shoema- 
ker ; John enlisted in the laU^ rebellion, 
was wounded and crippled for life. Mr. 
Kerkman came to Chicago, 111., in 1846 ; 
carried on blacksmithing for many years, 
and moved to Bentmi County, Iowa, in 
1869. Has 800 acres of land, valued 
at S35 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Kerk- 
man are members of the Lutheran 
Church. 

Kessler, H., far.. Sec 6; P. 0. Blairstown. 
, Koch, C, far.. Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 



632 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Kohne, G., clergyman, S. 20 ; P. 0. Blairs- 

town. 
Kohrtz, J., far., S. 15; P. 0. Watkins. 
Koopmann, J., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Kranz, G., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Kunstorf, C, far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

LORENZEN, HANS, laborer. Sec. 27 ; 
P. 0. Watkins. 
Luecke, H., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

McSHEA, MICHAEL, farmer, Sec. 
34 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

McORAXAHAN, JOHX H., 

far.; S. 14 ; P. 0. Watkins ; born in Ire- 
land, County Derry, May 13, 1845. 
Married Martha Ann Compton in Iowa, 
in 1870 ; she was born in Ohio in 1852 ; 
they have two children — Sarah Rebecca, 
born Oct. 1, 1872 ; Thomas Newton, 
born Nov. IG, 1876. Has 160 acres 
land, valued at $25 per acre. Has held 
the office of Township Trustee four 
years. Came to Pennsylvania in 1847; 
moved to Illinois in 1854, and moved 
to Iowa in 1858. They are members 
of the Presbyterian Church. Is a son 
of Samuel McGranahan. 

McGRAXAHAX, SAMUEL, 
farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. 
Watkins ; born in Ireland, County 
Derry, May 1, 1822. Married Rebecca 
Wallace in Ireland, in 1844 ; she was born 
in County Derry, Ireland, Jan., 1823; 
had twelve children ; four are living — 
John, Ann, Rebecca Rachel and Mary 
Eva. Mrs. McGranahan died at 'the 
age of 45 years, in Benton Co., Iowa, 
and Mr. McGranahan married Anna 
Marrow in 1877 ; she was born in Ohio 
in 1849; they have three children — 
James Edward, Hugh Harvey, and a 
baby not named. Has 320 acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre ; has held 
the office of County Supervisor and 
School Treasurer in the township thir- 
teen years, and several other town of- 
fices. He came to Pennsylvania and 
stayed four years, and moved to Illinois 
and lived four years ; moved to Benton 
Co., in 1858. They are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. He was one 
the first in Eldorado Tp.; the first ser- 
mon that was preached in Eldorado was 
delivered in Mr. McGranahan's barn 
by Rev. John Baty. He settled 100 
acres of land in 1858. 

Mank, G., far., S. 34; P. O. Blairstown. 



Marguardt, W., far., S. 30 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Mein, H., laborer, S. 3 , P. 0. Vinton. 

Mein, M., ret. far., S. 3 ; P. P. Vinton. 

Meyer, E. F., far., Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Miller, H. F., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Miller, J. M., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Miller, John, far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Mitchel, A., far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Mueller, W., far., S. 5 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

^VTICODEMUS, AI>BERT D., 

_LN farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Shellsburg ; 
born in Pennsylvania June 2, 1845. 
Married Elizabeth Faulkender in Illi- 
nois in 1869; she was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1849 ; have three children — 
Ida May, Mary and Sarah. Have 
eighty acres of land, valued at $oO per 
acre ; followed school teaching in Penn- 
sylvania and Illinois five Winters, and 
moved to Illinois in 1867, and to Iowa 
in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Nicodemus are 
members of the German Baptist Church. 

O'CONNELL, C, far., S. 35 ; P. 0. 
Watkins. 
Olson, Peter C, far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Osterkamp, H., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

PAGEL, C, far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
Prepsrass, P., far., S. 3; P. 0. Vinton. 

RAMBO, W. D., far., S. 24; P. 0. 
Watkins. 

Reinhardt, Pastor of Lutheran Church, 
S. 9 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

Rice, A., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Rice. C, far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Rice, E. A., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Robison,T.S.,far.,S. 28; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Rohde, C, far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Russel, W., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. Vinton. 

OCHLUE, F., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Blairs- 

>0 town. 

SCHIIIDT, H. H., farmer and stock 
raiser, S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; born in 
Germany in 1816. Married Mary Hult- 
griver in 1841 ; .she was born in Ger- 
many in 1815, and died at the age of 
35 years; he then married Elizabeth 
Spellman ; she was born in Germany in 
1823 ; they had nine children — Mary, 
William, Harmon, Margaret, Sophia, 
Edwjrd, Paul, Catherine and George. 
Has 900 acres of land, valued at $25,- 
000; has held several township offices; 
was a soldier three years in Germany in 



ELDORADO TOWNSHIP. 



633 



the 15th Regt. ; his son Henry enlisted 
in the 17th Mo. V. I. in 1861. and 
died in the hospital in Keokuk, luwa ; 
his remains were brought home to Claj- 
ton Co. Mrs. Schmidt had two sons 
when married to Mr. Schmidt — Freder- 
ick and John. John enlisted in the late 
rebellion ; was taken prisoner and kep* 
one year ; had his feet and legs frozen, 
and his toes were all taken off but one ; 
was sick five months on David's Island, 
and died soon after reaching home. Mr. 
Schmidt came to Iowa in 1835 ; was 
one of the early settlers in Clayton Co., 
Ii)Wa ; helped to organize the town, etc. ; 
moved to Benton Co. in 1865. Is a 
member of the Lutheran Church. 
Schumacher, M., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Schroeder, H. far., S. 23 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Schu ze. A., far., S. 20 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Segner, L., far., S. 12 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Segrest, J., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 
Senne, J., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Shoemaker, G. J., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 
SMITH, HEK^^RY D., farmer. Sec. 
27 ; P. 0. Watkins ; born in Allegany 
Co., N. Y., July 13, 1845. Married 
Sarah Rapp in Illinois, in 1874 ; she 
was born in Henry Co., 111., in 1849 ; 
they have two children — Emma and 
Herbert Wesley. Has eighty acres of 
land, valued at $2,200. Enlisted July, 
1864, in the l&t N. Y. Dragoons ; was 
in the Potomac array, and was down the 
Shenandoah Valley with Gen. Sheridan 
in 1864, at the battles of Winchester, 
Cedar Creek, Petersburg, Sailor's Creek, 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and many 
other large engagements ; was mustered 
out with the regiment, at Rochester, at 
the close of the war. Mr. Smith was 
engaged in manufacturing boots and 
shoes in New York and Iowa over six 
years, and moved to Iowa in 1868 ; has 
a good farm, well situated, and made his 
property by hard labor. Mr. Smith and 
wife are members of the Evangelical 
Church. 
Stelling, F., far., S. 21 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Stiehn, H., blacksmith, S. 9 ; P. 0. Vin- 
ton. 
Steinke, W., far., S. 4 ; P. 0. Vinton. 
Stiegelmeier, J. H., far.. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. 

Watkins. 
Stubbe, H., far., S. 15 ; P. 0. Vinton. 



TANNER, T. C, far.. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. 
Florence. 

TANXEK, JOHX, farmer and stock 
raiser. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Florence ; born 
April 22, 1812, in New York. Married 
Isatelle Karns in Ohio, May 1, 1835; 
she was born in Pennsylvania in 1814 ; 
they have four children — Mary Jane, 
Nathaniel, W. A., Thomas Cisero. Has 
220 acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre ; moved to Pennsylvania and Ohio, 
and settled in Iowa in 1856. Has held 
the office of County Commissioner in 
Ohio, and held several other township 
offices. He makes a specialty of raising 
timber and fruit trees. Mr. Tanner's 
father died when he was 5 years of age, 
and he has made a good property ; 
helped each child to a farm, and got his 
property by his own energy. 

TAXXJER, N. A., farmer, Sec. 35 ; 
P. 0. Florence ; born in Ohio Sept. 23. 
1838. Married Vesta Adelia Doolittle, 
in Iowa, in 1860 ; she was born in Ohio 
in 1837 ; they have eight children — 
William M., E. A., H. I., J. F., M. L.. 
E. L., S. C. and Vincent. Has 200 
acres of land, valued at $35 per acre ; 
came to Linn Co., Iowa, in 1856 ; lo- 
cated in Benton Co. in 1857. Held the 
offices of Township Clerk and Secretary 
of the School Board. Is a member of 
A., F. and A. M. Lodge. Mr. Tanner 
and wife are members of the M. E. 
Church. 

Tanner, T. C, far.. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Tanner, W., far., Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Thau, H., far., Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Shellsburg. 



Thompson, 
town. 



J., far.. Sec. 30; P. 0. Blairs- 



THOMPSOX, WILL.I AM, farm- 
er and stock raiser, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown ; burn in Ohio Sept. 2, 
1821. Married Nancy Terres in 
Ohio Sept., 1845 , she was born in 
Pennsylvania, in 1823 ; had ten children, 
five are living — W. W. Thomjison, born 
Aug. 14, 1846, in Ohio ; Nancy Jennet, 
born March 12, 1848 (was married to 
Mr. Troutman, now deceased): Sarah 
Jane, born July 31, 1850 (now de- 
ceased) ; Samantha, born Aug. 31, 1852 
(now deceased) ; John, born Oct. 20. 
1854; Mary, born June 7, 1857, in 
Iowa; Ira and Alvira (twins), born 
Dec. 10, 1859 (now deceased) ; Isaac 



634 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY; 



Newton, born July 31, 1862; Enos 
Sherman, born Jan. 2, 1865. Mrs. 
Thompson died June 8, 1866 ; he then 
married Mrs. Keiper in Iowa, 1866 ; 
she was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 24, 
1823 ; when married had three children 
— Albert John, iVlilton E. and Emma 
L. Mr. Thompson has 319 acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre. Has held 
the office of Township Clerk and Super- 
visor ; moved to Iowa, 1856. Mr, and 
Mrs. Thompson are members of the 
Evangelical Church. He helped to or- 
ganize the township, and built the schools 
and churches, etc. 

Thompson, W. W., far., S. 30; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

TROUTMAl^, DAXIFX, farmer 
. and stock raiser. Sec. 33 ; P. O. Blairs- 
town ; born in Somerset Co., Penn., 
Oct. 3, 1837. Married Miss N. J. 
Thompson in Iowa, 1867 ; she was 
born in Richland Co., Ohio, 1848; they 
have four children — Royal W., Effa F., 
Harvey E. and Reldey U. Mrs. Trout- 
man died Nov., 1875, in Iowa, and Mr. 
Troutman married Mrs. J. A. Whiting 
in Linn Co., Iowa, Dec. 11, 1877 ; she 
was born in New York, in 1 834. Has 320 
acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. 
Mr. Troutman is a member of the 
Evangelical Association, and Mrs. T. is 
a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
T. came to Iowa Oct., 1855. 

Troutman, J., far., S. 26 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Treptow, W., far., Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Treptow, W. C. A., far.. Sec. 19 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

Tucker, R. R., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

TICKER, WILLIAM D., farm- 
er. Sec. 25 ; P. O. Watkins ; born in 
Carroll Co., Ohio, Aug. 30, 1847. 
^Married Mary Ellen Jackson in Tama 
Co., Iowa, in 1870; she was born in Iowa, 
Aug. 6, 1853; have had three children, one 
living — Dallas Berton, born in Eldorado, 
Iowa, April, 1877. Has forty acres of 



land, valued at $25 per acre ; moved to 
Iowa in 1859; moved to Kansas in 1871 ; 
returned to Tama Co., Iowa in 1874 ; lo- 
cated in Benton Co. in 1876. Held the 
office of School Director in Kansas. 
James, Edward, William and Arthur, 
died in infancy. 
^TAN VECHTEN, GILES, Sec. 27. 

Volz, C, far.; Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

WADDLE, SAMUEL, farmer. Sec. 
29 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Wandro, J., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Walterdorf, F., far., S. 17 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Warner, H., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

WELCH, T. J., farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 
0. Shellsburg ; born in Belmont Co., 
Ohio, April 16, 1816. Married Jane 
Cranston in Benton Co., Iowa, in 1858 ; 
she was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, 
March 13, 1821 ; has two children— 
Azubah and Leonard Haney. Has 324 
acres of land, valued at $30 per acre ; 
moved to Illinois in 1854, and moved to 
Iowa in 1859. Mr. Welch has held 
the offices of Supervisor, Trustee and 
Justice of the Peace a long time ; has a 
good property, made by his energy, and 
is free from debt ; Mr. Welch followed 
carpentering and building several years. 
Mr. and Mrs. Welch are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

Werner, H., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Werning, C, far., S. 11 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Werning, M., far., S. 10 ; P. O. Watkins. 

Westyshal, C. F. A., far., S. 29 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

White, AV. H., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Yinton. 

Will, D., for., S. 10 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Will, Jacob, far., S. 10 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Wodstreil. W., far., S. 35 ; P.O. Florence. 

YOUNG, ENOS, far.. Sec. 33; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 
Young, J., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Young, J., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

ZORTNG, HENRY, far., S. 22 ; P. 0. 
Watkins. 



ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP. 



635 



ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP. 



AUSTIN, KNUDT, butcher, Wat- 
kins. 

ABKAHA19I, <jr., urain dealer and 
elevator and lumber yard, Watkins ; 
born in Germany May 27, 1850. Mar- 
ried Christine Carsten in Germany, 
1872; she was born in Germany Feb., 
1854 ; they have four children — Geo., 
Ferdinand, Anna and Otto ; owns ele- 
vator, lumber yard, house and lot, val- 
ued at S3,000, and 160 acres of land in 
Eldorado Tp., valued at $30 per acre. 
Mr. Abraham came to Iowa in 1872 ; 
located on a farm, and moved afterward 
to Watkins ; built a large store and hall, 
and went into the mercantile business ; 
kept general score two years ; sold out and 
bought the large elevator and lumber 
yard, where he now carries on business. 
Mr. Abraham kept general store seven 
years in Germany, and served in 101st 
Kaiser William's Regiment in the late 
war in Germany; enlisted in June, 
1871, and served fifteen months; was 
in several battles; ranked as Lieutenant in 
the German army ; was discharged with 
his regiment at the close of the war in 
Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham are 
members of the Lutheran Church. 

AHREXDT, JOHX, farmer. Sec. 
34 ; P. 0. Watkins ; born injGermany 
in 1829. Married Loui.sa Winreben. 
in Germany, in 1 854 ; she was born in 
Germany in 1828 ; they have six chil- 
dren — Albert, Louisa, Benhart, Ma- 
tilda, Lucy and Theodore. Has 240 
acres of land, valued at ^35 per acre ; 
came to Clayton Co., Iowa, in 1861 ; 
moved to Benton Co. in 1867. Mr. 
Ahrendt followed .«ailing thirteen years 
in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Ahrendt 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 

ARBUCKI.E, C. B., harness and 
saddle maker, and partner with Mr. 
Stewart in the photographic viewing of 
scenery, farm houses, groups, etc., Wat- 
kins ; born in Pennsylvania March 4, 
1850 ; moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 
in 1856 ; has been traveling and fol- 
lowing clerking most of his life, through 
the entire United States ; located in 
Watkins, Iowa, in July, 1877, in the 
harness business. Mr. Arbuckle was 



the only child north of the river in St. 
Clair in the days when Indians were 
troublesome here. 

BACKER, JOHN, far., S. 1 ; P. 0. 
Watkins. 

Baker, F., far.. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Baker, Wm., far.. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Betts, W. H. H., lab. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Birth, Wm., far., S. 31 ; P. O. Blairstown. 

Bobzien, F., far., S. 36 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Bobzien, J., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Bobzien, Wm., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Western. 

Boddcker, J., far., S. 2 ; P. 0. ^Florence. 

Boon, Frank, saloon, Watkins. 

Boon, H., far., S. 9 ; P. 0. Western. 

Bower, A., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Bower, J., far., S. 35 ; P. O. Watkins. 

Bower, John, far., S. 36; P. 0. Watkins. 

Bower, William, far., S. 35; P.O.Watkins. 

Bower, Wm., Sr., far., S. 35 ; P.O.Watkins. 

BOWER, WII^LIAM J., far , 
S. 35 ; P.O.Watkins; born in Illinois 
Nov., 1851. Married Julia N. Ringo, 
Jan., 1878 ; she was born in Wisconsin 
in 1856. Mr. Bower is a son of Samuel 
Bower, an early settler in Iowa. He 
works his father's farm of 160 acres ; it 
has the largest bearing orchard in Ben- 
ton Co. 

BROW:^^ J. W., far.,S. 9; P.O.* 
Blairstown ; born in Illinois in 1854. 
Married Clarissa Thomas in Iowa in 
1876 ; she was born in Ohio in 1856. 
They have one child — Alta Valeria. 
He has a share with his brothers, Geo. 
M. and Charles W., in 240 acres of land, 
valued at S35 per acre. He came to 
Iowa in 1874. 

Buck, John, far., S. 35; P. O.Watkins. 

Buck, Thos., far., S. 35 ; P. O.Watkins. 

Burkhardt. Andrew A., drustiist. Watkins. 

/~^ASE, JOHN, Watkins. ' 

CARXES, J. B., farmer and school 
teacher, S. 3 ; P. 0. Watkins ; born in 
Ohio in 1844. Married Lonie J. Hay- 
den in Illinois in 1872 ; she was born in 
Illinois in 1846 ; they have twn children 
— Glen Lulu and Minerva I. Mr. Carnes 
followed school teaching twelve years, 
and enlisted in the 62d Ohio A'ol. Inft. 
in 1862; participated with all the en- 
gagements of the regiment, and was dis- 



63« 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



charged at the close of the war. Moved 
to Illinois in 1869, and came to 
Iowa in 1878. He was Principal of 
the Woodliull High School in Illinois 
for three years. He is a member of the 
I. 0. O.F. Lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Carnes 
are members of the M. E. Church. 

CliARK, WILLIAM, far. and 
stock raiser, Sec. 13; P. 0. Florence; 
born in Ireland in 1828. Married Mar- 
gret Charles in New Jersey in 1851 ; 
she was born in Ireland in 1831 ; they 
have six children — Anna S. (now Mrs. 
W. P. Groff), Martha T., Joshua C, 
Mariah S., William J., Lizzie Jane. 
They have 200 acres of land, valued at 
$40 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Clark and 
family are members of the M. E. Church. 
Mr. Clark came to New Jersey in 1 848, 
lived there ten years, and moved to Iowa 
in 1858. 

Conn, James, far., S. 34 ; P. O.Watkins. 

Combs, Marquis, far., S. 8; P. O.Watkins. 

Combs, Thos.W.,far., S. 8 ; P.O.Watkins. 

Cosad, John, farmer, Watkins. 

•COX, J. R., physician and sur- 
geon, Watkins ; born in Columbus 
City, Iowa, May 20. 1853. Married 
Etta Cartright in Iowa City, Iowa, in 
1876 ; she was born in Iowa City Nov. 
1855 ; they have one child — A-lbert J., 
born June 14, 1877. Dr. Cox at- 
• tended the classical course at Cornell 
College at Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and took 
the medical course at the Iowa State 
University at Iowa City, Iowa, two 
years, and attended lectures ; com- 
menced practice in Jan., 1877, at Iowa 
City and Marengo, Iowa, and located in 
Watkins Aug. 17, 1877. 

€rantz, M., far.. Sec. 31 ; H. 0. Blairstown. 

CROCKET, CHARLES, farmer. 
Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; born in 
Luzerne Co., Penn., Jan. 19, 1841. 
Married Joanna Funk in Benton Co., 
Iowa, in 1863 ; she was born in Greene 
Co., Penn., Dec. 31, 1844; they have 
four children — Ida, Annett, James Burt- 
on and Mary Bell. Have 200 acres of 
land, valued at $30 per acre. Mr. 
Crocket moved to Iowa in 1858 ; went 
to Pike's Peak in 1859 ; followed freight- 
ing and trading four years on the plains 
in the West ; returned to Benton Co., 
Iowa, in 1863. Is a member of the Pa- 
trons of Husbandry. 



DANSKIN, W. P., Postmaster and 
merchant, Watkins. 

Danke, J., far., Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

DA^SKIX, GJEO. M., station agt. 
of C. & N. W. R'y Co. and agt. for Am. 
Ex. Co., grain dealer and proprietor of 
lumber yard ; P. 0. Watkins ; born in 
Canada Dec. 27, 1842. Married Miss 
L. M. Thomas in Iowa Co., Iowa, Dec. 
22, 1866 ; she was born in New York 
Jan. 4, 1845 ; they have four children — 
Euretha, Lizzie, Rolph and Flora. Mr. 
Danskin moved to Eowa in 1853, and 
located in Benton Co. in 1873. Mr. 
Danskin built the first dwelling house 
and first business building in Watkins ; 
was the first man to commence business ; 
built a large warehouse, and commenced 
buying grain, and owns warehouse and 
lumber yai'd, and house and lot valued 
at $5,000. Mr. and Mrs. Danskin are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. 

Delaney, W., far.. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Dolga, J., far.. Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

E GENES, PETER G., farmer. Sec. 1 ; 
P. 0. Florence. 
Eyler, Henry, laborer, Watkins. 
Eyler, Peter, clerk, Watkins. 

FALLON, JOHN, blacksmith, Wat- 
kins. 
Farrall, J., far.. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Farrall, T., far.. Sec 2 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Farrar, Jas., hardware merch., Watkins. 
Fellows, J., far., Sec. 30 ; P.O. Blairstown. 
Fett, F., tenant far., S. 18 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Fitziierald. Ed., R. R. lab., Watkins. 
Fowler, A. C, far.. Sec. 25 ; P.O.Watkins. 
Fowler, E. M., far., S. 25 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Fowler, J. 0., far.. Sec. 25 ; P.O.Watkins. 
Fowler, L., Professor of Music, Sec. 25 ; 

P. 0. Watkins. 
Freese, Christian, carpenter, Watkins. 
Freese, H., farmer ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Fremml, Joseph, lab., Watkins. 

G REESE, ALEX, far., S. 3 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 

GENSIEKE, CHRISTIAN, 

fir.,S. 28 ; P. 0. Watkins ; born in Ger- 
many Jan. 28, 1828. Married Eliza- 
beth Hartwig in Germany, in 1851 ; 
she was born in Germany in 1825; 
they had seven children, five are living 
— Christian, Jr , Sophia, Anna, Henry 
and Rebecca. Has 460 acres of land, 
valued at $30 per acre. Came to Chi- 
cago in 1853 ; stayed there six months 



ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP. 



637 



and moved to Rock Island, thence to 
Milton Junction, Wis., and then to Ben- 
ton Co., in 1869. Was in the army in 
Germany three years. Followed wagon 
making twenty-five years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Gensieke are members of the Lu- 
theran Church. 

QREOG, W. S., farmer and stock 
raiser, S. 20 ; P. . Blairstown ; born in 
Belmont Co., Ohio, July 10, 1843. 
has 320 acres of land valued at S35 
per acre. Came to Iowa in 1843, to 
Pottawattamie Co., and then to Warren 
Co., and moved to Benton Co., in 1865. 

Groof, W. P., tenant far. ; P. O. Florence. 

HAMILTON, HENRY, for., S. 8 ; 
P, 0. Watkins. 

HAIvI., SAMUEL, far., Sec. 33; 
P. 0. Watkins ; born in Wayne Co., 
N. Y., in 1826. Married Salina C. 
Allen in 1868 ; she was born in Ontario 
Co., N. Y., in 1832 ; they have one 
child — Frederick. Has 160 acres of 
land, valued at $40 per acre. Moved 
to Illinois in 1836, and came to Iowa 
in 1855. Mr. Hall followed railroad- 
ing in early life. Came to Benton County 
when the county was new. 

Hamilton, Orcar, far., S. 8 ; P. O. Watkins. 

Hartley, C. H., ftir., S. 14 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Hartley, Geo., far., S. 14 ; P.O. Watkins. 

Hartley, Josiah, far.,S. 14; P. O.Watkins. 

HAYDEX, A. JR., far., S. 3 ; P. 0. 
Watkins; born in Indiana in 1836. 
Married Mary Heidy in Benton Co., 
Iowa, in 1870 ; she was born in Wis- 
consin in 1846 ; they have two chil- 
dren — Anzi J. and Nellie Amret. 
Has 320 acres of land, valued at $30 
per acre. Enlisted in the 55th 111. Vol. 
Inf., Oct. 30, 1861 ; was in the battles 
of Shiloh, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas 
Post, in two assaults and siege of Vicks- 
burg, Jackson, Miss., Missionary Ridge, 
Resaca, Big Kenesaw, New Hope Church 
and Little Kenesaw ; was taken sick, and 
sent to Rome, Ga. ; was put in charge of 
the Hutchen House hospital ; was in the 
Army of Tennessee, which never lost a 
battle ; in 2d Division of the 15tli ; 
Army Corps ; was Drum jMajor of the 
regiment, and promoted to Regimental 
Commissary Sergeant ; was one of the 
thirteen who came out of the twenty-two 
in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain ; 
June 27, 1864; was discharged with the 



regiment ; since held the office of Cap- 
tain of Co. C, First Regiment Iowa 
National Guards, and hns held the office 
of Township Trustee. 

Hauser, C, ten. far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Hawkins, J. C, far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

HAYDEN, C. B., dealer and shipper 
of live stock, Watkins ; born in Fayette 
Co., Penn.; attended school at Madison 
College, Penn.; after which engaged in 
merchandizing and the manufacture of 
pig iron at Redstone Furnace, Penn.; 
located in Iowa in 1870. 

Hayden, W. H., tenant far., P. 0. Watkins. 

Heck, J., Sr., far., S. 31 ; P. 0. Blairetown. 

HECK, JOHN B., farmer. Sec. 28 ; 
P. 0. Watkins ; born in Dubu(|ue Co., 
Iowa, in Oct., 1853 ; has eighty acres of 
land, valued at $35 per acre. Is a mem- 
ber of the Catholic Church. 

Helo-eson. H. S., laborer, Watkins. 

HEXDRICKJSi, G. T., farmer. Sec. 
34; P. 0. Watkins; born in St. Clair 
Co., 111., Dec. 4, 1822. Married Rhoda 
Owen in Illinois in 1848 ; she was born 
in Kentucky April 3, 1829 ; they have 
nine children — Sarah E., David S., Ann 
Eliza, Rosella J., Laura J., Isolina R., 
Ida M., Charley W. and Lola Gcmeura. 
Has 120 acres of land, valued at S40 
per acre ; moved to Iowa in 1852. Mr. 
Hendrick was Postmaster at Taylor 
Grove ten years ; was one of the first 
settlers in Benton Co.; there were but 
two houses in St. Clair Tp. when he 
came in it ; the deer and Indians were 
numerous. 3Ir. Hendrick is a member 
of the A., F. & A. M. Lodge. 

Hess, Louis F., photographer, Watkins. 

Heyden, H., far., S. 32 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Holtz, Frederick, blacksmith, Watkins. 

Humbert, G. S., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Wat- 
kins. 

yOHNSON, JOHN, laborer, Watkins. 

Johnson, J. C, far., S. 32 ; P. O. Watkins. 
Johnson, Louis, shoemaker, Watkins. 
Junk, D. P., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Jurgenyer, Wm., flir., S. 32 ; P. 0. Wat- 
kins. 

KECK, JOHN, farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. 
Blairstown. 
KECK, DAXIEL, farmer. Sec. 4 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown ; born in Ohio Sept. 
8,1819. Married Lavina Kern in Ohio 

11 



638 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY 



Jan. 15, 1844; she was born in Ohio 
Sept. 16, 1823 ; they had eight children, 
seven are living — Simon, Sarah, Eman- 
uel, William, Amanda, John and Lewis. 
Simon enlisted in the service in Ohio ; 
was wounded at the battle of Honey 
Hill ; was discharged with his regiment 
at the close of the war. Mr. K. has 
160 acres of land, valued at $6,000; 
has held the office of Justice of the 
Peace for six years. Mr. and Mrs. K. 
are members of the Evangelical Associa- 
tion. Mr. Keck moved into Iowa in 
1868. 

KECK, SIMON PETER, farm- 
er. Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; born in Ohio 
Jan. 19, 1845. Married Rachel Wor- 
ley in Ohio, in 1870 ; she was born in 
in Ohio Jan 12, 1863 ; they have had 
two children — Fannie Bell, born in 
Iowa in 1871, and Jennie Lavina, born 
in Iowa in 1873. Has eighty acres of 
land, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Keck 
enlisted in Co. G, Z5th Ohio V. L, in 
in 1864 ; was in eight heavy battles, and 
several lighter ones ; received a slight 
wound ; was discharged with his regi- 
ment at the close of the war ; was with 
Gen. Sherman's "march to the sea," and 
all through his campaign. Mr. and 
Mrs. Keck are members of the Evan- 
gelical Association. 

Keiper, Milton, grain dealer, Watkins. 

KEL,L.Y, ALEXAl^DER, farm 
er and stock raiser. Sec. 4 ; P. Ot Wat- 
kins ; born in Juniata Co., Penn., March 
22, 1830. Married Margret Fleming 
in Illinois in 1855 ; she was born in 
Pennsylvania April 22, 1831 ; they 
have ten children — W. A. P., Clara J., 
Delbert F., H. Lowrie, James Seward 
Lillie F., Mary E., Edward E., Theo- 
dore V. and Etta Bell. Has 640 acres 
of land, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. 
Kelly has held the office of Justice of 
the Peace ; has been Secretary of the 
School Board, and Director several 
years. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church ; Mr. 
Kelly is Trustee and Elder of the 
church. They moved to La Salle Co., 
111., in 1854 ; remained nine years, 
and moved to Benton Co., Iowa, in 1863. 

KELI.Y, ELIZABETH, 
ILRS., farmer. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town ; born in Pennsylvania, in 1830 ; 



is the widow of William Kelly, died in 
1871, at the age of 44 years; had 
eleven children ; six are living — Howard, 
Jennie, William, Laura, Frank and 
Blanche. She has 240 acres of land, 
valued at $40 per acre ; Howard has 
eighty acres, valued at $30 per acre ; 
came to Iowa in 1864. Mrs. Kelly is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

Kelly, H., tar., S. 8 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Kelly, W. A., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Krieger, Charles, drayman, Watkins. 

Kroeger, Marx, hotel and saloon, Watkins. 

Krohn, Tobias, wagon maker, Watkins. 

LAGRANGE, R. J., tenant farmer; 
P. 0. Blairstown. 
Lee, Charles, grain dealer, Watkins. 
Lingle, E.. tenant far., P. 0. Blairstown. 
Lingle, P., far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

McADOW, JAMES M., far., S. 25 ; 
P. 0. Florence. 

McADOW, JAMES, farmer and 
stock raiser. Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Florence ; 
born in Pennsylvania Jan. 8, 1820. 
Married Mary Wheeler in Ohio, in 1845 ; 
she was born in Dec, 1826 ; they have 
six children — Annie, James M., C. J., 
Lelah N., Rachel Bell and Samuel. Has 
eighty acres of land, valued at $40 per 
acre; he came to Iowa in 1854; fol- 
lowed carpentering before he came to 
Iowa, and followed stock dealing the 
first twelve years in Iowa. Is a mem- 
ber of the A., F. & A. M. Lodge. 

McCarty, W., tar., S. 5 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

McCarery, J., laborer, Watkins. 

McCormac, T., laborer, Watkins. 

McKinnon, W., Jr., rntr. ; P. 0. Florence. 

McLane, R. 0., far. ; P. 0. Watkins. 

McA^EE, WILI.IAM, farmer. Sec. 
24 ; P. 0. Florence ; born in Scotland 
Sept. 24, 1830. Married Elizabeth 
McKinnon in Linn Co., Iowa, in 1858 ; 
she was born in Scotland in 1828 ; they 
have five children — W. A., John Mal- 
com, David, Norman and Elizabeth 
Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. McNee are 
members of the United Presbyterian 
Church. He is a member of the A., F. 
& A. M. 

McQuinn, B. J., far., S. 25; P.O. Florence. 

MAXX, WIIil^IAM J., merchant, 
proprietor general store, dealer in dry 
goods, boots and shoes, groceries, etc., 
Watkins, Iowa ; born in Germany June,. 



♦ 



ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP. 



639 



1848. Married Dora Emke in Watkins, 
Iowa ; she was born in Germany in 
1860. He came to New York in 18H8 ; 
returned to Germany in 1870. Enlisted 
in the 11th Cavahy in Germany ; served 
three years and was discharged at the 
close of the war with his regiment ; came 
to America in 1872; located in Mt. 
Pleasant, Iowa ; returned to Germany in 
1873, and came to Iowa in 187-1 ; bought 
the large store in Watkins of Mr. Abra- 
hams, March 1, 1878, where he carries 
on business. 

Mayhew, H., far., S. 10 ; P 0. Watkins. 

Mayhew, 0., far., D. 16 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Messenger, J. J., far., S.36; P.O. Watkins. 

Miller, G. A., tenant far- ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Miller, H. B., far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

MIIiLER, HEXRY, farmer, Sec. 
19 ; P. 0. Blairstown ; was born in 
Guernsey Co., Ohio, April, 1825. Mar- 
ried Miss Johnson in Cedar Co., Iowa, 
in 184:9; she was born in Ohio; 
they have eight children — H. B., Will- 
iam H., E. J., John W., Charles, Homer 
McCleanan, Edwin Lee and Carrie 
Asbarecn. Mr. IMiller was one of the 
earliest settlers in the State of Iowa ; 
came to this State in 1836 ; located in 
Cedar Co. ; followed milling ten years ; 
carried on business in Muscatine two 
years and moved into Benton Co. in 1863. 
Mr. Miller has 800 acres of land, valued at 
§30 per acre ; fine buildings, grounds, 
etc. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members 
of the Evangelical Church. 

9E1L.L.F.R, H. B., farmer, Sec. 17 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown; born in Cedar Co., 
Iowa, March 16, 1851. Married Miss 
S. C. Herring in 1873 ; she was born 
in Ohio in 1855 ; they have one child 
— Warren Benton. Ha.s 200 acres of 
land, valued at $5,000. Mr. and Mrs. 
Miller are members of the Evangelical 
Church. 

Miller, W., tenant far. ; P. O. Watkins. 

Morris, Charles, carpenter, Watkins. 

Mott, M. C, lab., Watkins. 

Murphy, J., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

nVTEWTON, WILLIAM, far., S. 11 ; 

XN p. 0. Watkins. 

Nisley, J. K., ten. far. ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Nolan, J., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Nolan, T., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Norland, J. P., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Florence. 

Norland, J. J., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Florence. 



Norland, S. J., far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Florence. 

O'NEEL. JAMES, far., S. 17 ; P. 0. 
Watkins. 
PETERSON, JOHN A., far., S. 12 ; 
P. 0. Florence. 
Pfaffle, A. F., painter, Watkins. 
Pieper, Casper, far., S. 3 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Pieper, John, far. ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Piester, M., far., S. 35 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

PIX^REY, AMAXDA, .IIRS., 

importer, dealer and breeder of thor- 
oughbred Short-Horn cattle and Poland- 
China hogs. Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Blairstown; 
born in Sullivan, N. H., March, 1825. 
Was married in Brattleboro, Vt., in 
1843. to Daniel Pingrey (now deceased) ; 
has seven children — Solon, John, Dan- 
iel, Jr., Ida, Edwin and Edward (twins) 
and Ada. Has 600 acres of land, val- 
ued at $35 per acre. Is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

Pingrey, D., Jr., far., S. 30; P. O. Blairs- 
town. 

Pingrey, J., far., S. 19 ; P.O. Blairstown. 

PIRIE, JAMES, farmer. Sec. 13; 
P. 0. Florence ; born in Scotland in 
1819. Married Lydia Stevens in Can- 
ada in 1854 ; she was born in England 
in 1 832 ; they have four children — 
James Stewart, William Edward, George 
L. and Susan Jane. Has eighty acres 
of land, valued at 840 per acre ; he came 
to Canada in 1844 ; moved to Iowa in 
1861 ; he followed blacksmithing twenty 
years. 

Prior, H.. far., S. 13 ; P. 0. Florence. 

REDFIELD, MERRITT, far., S. 30 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown. 
Richard, C. K., far. ; P. 0. Florence. 
Rinehart, A. C, school teacher, Sec. 34 ; 

P. 0. Watkins. 
Robertson, J., far., S. 16 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Rowley, A. J., far., S. 8 ; P.O. Watkins. 
Rowley, J. F., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

SANDERSON, L. H., far.. Sec. 31 ; 
P. 0. Blairstown. 
Scherger, J., far., S. 7 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 
Schmidt, J., far.. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Schmuecker, J., far., S. 1 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Schoening, C., far.; P. 0. Watkins. 
Schulte, C, far.. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Florence. 
Schwender, P., far.; P. 0. Watkins. 
Shea, M., far., Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
Shenenberger, S. A., tenant far.; P. 0. 

Blairstown. 
Sims, S. S., carp., S. 23 ; P. 0. Watkins. 



640 



DIRECTORY OF BENTON COUNTY: 



Swick, H. C, carpenter, Watkins. 

Skiles, A., far., S. 24 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Smith, A. A., pump agent, Watkins. 

Smith, F., for., S. 32 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

SPRIXCjJER, JACOB, farmer and 
stock raiser. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Watkins ; 
born in Fayette Co., Penn., Jan. 21, 
1824. Married Miss E. J. McCormick 
in Pennsylvania, in 1846; she was born 
in Pennsylvania in 1826 ; they had ten 
children ; four living — Mary, Ada, Ira 
and Annie. He owns a large farm and 
fine residence, large grove and orchards, 
and is surrounded with all the comforts 
of life, near Watkins ; he is the oldest 
settler in this part of the county ; his 
brother James and himself were the 
first settlers in St. Clair Township ; 
built the first cabin and school house ; 
built up the first Masonic Lodge ; has 
held most every local political office ; 
has been for the last eight years Di- 
rector of the College for the Blind, 
at Vinton, Iowa. His son Eugene, en- 
listed in the 2d I. Y. C, September, 
1864, and died July, 1865, at Eastport, 
Miss., with congestion of the brain ; his 
remains were taken home by his father. 
Helped to organize the Lodges and 
Chapters at Cedar Rapids, Belle Plaine, 
and many other Lodges in this section of 
the country ; came to Iowa in 1852 ; 
was here when the Indians were driven 
away by the troops to Kansas; is a 
member of A., F. & A. M. Lodge, 
Chapter and Commandery. 

Stewart, Peter, Watkins. 

Stocker, E., farmer, S. 18; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

STRICKI.IXG, JOHX W., far.. 

Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Watkins ; born in Ohio 
Sept. 21, 1828. Married Sarah J. 
Greer in Ohio, in 1855 ; she was born 
in Ohio in 1833 ; they had seven chil- 
dren ; six are now living — Oliver 0., 
John W., Vesta N., Adaline L., Cora 
P. and Sarah J. Have 160 acres of 
land, valued at $30 per acre ; moved to 
Illinois in 1856; stayed one year and 
moved to Benton Co., Iowa, in 1857. 
Has held the office of Township Assess- 
or two years, and Township Trustee. 
Mr. and Mrs. Strickling are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

Summer, M., far., S. 28 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Sutter, John, merchant, Watkins. 



THOMAS, JOSEPH, far., S. 32 ; P. 
0. Watkins. 

Thompson, H., tenant far. ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Thorman, F., Sr., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Thorman, F., Jr., far., S. 6 ; P. 0. Blairs- 
town. 

Thoman, L., far., S. 8 ; P. 0. Blairstown. 

Tippen, James, laborer, Watkins. 

Tittler, H. J., far., S. 27 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Tobin, M., far., S. 22 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

TIJRXER, A. R., carpenter and 
builder, Watkins ; born in Pennsylvania 
Aug. 18, 1837. Married Elizabeth 
Bosley in Pennsylvania in 1856 ; she 
was born in Pennsylvania in 1832 ; they 
have five children — Charles, Thomas, 
William, Clara Bell and Ora. Owns a 
house and lot, valued at $500 ; c»me to 
Iowa in the Spring of 1857. 

TURXER, €. G., Notary Public and 
Conveyancer, Watkins ; born in Vir- 
ginia Nov. 28, 1809. Married Eliza 
Rose in Pennsylvania in 1832 ; she 
was born in Pennsylvania in 1812 ; 
they have nine children — Nancy Jane, 
Joseph, Alpheus, Sarah, Clarissa, Ed- 
ward and Charles (twins), Martha and 
William. Mr. Turner moved to Penn- 
sylvania in 1831 ; moved to Benton 
Co., Iowa, in 1860 ; followed carpenter- 
ing thirty years in the early part of his 
life ; entered a farm of 320 acres in 
1854. The village of Watkins was 
built on the farm of Mr. Turner ; he 
gave the railroad company seven acres of 
land for a depot and the right of way ; 
he raised over $5,000 by subscription to 
establish the depot at Watkins years 
before the depot was located, and spent 
a large sum of money to establish the 
post office, and Mr. Turner was the first 
Postmaster; helped to establish the first 
Masonic Lodge in this section. Mr. 
Turner has 300 acres of land, valued at 
$11,000, and town lots valued at $4,000. 
Mr. Turner has held the offices of Jus- 
tice of the Peace, School Director, and 
other town offices. Is a member of the 
A. F. & A. M. Lodge. Mr. Turner 
made his property himself, and does not 
owe a dollar. 

TURNER, EDWARD, farmer, 
Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Watkins ; born in Penn- 
sylvania May 15, 1846. Married Mary 
A. Skiles in Iowa Co., Iowa, in January, 



ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP. 



♦ 541 



1866 ; she was born iu Pennsylvania in 
1847 ; they have four children — Frank 
Lee, Effa May, Willie Arthur, Mary 
Emma. Has eighty aei"es of land, valued 
at $2,800; came to Iowa in 1861. Is 
a son of C G. Turner. 
TURXKR, JO^iKPH W., farmer. 
Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Watkhis ; born in Fay- 
ette Co., Penn., Sept. 27, 1835. Mar- 
ried Rachel Leonard in Illinois in 
January, 1857 ; she was born in Ohio 
July 29, 1 839 ; they have five children 
— Albert Henry, Ann Eliza, Oren Wil- 
mer, Martha Jane, Richard William. 
Has 156 acres of land, valued at 
$50 per acre ; moved to Illinois in 
1855 ; stayed till January, 1859, and 
moved to Benton Co., Iowa. 

ULLERAIG, WILLIAM, ten. far .; 
P. 0. Florence. 
WALKER, ANDREW, far., S. 23 ; 
P. Watkins. 
Walker, E., far., S. 33 ; P. 0. Watkins. 
WALKER, K. T., farmer and stock 
raiser and dairyman, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. 
Watkins ; born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 
March 24, 1825. Married Nancy Ar- 
buckle in Benton Co., Iowa, in 1856; 
she was born in Juniata Co., Penn., in 
1838; they have two children — Nettie 
J. and Frank W.; they were born in 
Benton Co., Iowa. Has 240 acres of 
land, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. 
Walker moved to Benton Co., Iowa, in 
1856. 



Waychoff, J., far.. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

WAYCHOFF, JOHX !>., farm- 
er. Sec. 23; P. 0. Watkins; born in 
Pennsylvania in 1839. Married Cath- 
erine Hunt in Pennsylvania, in 1859 ; 
she was born in Virginia in 1839 ; they 
have eight children — Morgan J., Mary 
Ellen, John E., Lewis J., Frank C, 
William J., George H. and OHver L. 
Has eighty acres of land, valued at 
$2,400. Mr. Waychoff enHsted in the 
15th Penn. Vol. Cav., in 1862 ; was in 
all the engagements with his regiment ; 
was mounted Orderly for Gen. Thomas, 
commanding 14th Arm}- Corps, three 
months, and discharged with the regi- 
ment at the close of the war. Is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. Lodge. Mr. 
Waychoff and wife are members of the 
Baptist Church. They came to Iowa 
in 1873. 

WEST, X. N. T., farmer and herder; 
proprietor of livery stable ; P. 0. Wat- 
kins ; born in Albany Co., N. Y., in 
December, 1847 ; moved to Iowa in 
1873; holds the ofl&ce of Township 
Constable ; owns eight horses, barn and 
farm utensils, valued at $1,000. 

Wheeler, J., far., Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Wheeler, W. H., Justice of the Peace, 
Watkins. 

White, Ed., far.. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Watkins. 

Williams. T. J., shoemaker, Watkins. 

Winter, A., far., Sec. 32; P. 0. Watkins. 




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